A tippet is the direct connection between the leader and the fly and is vulnerable to abrasion and breakage. Choosing the correct tippet maximizes the presentation of the fly and increases the chances of that hook up of a lifetime.

Construction and Usage
Tippet is a uniform-diameter material constructed of either monofilament or fluorocarbon and is used to extend the leader or to add droppers in a multiple fly rig. Tippet is sold in spools ranging from 80lb to 1.2lb (12X) Tippet is a must-have for prolonging the life of the leaders and having the ability to adjust to any fishing situation.

Break Strength and Diameter
Tippet is classified by the X system which is an industry standard around the world. This system was devised when the tippet material was constructed of catgut or, a better description, the silk from a silk worm. At that time, manufacturers began with large diameter material and pulled it through a V-shaped cutter to decrease the diameter. One pull through the cutter produced 1X and so on. Now, manufacturers can adjust their machine to extrude the material to any diameter from 0X to 12X in one swipe. The smaller the number, the lighter the breaking strength of the tippet. For example, a 7X tippet has a breaking strength of 2.5lb whereas a 2X tippet has a breaking strength of 12lb. The tippet should match the X number on the leader. Add smaller tippets to the leader but follow the rule of 2; never jump more than two numbers at a time either up or down.

Fluorocarbon vs. Monofilament
Fluorocarbon tippet has led to a greater precision in fly presentation as well as increased breaking strength. Fluorocarbon has nearly the same refraction index as water, drastically reducing visibility underwater, and increasing the chance that a fish will take the fly. Fluorocarbon does not absorb water at the same rate as monofilament because it has a much smoother finish due to its hardness, which will retain its dry breaking strength much longer. Also, fluorocarbon offers greater abrasion resistance and higher structural stability against ultra-violet radiation than monofilament, and provides greater durability in all fishing conditions. Monofilament is still the best value and the best choice for the most natural presentations because of its suppleness, but fluorocarbon will excel in nymphing situations or when the fish are skittish.