Article by Jerry Reitz
The continuing debate (maybe only mine) surrounding the use of tippet rings continues to stir discussion within both the tenkara and Western fly fishing communities. Beyond considerations of brand and cost, the influence of these rings on tippet and line breakage is a multifaceted topic, considering factors like smoothness, sharpness, strength, and overall performance.
Watch the Overrated / Underrated Segment on Tippet Rings (33:25)
Throughout my exploration of various brands, I’ve noted only subtle differences, with the quality of the metal proving not to be a significant variable. Catch frequency, water conditions, water quality, size of fish, stream bed types, and the targeted fish species I believe play a more crucial role in the degradation of tippet ring edges, ultimately leading to premature tippet and line breakage.
Despite claims made by many different manufacturers, microscopic analyses consistently reveal edge degradation in almost all the tippet rings I have sampled after use. To minimize the risk of tippet and line breakage and potential losses, I’ve implemented strategic measures.
These include using double or triple loops for securing my tippet and lines to the tippet rings and more importantly, adhering to a routine of regular tippet ring change-outs as a proactive safeguard against potential issues, ensuring a more reliable and enjoyable angling experience. The frustration of losing a hard-earned catch due to a tippet or line failure caused by a sharp-edged tippet ring can overshadow an otherwise promising day on the water.
It’s important to note that my intention is not to cast negativity on the use of tippet rings. Instead, I aim to share my findings from years of usage. I have no intention of discontinuing their use, but rather, I advocate for an informed and proactive approach to maintain a positive angling experience.
Jerry Reitz, a native of Pennsylvania, developed a deep-rooted love for the outdoors at a young age. Growing up in the Nittany Valley, he spent his days exploring the limestone small mountain streams and honing his angling skills. In recent years, Jerry’s passion for fishing took an exciting turn when he discovered tenkara.
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Interesting
I think a tippet ring is superior to tying an overhand knot in the level line and a slip knot on the tippet (how all the Tenkara manufacturers suggest) which I have found to be very weak. Strength test between line with tippet ring and line with triple surgeon knot (5x to #3 level line)
I’m betting on the tippet ring
By fishing midges or other small flies the using of tippet rings causes irritations by the fish. In the rings are collected air-bubbles. Some trout or graling tends to take them instead the small fly. To avoid this, I make a small loop to attach my tippet. Fish pull it flat and I have less faulty takes.
All I know is I have used them for many many many years and have no issues with them unless they were made in China. I even use just a simple Davy Knot and catch lots of larger trout and still do not have issues with tippet rings breaking my tippet more than any other method of attaching line to tippet. My opinion is that it is 6s weather you use tippet rings or not to connect your tippet but your experience may be different, and that is fine.
I exclusively and universally use the rebranded rings sold by DT, with a double-Davy for the tippet and the level line. I love the linear alignment of the level line and tippet using a ring. TTBOMK and FWIW I’ve never had breakage issues.
OK, let’s make a simple observation first. Every “ring” pictured above is not actually a ring, it is a washer. Welcome to the wonderful world of cost savings!
I personally have a very poor experience with “tippet washers”. They not only have edges, they have SHARP edges. Some “washers” cut tippet brand new (tippet breaks when you tie the knot). Some batches have every “washer” cutting tippet (I’m not willing to point a finger at anyone here, sorry). I recently purchased a furled tenkara line with a “tippet washer”, half of the fibers around the ring were cut by a ring itself!
Main purpose of the tippet ring is to have a stronger tippet connection. All tippet to tippet knots are weak (please do your own testing). Level line stopper knot connection is also weak. Small swivels give a good knot strength, but they are heavy. There is a trick with a loop made of size 5 PE line which gives good strength, but it is more then ten minutes to tie and it is bulky. Tippet ring is about 1 minute to tie, it gives good strength (assuming it is quality), and it is neat… So tippet ring is no brainier.
But it is very difficult to find a good quality tippet ring in US. The only brand I’m aware of is Anglers Image tippet rings. They are actually rings, not washers (I inspected with a 100x microscope, there are no edges). I use S size for every tenkara line I do (I have not tried other sizes). Very good experience so far, good knot strength, I mentioned no knot strength degradation. They are thinner and lighter than “tippet washers”. They bend under around 10lb of pressure, but it does not matter for tenkara fishing (rods are not rated to 10lb tippet strength).
I wish there would be more offerings of quality tippet rings in the US… I’m not affiliated with any fishing gear manufacturer or seller. I hope my text brings some attention to the problem.