RIO Fluoroflex Saltwater Tippet
In Stock • Bozeman, MT
- Medium stiff, 100% fluorocarbon. Ideal for saltwater species and throwing large flies.
- Range from 8lb to 100lb test.
Description
RIO's Fluoroflex Saltwater Tippet is medium stiff and made from 100% fluorocarbon material. A tough saltwater tippet, the Fluoroflex is abrasion resistant, super strong, and easy to knot. Great for casting the largest of flies and in tough winds, this tippet is perfect for all saltwater species, especially wary bones, snook, permit & tarpon.
Features
• 100% Medium-Stiff Fluorocarbon — Stiffer than trout fluorocarbon tippet for better wind performance and turnover with large saltwater flies; softer than true shock materials for excellent knot-tying characteristics across the full size range.
• 8–100 lb — The widest size range of any single RIO fluorocarbon tippet product, covering bonefish class tippet through heavy tarpon shock and offshore butt sections.
• 30-Yard Spools in All Sizes — Consistent spool format across every size for easy pack management and predictable material availability on the water.
• Super Strong — High tensile strength and high knot strength across all sizes; consistently tests near rated break strength in standard knot strength testing.
• Abrasion Resistant — Medium-stiff formula provides superior abrasion resistance vs. softer fluorocarbon at equivalent diameters; holds up against coral, rock, mangroves, and the rough mouths of inshore species.
• Nearly Invisible — Fluorocarbon’s low refractive index (close to water’s own) makes the tippet difficult for fish to detect in clear, shallow conditions.
• Easy to Knot — Smooth finish seats knots cleanly despite the medium-stiff formula; performs well with standard saltwater knots including Double Surgeon’s, Huffnagle, Improved Albright, and Non-Slip Mono Loop.
• Fast Sink Rate — Fluorocarbon’s density causes it to sink rather than float, helping saltwater flies reach depth quickly on the initial drop.
Size Guide
| Strength | Diameter | Recommended Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 20 lb | 0.016" (.406mm) | Smaller pike and pickerel; bluefish; barracuda in clear water on lighter leaders; golden dorado; smaller wahoo; tigerfish. Use when fly action is the priority and fish sizes are moderate. |
| 30 lb | 0.018" (.457mm) | Standard all-around wire bite size. Larger pike and musky; barracuda; bluefish on heavier rigs; golden dorado in Bolivia; larger wahoo. The most versatile size for most freshwater and saltwater applications. |
| 40 lb | 0.024" (.610mm) | Large barracuda and aggressive toothy species near structure; golden dorado in Bolivia; sharks; trophy pike |
FAQ
What is the difference between this and the RIO Fluoroflex tippet for trout?
The Fluoroflex Saltwater is a medium-stiff fluorocarbon optimized for saltwater applications — it is stiffer than the Fluoroflex Strong (trout) tippet at equivalent diameters, which aids in turning over larger, heavier, and more wind-resistant saltwater flies. The stiffness also provides better abrasion resistance, which is more critical in saltwater environments with coral, sharp rocks, and the rough mouths of inshore species. The saltwater version also extends to 100 lb for heavy shock tippet applications that the freshwater version doesn’t cover.
Can I use the 25–40 lb sizes as shock tippet for tarpon?
Yes — the 25, 30, 35, and 40 lb sizes are all suitable as shock tippet material for tarpon, either on pre-tied leaders or in custom leader builds. Connect the shock to the class tippet using a Huffnagle Knot or Improved Albright for 30–40 lb material. Attach the fly with a Non-Slip Mono Loop. Keep shock length at 12 inches or less if fishing for IGFA records.
Can I use this tippet for the butt section of a custom saltwater leader?
Yes — the Fluoroflex Saltwater’s medium-stiff formulation and wide diameter range make it well-suited for building complete custom saltwater leaders from butt to tip. A typical Keys tarpon leader built entirely from Fluoroflex Saltwater might use 50 lb for the butt (12–16 inches), stepping down through 35 lb, then 20–25 lb for the class tippet, ending with 40–80 lb shock at the fly. The consistent material throughout the leader avoids incompatibility issues between different fluorocarbon formulations.
How many fly changes can I get per spool?
A 30-yard spool provides ample material for a full season of fishing as an extension tippet, or several complete leader builds if using it in multiple sections. For the shock tippet sizes (25–100 lb), where you’re cutting 6–18 inch sections per leader, a single spool provides dozens of shock sections. For the lighter sizes used as extension tippet (10–20 lb), where you add 12–18 inches at a time, 30 yards is typically a full season or more of use for most anglers.
