[peregrines]

Tn Tom-

Generally you want to keep tippet x within 2 "x-es" of the leader diameter to allow it to transfer energy (and get good knots with similar line diameters)- with a 5x leader you could use 5x, 6x, or 7x tippet. If you wanted to use 8X for really small stuff just add a short section of 6x or 7x in between the 5x and 8x.

Tom, are you still in NJ or back in TN?

Good luck.

peregrines