sink tips advice

[coldfeet]

Just curious as to the best way to rig up sinking tips. Only time I used one it had plastic connectors and was supposed to attach right to the end of the fly line. Since I had a braided loop, I ended up modifying the sink tip it by adding a short piece of mono with loops on either end. It seemed kind of complicated compared to small split shots. Any advice from veteran fly guys?

 

[RobH]

There are a number of different types of sink tip systems. Most manufacturers sell a "versi tip" system which includes a floating line (running line and rear taper) with a variety of additional tips from floating to a type 6 (6-8inch/sec) that work on a simple loop to loop connection. There are tapered poly tips that also work on loop to loop connection and additional systems like Rio Mo Tips or Versi tip kits. You can also make your own with bulk material. The later group are designed to be added to your conventional line and simply make you more versatile but they do add additional grain wt to your line so can feel a bit clunky. The Versi tip system like the one from Orvis in the picture are a bit more balanced.
Finally there are integrated lines like the one shown from SA and these are available in many different densities and lengths for different applications.
Typically, sink tips, no matter what type you use require a short piece of tippet (1 to 4 feet long) as going longer will cause the fly to rid up negating the sinking tip.
Tippet can be connected via a loop to loop though I generally prefer a nail not. Most of the poly leaders have a section of short tippet material exposed so you can add you tippet to that with a surgeons knot.

 

[Graham Bristow]

I use the MOW tips and the poly leaders and some custom made tips that RobH provided over at Wilson in Fergus.. They all have loops for easy loop to loop connections.

 

[coldfeet]

Thanks gentleman.

 

[coldfeet]

So to sum up ,correct me for any omissions,1- you can attach the system type to existing line via loop to loop, then add various tips with different sink rate or floating also via loop to loop; 2- you can attach just a poly sinking leader also loop to loop but not always at the tippet end. Also shorten the tippet big time. Are these what you use swinging larger flies? Would you typically carry different sink rates, similar to carrying different leaders for those of us not yet proficient in modifying streamside?

 

[RobH]

Yes

 

[coldfeet]

Best profile photo by the way Rob, hands down.

 

[Graham Bristow]

You should have at least a couple of sink tip weights for different conditions to get your fly to the fishes strike zone. You can also adjust your cast and drift to get the fly deeper or shallower. You could also use weighted and non-weighter flies to help you get to the fishes level. I was teaching 2 totally new guys how to spey cast and swing flies yesterday.. this was the result...

 

[[email protected]]

spey fishing will be my next venture thanks to madriver.....

 

[Madriverfisher]

Don't blame me it wasnt my fault

 

[[email protected]]

uh huh sure

 

[Madriverfisher]

Will blame remmy it was his rod you were using j just taught you how to use it