The chart below shows the proper relationship between the size
of the fly and the size of the leader tippet. (Pertinent mainly for
freshwater leaders.)
Most tippet sizes will adequately handle a
"range" of 3-4 fly sizes and still retain the balance and fluidity necessary for
smooth casts and proper turnover of the fly. Beyond this range, a fly that is
smaller than this range will be "overburdened" by a leader tippet that is
"too thick", and a fly larger than the range will "hinge" (or
"buckle under") with too much weight/heft for too fine/thin a leader. Remember: it all starts with the
size of the fly that you intend to use during any particular fly fishing outing
that dictates what tippet size to have on your leader. It is
"backwards" to select your leader and then put a fly on to match it. So .
. .
1st... decide what species of fish you are going fly fishing for,
2nd...
determine what natural food that fish is likely to be eating while you are fishing,
3rd...
resolve what fly it is that will best imitate the natural food,
4th...and then rig up the right leader to match the size of that fly
