Bigflyguy here looking for some advice on a leader/tippet setup for fishing in the surf. More than likely shortening up my leader due to wind and using about 3' of 40# flouro and 3' of 30# flouro for a 6' leader and the tippet will have to be good for toothy fish. My question would be what length leader and what would be my best bet for tippet material. I've used a flouro tippet before and caught some nice spanishs macks but it tears up over time. Thanks ahead of time for your help.

I think you're thinking exactly right - Only thing I would consider adding to the above setup if you're targeting s'macks would be to put 6-8" of 50 or 60lb fluro bite tippet on. The heavier material will last a little longer, but no regular tippet material is bite proof for the razor-mouthed mackerel. Checking your tippet often and changing as needed is just how it is when going after those guys.

You can use a short section of single strand wire, which will of course render your tippet bite proof, but will also result in fewer strikes. Attach your fly to the wire with a haywire twist and tippet to leader with an albright or tiny swivel on another haywire.

Thanks for the advice. Ill prob just put a heavy flouro on so I can get more hits.

where do you fish in the surf? how deep do you go out? top water flies?

thanks,

j

Second gut or about 4-5 feet of water depending on where you are on the beach. I like throwing surf candy flies and chartreuse and white clousers or a large size fish pattern. I've used my 8wt setup majority of the time but have an extra spool of 9wt line that I feel works better since I can get a better load using heavier line for casting into the wind. I use a two hand strip fairly fast and look for feeding fish and birds. I use floating line because I don't get as much seaweed on my line. Just my opinion. Hope this helps.