Fluorocarbon Fly Fishing Tippet 50m Spools
Pure fluorocarbon tippet on 50m spools, in four diameters from 0.15mm to 0.28mm. Fluorocarbon has a refractive index close to that of water, so in clear, pressured water it is as close to invisible as tippet material gets. If fish are following and refusing, or you are getting far fewer takes than the angler next to you, the tippet is usually the reason. This is the fix.
Why fluorocarbon?
- Near invisible in water. A refractive index of roughly 1.42 against water's 1.33 means light passes through it rather than reflecting off it. Nylon sits noticeably higher. On flat, calm water and to educated fish, this is the single biggest difference you can make.
- Sinks, and sinks quickly. Denser than water, fluorocarbon cuts through the surface film instead of sitting in it. Your nymphs get down faster, and there is no shiny line shadow lying across the surface above a dry.
- Exceptional abrasion resistance. The hard outer surface shrugs off contact with rocks, teeth, and gravel far better than nylon. Fish it around structure and snags with confidence.
- No water absorption. Nylon absorbs water and can lose a significant portion of its strength when wet. Fluorocarbon absorbs virtually none, so the breaking strain on the spool is the breaking strain on the water — first cast or last.
- Low stretch. More direct contact with your flies, sharper takes registered, and faster, more positive hook sets — especially at range or when nymphing deep.
- UV resistant. Unlike nylon, fluorocarbon does not degrade in sunlight, so a spool keeps its strength season after season.
When to fish it
Fluorocarbon is the first choice for nymphs, lures, buzzers, and wet flies — anything fished in or under the surface. Its fast sink rate and invisibility make it ideal for clear rivers, hard-fished stillwaters, and bright, calm days when fish have every chance to inspect your leader. For dry fly work, grease the tippet or leave the last few inches ungreased so the fly sits naturally while the tippet hangs just under the film, out of sight.
Choosing your diameter
| Diameter | Breaking strain | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 0.15mm | 2lb | Small wets and light nymphs, sizes 16–22, spooky fish in low, clear water |
| 0.24mm | 8lb | Stillwater buzzers, lures, and washing-line rigs; all-round stillwater point |
| 0.26mm | 10lb | Bigger lures and boobies, boat fishing, snag-heavy water |
| 0.28mm | 12lb | Streamers, pike-fry patterns, and maximum-strength points |
Knots and handling
Fluorocarbon is stiffer and harder than nylon, so knot technique matters. Always wet the knot before drawing it down slowly, and seat it fully — a properly tied five-turn grinner (uni) or three-turn water knot for droppers will hold at close to full line strength. For tippet rings and fly attachment, a Davy knot or non-slip loop keeps small flies moving naturally.
50m spools
Each spool carries 50 metres — roughly double a standard tippet spool — so you get more days on the water per spool and a lower cost per metre. The compact spool fits any tippet caddy or vest pocket. Please dispose of waste tippet responsibly: fluorocarbon does not biodegrade, so take offcuts home with you.
Specifications
| Material | 100% fluorocarbon (PVDF) |
|---|---|
| Spool length | 50 metres |
| Diameters | 0.15mm / 0.24mm / 0.26mm / 0.28mm |
| Breaking strains | 2lb / 8lb / 10lb / 12lb |
| Finish | Matt grey — low flash, low visibility |
| Sink rate | Fast — denser than water, cuts the surface film |
| Water absorption | Virtually none — full rated strength when wet |
| Stretch | Low — direct contact and positive hook sets |
| UV resistance | High — no degradation in sunlight |
| Best suited to | Nymphs, buzzers, lures, and wets in clear or pressured water; freshwater and saltwater safe |
Trust your tippet
Small flies or big flies. The one thing they all share is what they are tied to. The fly is only as good as how it is presented. Too stiff, too thick, too shiny...say goodbye to that fish of a lifetime.
Fluorocarbon's refractive index sits at 1.42 against water's 1.33, so light passes through rather than reflecting. To pressured fish, your tippet effectively disappears completely.
Our Fluorocarbon protects from absorbing water.
Maintain your strength
Nylon absorbs water and loses strength when soaked. Fluorocarbon absorbs virtually none, so the breaking strain on the spool holds true all day.
Want to geek out? Here are the factory specifications.
Sunlight degrades nylon season by season. Fluorocarbon doesn't break down in UV, so a spool keeps its full rated strength year after year.
Less stretch means direct contact with your flies, sharper takes registered and faster, more positive hook sets — especially at range or when nymphing deep.
50m spools
Clear
50m spools
Each spool carries fifty metres — roughly double the standard — for more days on the water and a lower cost per metre. Fits any caddy.
R. J
"Excellent tippet"
Definitely help me catch more fish, it makes my presentation of my flies look very natural.
Dave D.
"I use this exclusively"
I use this tippet material exclusively. Top quality material and good knot strength. Never had a problem.
Mark B.
"Great Strength"
This could be the best tippet material I’ve used in almost 40 years fly fishing.
Paul R
"Great turnover"
Not too supple to interfere with turnover. Not too stiff to hinder presentations.
Tom Bell
Meet the designer.
Tom is an advanced fly casting and fishing instructor with AAPGAI. The Advanced Association of Professional Game Angling Instructors certificate is regarded as one of the hardest casting and teaching qualifications in the World.
Sunray Founder, Tom Bell
"I watched the Guides. They talked about tippet choice more than fly choice."
Sunray tippet is designed through 45 years of fly fishing experience.
