Sparkplug, give me a mimute or so and I'll do my best to answer yuur questoins - before you head for town.
What the heck is a tippet?
Nothing but a fancy name for a leader � mostly trout fishing lingo.
You do need a �progressive� leader for certain species of fish � mainly a short larger diameter mono �butt section, connected to a smaller diameter mono leader to fly. No big deal � anyway your TFO combo comes with a tapered mono leader.
What provides the "drag" when you're fighting the fish?
A fly reel�s purpose for small fish is only to store the line � you �hand line� most times. Large species drag requirement again depends on species of fish.
A simple �clicker� drag on most trout panfish reel up to Cork/Teflon - stainless washers for large fsih.
Same engineering as on conventional spinning or casting reels.
What keeps all that loose line from getting tangled in briars, popping the heads of dandelions, and getting wrapped around my ankles?
Now that�s a problem � goat weed eats fly lines.
Roll casts solve that problem usually and a fancy �stripping basket� works to strip line into the �basket� � five gallon bucket works for me �
Any suggestions for a beginner's primer?
Google your questions �Youtube good place to start.
Best instructional DVD is �Lessons with Lefty� IMO
Google up Lefty Kreh You yube clips for starters.
Ask more questions after you return from town...
Good luck,
George
Last edited by george1; 01/29/11 11:24 AM.
