
By: Heather Hodson
Most Scandi and Skagit casting systems require some sort of tip to complete the system. This tip could be a sink tip, a floating tip, or a polyleader. You’ll use a different tip based on the two-handed fishing technique and casting style you are using at each fishing location. Don’t be tip lazy. Change your tip to fish each run effectively!!
sink Tips
- Present Flies to Fish that are Holding in Deeper Water
- Skagit or Hybrid Heads
- Non Tapered Tips
- Sinks Fast
As a General Guideline, the Length of the Tip you Fish, Should not Exceed the Length of the Rod.

sink Tip Density
- Sink Tip Density (Equates to Sink Rate)
- Measured in Grains Per Foot
- Proceeded by the Letter ‘T’ (Tungsten-Impregnated Material)
- Amount of Tungsten Impregnated into Each Foot of the Tip
- For example, T-10 Weighs 10 grains Per Foot
- Usually Level Sink Tips
Level Sink Tip = Non Tapered Sink Tip

Flo and Mo Tips
- Reduce the Hinge Angle Between a Hybrid or Skagit Head and Sink Tip
- Combine Intermediate Fly Line Material of Different Lengths with Level-Sink Tungsten Material
- The Intermediate Material Sinks at a Slower Rate than the Level Sink Material, Creating a Smoother transition Between Head and Tip
Shallower Hinge Angle = Fewer Hang-Ups.
polyleader
- Floating, Intermediate or Level Sink Tip
- Floating and Intermediate
- Delicate Presentation
- Scandi or Hybrid
- Tungsten-Impregnated Material with a Tapered Design
- Smoother Turnover than the Level Sink
- Hybrid or Skagit
Tapered Leaders Sink at a Much Slower Rate than a Level or Non-Tapered Leader
LEADERS
- Less Complex than Single Hand Fishing
- Level Mono or Flurocarbon 3-5′
- Loop Knot