In terms of tippet size... I almost always use 5x with some exceptions... 6x for smaller flies (e.g. size 20 or smaller) and bright low water conditions or a presentation with micro currents that's dragging the fly(a piece of 6x helps but more so as it increase the leader lenght). I'll use 4x for larger flies and at dusk. I do almost never go to 7x. I find I break off a lot more fish with 7x or... I have to play them too long.