fly line to leader connection?

[JohnTrout]

Just wondering how you guys attach your fly line to your leader. Someone once told me to use a loop to loop connection, which seems to work fine, but isn't too smooth going through the guides. I've considered using a nail knot, but I'm concerned that by changing leaders I will be cutting away too much of my fly line. I'm fairly new to fly fishing, any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[JOE.T]

The best way is to stay simple.is the loop loop connection If you want to get fancy I use a knotless connection.I splice my leader to the flie line you.It turns over well but i use it because theres no knot to get caught in the guides(it only matters with big fish)the downside is if you need to change it you will need your splice kit with you at all times and do it on stream.The loop to loop is very fast and easy to change.I USED it for many years before changing over.It works just fine!GOOD LUCK JOE.T.

 

[Caddis]

I use Loop connectors, but I also get a little fancy too. When I get home tonight, I'll post a few shots of one of my techniques, this way you get a better understanding of what it looks like.

 

[sqerl]

hey that would be great Dennis! I've been scratching my head since I read the first post wondering what am I doing wrong on how to attach flyline to leader! any suggestions on tying tippet to leader would be apprecaited as well.

 

[Caddis]

One of my leader set-ups.

Here's an idea I took from my father a few months ago. I saw it and loved it. I don't know where he got this idea from, but it makes sense to me.

I'm still using the loop connector on my 5wt, but that will change soon to look like the one in this photo.

Taking a look at this photo and being it's very late, I'll explain one more thing quickly. From the end of my braided leader, I will tie on a piece of 5x or 6x leader material. I use 1 1/2ft - 2ft if I'm tying a tippet onto the end of it. If I'm not tying a tippet to the end of it, I will make this piece at least 4ft. If I do tye on a tippet onto the end, it will generally be 7x - 8x material. My tippet is never under 2ft. When it does hit 2ft, it's time for a new tippet. My tippet section alone is 4ft. If you're not an experienced caster, I recommend trimming that down to 3ft until you know how to make your rod work for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

Thanks,


Dennis

 

[sqerl]

Re: One of my leader set-ups.

..snip.. From the end of my braided leader, I will tie on a piece of 5x or 6x leader material. I use 1 1/2ft - 2ft if I'm tying a tippet onto the end of it. If I'm not tying a tippet to the end of it, I will make this piece at least 4ft. If I do tye on a tippet onto the end, it will generally be 7x - 8x material. My tippet is never under 2ft. When it does hit 2ft, it's time for a new tippet. My tippet section alone is 4ft. ..snip..

so how often do you find yourself changing your 5x or 6x leader material? This in turn asks, how often are you snipping away at your braided leader?

The overall question is: With the various types of line involved, do this lengthen or shorten the life expectantcy of your leader/tippet setup as opposed to using a single line of tapered leader?

 

[Caddis]

I never snip at my braided leader. I change my 5x when it gets down to under a foot and a half. I change my 6x when it gets under 2ft or so.

I don't care for the single tapered line get ups. I personally think they are ridiculous and a waste of money, however, I think they probably turn over well for the first 3-4 flies. After that, they get too short and you have to change the entire thing.

 

[JohnTrout]

Thanks everyone for your help. I like the setup you described Dennis. I'll give it a try.

 

[fcch]

I like loop connectors as they are quick for changing leaders, but I don't like the way it turns (especially with a WF.

99% of times, I'll connect with an albright. Not too fancy, but really strong. With just 5 turns, the knot stays there and isn't too obtrusive.

In terms of getting the knot over the guides, not a problem, as I never reel the fly line all the way in (even with VERY long leaders (14-25 feet).

I don't like the tapered all in ones as it gets a bit pricey. I usually tie up my own.

Hope this helps.

Chris

 

[NJFred]

I like to glue leaders to fly line with crazy glue. No knot to worry about with longer leaders and know loops to hook on my sloppy casts. Only disadvanage is that you can't change the whole leader. I find I really don't change the leader that much anyway and it's easy just to modify the end if I really need to which is infrequent.