I'm heading back down to the Mansfield cut in October. Last year I lost several flies/fish. I expect I wasn't using s sufficient tippit. Do any of you use wire tippits? If so, what type? If not, what works to keep from losing flies to the more toothy predators?

Thanks

I just saw the recent post on leaders and tippits. Not sure why that didn't show up in the search. In any event, if anyone has other ideas I would appreciate them. I will create some 15-20# leaders with flouro tippits.

They make a leader called "Toothy Critter" that has wire at the end of it. But, I didn't like them very much caus they didn't seem to throw as well. So, I just use 15lb mono as my tippet. Its probably not the best thing in the world to use, but...

If you get into some ladyfish or other stuff with teeth, you'll have to cut some tippet off and re-tie after a few fish. But, it should do the trick.

I like Tyger wire. it ties and cast fine. You only need 4-6" of wire. if your not going to use wire, use 40-60 lb flouro for bite tippit. youll still get bit off with kings but will be able to land the majority of smacks and ladyfish wont be a problem.

Hey friends of fishing, I am looking for some flyfishing tips to use down in the Laguna Madre area near South Padre Island. This will be my first try at this area with a fly rod. I am more familiar with fly fishing in the northern climates. I am bringing down a 14 year old lad who is nuts with fishing in general, but has never fly fished. I'm not after trophys, just some memerable times for him. Any helpful suggestions will be welcomed. Time of day to fish, names of flys to try, size hooks etc.... Thanks a bunch! See you in mid Oct.

Thanks for the info. I have some 25 pound flouro. I need to get some heaver line as well. I think I will get some tyger wire and try it out. McGiver, welcome to the forum. Usually, if the question is a little off the current topic, we start a new one. I fished the east cut last year on the gulf side. I haven't fished the bay side. At the jetties last October, I hooked 3 tarpon, fought one for a good while before he broke off in the rocks. Non on a fly rod unfortunately. First day something burned the drag out on my fly reel. On the bay side, there are several good wading spots around port mansfield. It depends on where you will be. The laguna is very large and you can drive a long way to get somewhere. There is a book, "Fly Fishing Texas Saltwater" I think is the name that details fishing spots along the entire Texas gulf coast. I have found it very informative. Good luck.

i just got back from the coast i was at the packery channel an i was casting a hand spun leader with a 12 pound tippit an i was a little lucky the mackerel didnt bite through they kept catching the hook.

I usually use a 16 with a bite tipit