Can You Use Regular Fishing Line as Tippet?

Regular fishing line is a very useful and versatile tool for anglers. It can be used for a variety of purposes, including tying knots, attaching lures and bait, and rigging up tackle.

But can it also be used as tippet? The answer is yes – but with some caveats.

Tippet is a unique form of fine, lightweight fishing line that is specifically created to be remarkably sturdy and long-lasting for use in the most challenging circumstances.

On the contrary, typical fishing line is typically thicker and heavier, making it more suitable for bigger bodies of water. Therefore, although regular fishing line may serve as a substitute for tippet in specific scenarios, it is crucial to recognize that it lacks the strength and dependability of genuine tippet.

Another factor to consider when using regular fishing line as tippet is its visibility in the water. Tippet is designed to be almost invisible when submerged in water which makes it ideal for stealthy presentations. Regular fishing line, however, will often produce an unnatural sheen or shine in the water which may spook fish away from your bait or lure.

So while regular fishing line can certainly serve as a substitute for tippet in a pinch, you’ll get better results if you use true tippet whenever possible.

Conclusion:

Can you use regular fishing line as tippet? The answer is yes – but with some caveats.

Regular fishing line isn’t as strong or reliable as true tippet and may create an unnatural sheen in the water that could spook fish away from your bait or lure. So while you can use regular fishing line as a substitute for tippet in a pinch, you’ll get better results with true tippet whenever possible.

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Michael Allen