Tippet
Also called Tippet material
Tippet is the thin, level line tied to the end of your leader. It’s the section you cut back and replace as you change flies and re-tie knots.
- Group
- Leaders & tippet
- Category
- Gear & tackle
- Level
- Beginner
- Water
- Fresh & salt
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What Tippet means
The tippet is the last section of your leader system, the part that connects directly to the fly. It is sold on small spools as level monofilament or fluorocarbon, and you add it to the end of a tapered leader as needed.
Most anglers carry a few tippet sizes and match them to the fly and the job. Finer tippet helps small dry flies land softly and drift naturally. Heavier tippet turns over bigger flies, holds up to abrasion, and gives better control with streamers and larger nymphs.
Tippet gets shorter every time you change flies. Adding fresh tippet lets you keep using the same leader without cutting it back into the thicker taper. Some setups also use a tippet ring so you can replace tippet without shortening the leader itself.
Why it matters on the water
Tippet choice changes how the cast and drift behave. Too heavy and small flies can skate or drag, and knots can look bulky. Too light and you lose turnover, break off more often, and spend more time re-rigging than fishing.
Understanding tippet also helps with simple problem-solving on the water. If the fly won’t straighten out, go shorter or stiffer. If fish are breaking you off around rocks, wood, or teeth, go up in diameter or switch materials, and check the last few feet for nicks after each fish.
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Read next
- Clinch knotA clinch knot is a simple knot for tying tippet or leader to a fly’s eye. It’s quick to tie and common for dry flies, nymphs, and small streamers.
- FluorocarbonFluorocarbon is a clear leader or tippet material made from PVDF. It sinks more readily than nylon and is valued for abrasion resistance.
- LeaderThe leader is the clear, tapered line between the fly line and the fly. It turns the fly over and gives you a clean, controlled presentation.
- Tapered leaderA tapered leader is a pre-built leader that gets thinner from the fly line end to the tippet end. The taper helps transfer energy from the cast so the fly turns over and lands with less splash.
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