if i am just fly fishing for rainbow trout, some bass maybe, what sized leader/tippet should i use, i have x2?

Question

just trout about 15-20in. trout

Answer 1

Those are two totally different fish, trout and bass, different in how they take flies.

For trout, 2X is a little excessive and trout tend to be more leader shy. If you want to stay heavy on the leader, then maybe try a 4X. That is around the 5 to 6 pound range, depending on the brand of leader. 5X is a very common size for most trout. However, it also depends on what type of flies you will be casting. If you are chucking out big heavy streamers, then you want a heavy leader. I have caught many trout in the 16 to 19 inch range on 5X and 4X leaders, just don't horse them too much.

Bass, either smallmouth or largemouth, are very heavy aggressive hitters and with largemouth you have to get them out into the open fast, get them away from their protected space. That requires a heavy leader, not to mention you may be casting really large and heavy streamers. Bass also tend to not be as leader shy as trout.

I do recommend using fluorocarbon tippet for the last 18 inches of your leader. It hides very well in water and if you want to, you can go up a size since it is harder for the fish to see.

Good luck fishing.

Larry

Answer 2

Sagefisher Just about covered it all pretty well !
Myself when I go for Bass I will tie on a piece of ten pound leader to the flyline with a piece of 8 pound for a tippett , like he said they aren't very line shy . Oneother thing if you like your 5wt. trout rod very much don't try it for bass........It is one hell of a rush when a 5lb. black hits that frog immitater you have on but it brakes your heart when he hitts the end of his run by snapping the rod like a twigg ! (they make the most god awfull sound when they shatter)