Fly fishing is very different from fishing with a regular rod and reel. You must choose the appropriate line size, hook size and fly that is being hatched above or in the water. If one of these are not accurate the trout will not fight.
Types of Line
In order to figure out what line conversion to use, the types of line that are used on a fly reel must be understood. First backing, which is tied to the reel to reinforce line, is usually a different color than the actual fly line to warn fisherman when fly line is running low. Fly line is a thick, rubber like line used to cast for distance and accuracy with little weight for fly or lure. The leader is then tied to the fly line and is graded to a lighter line test where the tippet is attached. The tippet is then tied to the fly.
Choosing Proper Tippet Size
A proper tippet size must be used to ensure that the fly is as lifelike as possible as it moves through the stream. Using a tippet that is too light with a heavy fly prevents proper turnover and will cause tangling of the fly and tippet. When water is very clear and fish spook easily, a lighter tippet will not spook fish and will allow the fly to move easily. Using a heavy or thick tippet will make the line and fly too stiff. However using a heavier tippet in dirty or turbulent water will help to make the fly lifelike in faster moving water and will keep the fly from being turned over.
Leader to Line-Test Conversion
Leader lines are graded from XXX to 6X, each having a specific line test graded to it. The line test is the approximate pounds at which the line will be broken. These are approximate numbers and can vary by up to two or three pounds.
XXX has a 55 line test
06X has a 30 line test
00X has a15 line test
4x has a 6 line test
6x has a 3 line test
Tippet Size to Hook Size
There is also a chart that you should follow when choosing your hook size. Again, if the tippet and hook size are not similar it will cause the fly to seem non-lifelike. Here is a sample of the chart:
For a 05x tippet, use a hook between 5/0 and 2/0.
For a 0x tippet, use a hook between 2 and 4.
For a 4x tippet, use a hook between 12 and 16.
For a 8x tippet, use a hook between 22 and 28.
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