dry fly problems "HELP"

[Anthony]

ok here is the problem.....when i put a dry fly on the water just by itself it floats, btu when i tie it to my line it doesnt stay on the surface and sinks, why is this? i have an 8 pound test tapered leader on my line and floating fly line. whats the problem???

[SeaWolf]

Did you put any dry fly dressing on your fly? Usually, you spray or dip your fly into this dressing available at most fly shops and it makes your fly stay on the surface. Your fly needs to be dry and it takes a few minutes to really dry. You can also put it on your leader/tippet.

[JeffH]

You have at least two problems, the first is the fly dressing as Seawolf descibed the second is the size of your tippet or end of your leader. You need to match the size of your tippet to the fly size. For most trout work, with flies in the 14-24 size use 6X tippet material. Put some dressing on the fly and false cast to rid the fly of water. A third problem you may be having is your casting. Make sure your cast straightens the leader and allows the fly to float down gently to the water, if the fly is landing with a splat then go practice your casting. Not only is your fly going to sink but the fish will head for cover as well.