leader attachment

[gwad]

I am fairly new to flyfishing and need advice on the transition from flyline to leader. I am using a braided loop that shrink tubes to the fly line and i am not all that happy with it. What do other people do and what are my options for this.

[The Patriot]

I have some lines with that braided loop connector, and have used them for years, and have had very few problems overall.

Another method I have used with some success was done for me at Upcountry. They put a loop in the end of the fly line itself with epoxy or something. Then you attach your leader loop to loop.

I actually like the loop to loop, as I find I change leaders from time to time, when one is used up, cut short, or broken off, or if I'm changing from nymphs to dries.

Of course the traditional way is to learn to tie a nail knot and nail knot the butt section to the fly line. I've never taken the time to learn this knot.

TL,

Jim

[Richard W. Fleet]

I am fairly new to fly fishing myself but I was taught to join the leader to the fly line with a nail knot. I have seen some fasten a piece of mono using a nail knot and forming a loop to connect their leader with a loop to loop. I too am curious to know what suggestions the seasoned veterans have to give.

[The Patriot]

Oh yeah, I forgot about the mono loop! That's a good way to go too, cuz it retains the nail knot attachment instead of the other loop connections, but adds the convenience of the loop to loop for ease of changing leaders..... I have that on my 7weight and my 9weight multi tip kit.

That would probably be the preferred method. If you can't tie a nail knot, I'll bet that your tackle shop would do it for you. Just tell them to tie a mono loop onto your line with a nail knot.

TL,

Jim

[The Fisherman]

You haven't done your knot-tying penance until you've learned to successfully tie a nail knot.

Orvis has a great diagrammatical tutorial on this knot on their site.

That said, I no longer use the nail knot to tie line to leader. Glue is where it's at. :wink:

[George Adams]

Agree about the glue. I was shown the Zap-a-Gap connection by a friend several years ago, and haven't looked back. It is smooth, strong, and has never failed me. Prior to the Zap-a-Gap, I used a nail knot.

I know this goes against the grain, but I would rather chew on barbed wire than use any kind of loop connecter. If there is a concern about changing leaders, simply leave a permanent butt section nail knotted or glued to the line, and attatch the new leader to that.

Just my $0.02.

[Ray]

I prefer Orvis braided leaders, to make the connection I cut off the loop on the line end of the leader and push the line into the leader about 2 inches. I then rub in a very small amount of pliobond. The Chinese finger cuff connection is very solid and perfectly smooth as silk through the guides.

[CtKenC]

FeatherCraft sells a fantastic braided leader in their catalog ... it has a tiny stainless steel ring on the tippet end so you can attach whatever size/length tippet you desire, either with a know or with a loop.

The end that attaches to your line has a loop already.

I used it last year for Smallmouth Poppers and thought it was really good ... since it comes in differnet weight/tapers and lengths, for meeting needs of small light weight lines all the way to salt water dimensions, I;m going to get some more for general purpose Trout this year.

[CtKenC]

Here is the link to those Leaders I like:
http://feather-craft.com/2006MAster/fcpage.asp?page=22



FeatherCraft sells a fantastic braided leader in their catalog ... it has a tiny stainless steel ring on the tippet end so you can attach whatever size/length tippet you desire, either with a know or with a loop.

The end that attaches to your line has a loop already.

I used it last year for Smallmouth Poppers and thought it was really good ... since it comes in differnet weight/tapers and lengths, for meeting needs of small light weight lines all the way to salt water dimensions, I;m going to get some more for general purpose Trout this year.

[Richard W. Fleet]

Hey George. Sure made it clear that you don't care for the loop to loop connection. Is there a specific reason why?

[gwad]

Richard- I like the loop to loop connection its the braided type with the shrink tube that I am not fond of , it seems to slap the water even on nice casts. I have since tried suggestions from this forum that I am very happy with, namely the glued loop in the fly line itself and a mono loop tied to the flyline with a nail knot

[SDH]

i learned that same trick as 3wt from upcountry and continue to do it on all my lines or better yet get rio lines some already have the welded loop

[George Adams]

To Richard,

First of all, I have found them to have a hinge effect which does not help my casting, and I need all the help I can get. :(

Second, they cause somewhat of a commotion when they land on the surface. Not a big problem if you're deep nymphing or streamer fishing, or even dry fly fishing in fast water, but can be a real deal breaker when surface fishing flat water.....once again my casting "skills" may come into play here.

I just like to keep things as simple as possible, and the Zap-a-Gap connection or the nail knot provide a neat, simple, trouble free method of attatching line to leader. I really don't like to be putzing with my tackle when I'm on the stream.

And don't even get me started on braided leaders. :lol:

[The Patriot]

Fisherman,

Stop sniffing glue! :wink: :D



George,

Not to pick on you, as you already seem to be pretty hard on yourself about your casting, but I have used nothing BUT loop to loop connections at the fly line, and haven't had any difficulties. I can't tell without seeing you cast, but I wonder if you're casting too directly AT the water, rather than ABOVE it. Stop the rod a bit earlier and let the line drop softly.

This may help regardless of what connection you use....

Just a suggestion....

Best regards,

Jim

[George Adams]

Jim,
I was ribbing myself a bit about my casting ability. I have been flyfishing since 1952, and am a reasonably proficient caster, although not an expert.

Basically, I just like to keep things as simple as possible, and found, a number of years ago, a system that works for me, so I have no desire to change. I am far more "fish oriented" than "tackle oriented", and find myself far more concerned with fly patterns, streamcraft, and technique than I am with tackle.

Anyhow, thanks for your interest, and tight lines.

George

[The Patriot]

OK :oops:

[George Adams]

3Wt,

No need to be :oops:
I can see where you're coming from after re reading my post. And I'm not really trying to discourage anyone else from using loops, braided, or furled leaders......just saying they don't get it done for me. Different strokes and all that.

Tight lines

George

[The Patriot]

:wink:

It's just that, well, you've been flyfishing longer than I've been alive... so I certainly don't need to be giving you pointers.... :D