How hard can you push 6/7x tippet?
Aug 15, 2020 11:48:09 #
I recently got orvis’ HF3 10’6” 3 weighter, and had a great day fishing catching to nice large trout. Luckily i was able to land them but they were a bit lengthy (3~5 mins) and thinking i may not be utilizing the real capabilities of the rod/tippet. Any thoughts about experiences where anyone can comment about fighting and pulling larger fish about 18 or so inches on lighter tippet.
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by spokeyess
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by spokeyess
Aug 15, 2020 11:49:22 #
is using 6/7x necessary given the conditions? 3-5 mins is awfully long, even for a 18” fish. if your goal is to successfully release the fish you should consider a heavier tippet like 5x which is still plenty thin and stealthy. the longer you play the fish the greater the chance that it won’t survive. if the fish is headed for the table then it doesn’t matter, but if not, it’s something to consider.
aside from tippet strength, if you’re routinely targeting and catching larger fish, a 3wt might not be the best option. are you using a rod intended for euro or does it have a standard taper? if the latter, a rod with slightly more backbone and a slightly heavier tippet will make little difference in terms of presentation but will definitely shorten fight time.
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by dryfly88
aside from tippet strength, if you’re routinely targeting and catching larger fish, a 3wt might not be the best option. are you using a rod intended for euro or does it have a standard taper? if the latter, a rod with slightly more backbone and a slightly heavier tippet will make little difference in terms of presentation but will definitely shorten fight time.
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by dryfly88
Aug 15, 2020 11:49:27 #
I fish a pretty heavily pressured park with wild Browns and some stocked rainbows. I traditionally used 6x but to work with some size 22~ flies i got 7x and have just been using that with some unparalleled success, so i dont know if conditions or techniques changed but ive stuck with the 7x. The two larger fish were the two largest in the last year, and all other fish have been about 12 or less inches. so when i hook onto the larger fish i want to do what i can to make sure they swim away ok, the fish i released (i cpr) were okay and no longer out the water for 30-45 seconds. The rod is euro inspired, and has a stiff midd section and but but very flexible tip. I believe im not supplying sufficient pressure with the fear ill break the line but beginning to believe i can push and fight harder than ive been.
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by spokeyess
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by spokeyess
Aug 15, 2020 11:49:30 #
got it. that makes sense. the 10’6” with a super flexible tip should actually provide a fair amount of tippet protection allowing you to place more pressure on the fish and get it in faster. using side pressure when fighting will also place more force on the fish and leverage the power of the rod better. only way to know how far you can push it is to gradually push it each time. either way, sounds like your getting into some solid fish. a good problem to have!
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by dryfly88
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by dryfly88
Aug 15, 2020 11:49:34 #
I reserve 6 x and up for teeny trout on spooky water. 5x is about as high as I go most times.
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by senpairabbit
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by senpairabbit
Aug 15, 2020 11:49:39 #
Aug 15, 2020 11:49:41 #
I have found a long handled net helps keep fish from getting too exhausted.
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by Hslibrary88
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by Hslibrary88
Aug 15, 2020 11:50:17 #
I would agree, another fisherman came in and helped alot with his extended net. Getting it to shore wasnt too hard but netting it was a different story.
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by spokeyess
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by spokeyess
Aug 16, 2020 11:33:42 #
Aug 16, 2020 20:50:24 #
I catch 17, 18 and 19 and on this last may 3 a 21 inch rainbow trout on my 6ft 3 weight I use straight 2, or 4 pound fluorocarbon. I love doing i do loose some if they get out in the fast moving water.
Aug 16, 2020 21:58:34 #
Sounds like your doing it right, good for you. I fish a 9ft 5 wt with 9to 10 ft leaders,6and7x , here in Co. some of these streams and rivers get alot of pressure so we go fine leaders and tiny flies. Anyway good luck and tight lines.
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