I have an RX8 2 piece 10 wt. blank. I purchased it several years ago when I lived in Southern California, with the idea of using it for Yellow Tail and the occasional Durado that make it to the area. The Tip Top I puchased along with it has a ring size of 6, which was just fine when rigging for the aforementioned species. However, now I'm thinking I'd like to use the rod for other species as well, Tarpon etc. Can anyone tell me if the size 6 ring will be too small for the knots involved in going after Tarpon, Tuna and the like?

Thanks

You're the only one that can determine that. Generally, I always put an 8 ring or even a 10 ring on such rods because I didn't how adept the user might be at knot tying.

Keep in mind that all your running guides will need to have ring openings just as large as your top. If your knots won't go through a #6 ring top, they won't go through a #6 ring guide either.

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I won't represent this as completely authoritative, but just as my experience. Things happen when you are on the water. The smallest ring size that passes a knot carefully tied the day before may have trouble passing the connection you make on the water to deal with an abraded leader butt, or whatever else comes along. There is a lot of pressure to possess the ninth degree of rod performance, and reducing tip weight is an issue in that regard. If you switch out lines on the water to something you did not expect to use, have to retie, etc. the smallest effective ring size might go up a size or two. Since its my own wisdom, I choose to put 8mm single foots on all my saltwater fly rods from 8 weight up.

doug we fish for bluefin tuna up in the northeast a bunch... learn to tie a slim beauty..if tied correctly.... when the line gets to the backing it flows right out of the guides.. no issues. the knot is outstanding.