Tying fly leader to line

[digimortal777]

Whats is the best way to tie your leader to your fly line with out it coming off , im new to fly fishing and need to know , i have a few links to knots sites but im still not (knot?) sure..<br />any help appreciated

 

[neumanns]

Re: Tying fly leader to line

See if you can find one called the "nail knot". It is kinda hard to learn but a perfect knot for the application. Also check at the fly shop for a little gizzmo to help you tie it, should only cost a couple $ and comes with instructions and is much simpler than using a nail or straw. The good news is you can tie it and if you do not like the result clip it off and try again. good luck.

 

[crab bait]

Re: Tying fly leader to line

iam an old flyfisher myself.. i used a 'needle/nail knot' but never did it myself.. always went to, bought line at a fly shop an had the man do it for me.. <br /><br />just a short piece of stought line with a permenent loop on the end.. then loop thru/lace thru the loop in the leader an your good-to-go... <br /><br />but the best way i like,, is the new braid slip on / chiness finger lock type tube.. <br /><br />they slip on the tip of the fly line an that it.. they wont come off by pullin' cause the harder you pull the tighter it gets..

 

[Fishbusters]

Re: Tying fly leader to line

I have tried several things and like them all but my most favorite involves making a loop so I can change leaders and such w/o having to cut my flyline. I have never tried those slip on loops but I will the next time I have to change my flyline (btw making a loop to connect flyline to backing is also a good idea). What I have heard of is using glue like pilobond or even superglue over the sleeve once you get it on the flyline to secure it fully. As an almost beginner myself I agree everything about flyfishing seems harder than it is I suggest going to your public library and checking out a books for starters. I think is called "Flyfishing Basics" it is a trailside guide the book is soft cover green (like a bible cover) with an overwrap. It covers everything from trout to s/w angling with a lot of basic easy to understand information. It covers everything from getting your rod and setting things up to fly selection for a great number of species. It takes the mystery out of flyfishing is easy to read (unlike a lot of others) and is a great resource you will end up wanting to buy a copy of. I also picked up a copy of "Flyfishing with Children" (yes library I am a cheap man) which I also think helps you settle your mind a little about how easy flyfishing actually can be although it is more of an encourgament/motivation manual for getting your kids involved rather than a flyfishing book. It does suggest some other books to read that based on the authors recomendation I would be willing to check out.

 

[PAkev]

Re: Tying fly leader to line

First of all,<br /><br />Welcome to flyfishing. It will provide great enjoyment as long as you are committed to having fun rather than talking all the fancy Latin bug lingo.<br /><br />Anyhow, the other guys offered some good advice but remember your leader is only as strong as the weakest knot and therefore you should try to eliminate as many knots as possible for a good strong connection. In addition, less knots will result in less drag on the water, less air resistance when casting, and a more natural presentation to the fish. I personally like to use the braided loop connectors which attach to the end of your flyline. These act as a Chinese knot with a sleeve pulled over them and tighten against the fly line when pulled. For a little extra margin of safety, I also put a drop of Zap A Gap on before pulling the plastic sleve over the connection. Some come in different colors which also double as a good strike indicator. Some of the better fly lines come with loop connectors already attached but they are not terribly expensive (about $1.00 each) to put on an entry level line. Most fly shops stock them since many folks use them as an alternative to tying knots. If you don't have a flyshop near you, I believe Cabelas and/or Bass Proshops sell them on line.<br /><br />Hope this helped<br />Kevin

 

[miloman]

Re: Tying fly leader to line

althoug i fish for a living there is no greater rush then when i put the waders on you ae gonna love it guy. a nail knot is by far the best knot to use. It will take hours to learn it right but in the end it seems to have always been the strongest knot. Most good lines and backing have a little diagram in side showing knots try to look for that or the internet

 

[NOSLEEP]

Re: Tying fly leader to line

Learn to tie the nail knot, you will be glad <br />you did. Use a Bic pen, find a pen that the ink<br />has run down on and cut 1" to 2" off the end.<br />Know you have a perfect small straw to use as a<br />tool to make the job easier.<br />(Bic pen refill)

 

[JB]

Re: Tying fly leader to line

Howdy, DM.<br /><br />Nail knots work, but I use the little metal needle-like barbed gizmo the fits into the tube of the flyline and has an eye to tie to. Then I use a uniknot to tie the leader to that. Best part is that it slips through the guides with no problem.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[flyguymv1]

Re: Tying fly leader to line

well I'm a youngster but have been flyfishing for quite some time I like to tie a nail knot at the flyline only I use a piece of 40lb test and trimm it back and tie a loop in the other end its only 4" long when you are done.... then you make a loop in the thick end of the leader (or some come with the loop) then while you are on the water fishing you can easly change leaders ...also learn the blood knot very usefull to tie a tippet to your leader then you will get much more life out of the leader...when the tippet is gone retie another piece on....only make it 2' long otherwise you may not get the turnover you want