Hey guys - I just got my beginner’s fly rod combo today (thanks Charleston Angler) and have a question…
I spent a good bit of time casting it earlier today, and this evening when I was checking the fly-line/leader nail knot for strength I pulled it and it came apart. Rather than tying a nail knot, is there a stronger knot to tie the fly line/leader together?
–elgeebee–
WS Ride 135
quote:
Originally posted by elgeebee…is there a stronger knot to tie the fly line/leader together?
</font id=“quote”></blockquote id=“quote”>Most of the guys (including me) are going to suggest a loop to loop connection between the fly line and leader. Two of the easy ones are the surgeons loop and the perfection loop. Lots of examples of them on the web. Tie a loop at the end of the leader and a loop at the end of the fly line and slide one inside the other.
i like the loop to loop but dont tie a loop in the fly line as it is so bulky. i use braid to bind a loop very similar to wrapping a guide on a rod. i forgot the name. maybe someone else remembers. welcome to the jungle.
he’s pretty white for a fly guy
If the fly line doesn’t have a welded loop then I do same as Pawley. Trim the end of the flyline at an angle, fold it back on itself, and whip over it with thread for about an inch. I use 3-0 tying thread or flat nylon but any thread will do. Then coat over it with flexible glue, I use flexible Clear Cure Goo but even Pliobond will work. If using clear glue you have the option of using a bright or fluorescent color which can make it like a strike indicator which sometimes can be handy. The other alternative is to use one of the braided loops which work like a chinese finger puzzle (they will come with directions) Good luck.
18.5 Baycraft Flats Edition
Johnson 150 Oceanrunner
Wood Driftboat
A properly tied nail knot wont pull off like that. You can use a bend back loop lashed down on your fly line but it takes a long time and I have had these come apart over time wen the glue degrades. The easiest and cheapest way is how I do it… I use 20# mono nail knotted to the fly line then drop a loop in that about 2 inches from the fly line and use that as my loop-to-loop connection. I have been using this for about 10 years and have not had one come loose on any size line. Investing in a good nail knot tool ($7 - $20) is a big plus. Most come with nippers and eye cleaners but having one attached to you is always a plus.
“Paddle faster boys… I hear banjo music!”
SC Chapter Coordinator- Heroes on the Water
http://www.HeroesOnTheWater.org
Charleston Director- SCKayakfishing.com
Tarpon 160os
I had a similar question as this. My line already has a loop in it. What is the best knot to use to connect the leader to fly line that has a premade loop? Do I connect it directly to the loop or do I run it through the loop?
Scout '282
tidewater '21
Oscar '10
quote:
Originally posted by Bulldog_bitesI had a similar question as this. My line already has a loop in it. What is the best knot to use to connect the leader to fly line that has a premade loop? Do I connect it directly to the loop or do I run it through the loop?
</font id=“quote”></blockquote id=“quote”>Your fly line has a loop in it so, tie a loop on the leader and then slide them together with loop to loop.
I like to use a “Figure-Eight” knot to make my loops. As pressure is applied to the knot the pressure pulls down n the back of the knot so they don;t unravel. Learned it rock climbing years ago 
“Paddle faster boys… I hear banjo music!”
SC Chapter Coordinator- Heroes on the Water
http://www.HeroesOnTheWater.org
Charleston Director- SCKayakfishing.com
Tarpon 160os
I like to use the blood knot as well. Tight and streamlined knot… The perfection loop has not done me wrong either…
I use these http://www.cabelas.com/leader-tippet-accessories-cortland-line-leader-loop-connector-2.shtml?WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=GoogleBaseUSA&WT.z_mc_id1=741449&rid=40&mr:trackingCode=1D7F9052-F5D2-DF11-82EF-001B21631C34&mr:referralID=NA.
I have landed some large fish on them without slippage.
The worst day of fishing is still better than the best day at work
I prefer the loop to loop (seems to be the concensus). Occasionally, I’ll do the tube knot. I tried using my fancy flyfishing tool for the nail knot, but resorted to just clipping off the end of a Bic pen (part without the ink) about an inch long. But I rarely get a pretty knot (though they do hold). Again, why knot go the easy route, loop to loop? 
Many go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.
I use a nail knot formed with tool now. for 25 years I tied a real nail knot with a sewing needle etc. I like nail knots to protect the finer tippets for big trout. it doesn’t take much to snap a 6x or 7x tippet when a bunch of clunky loop to loop gets caught in your guides. If it’s just saltwater, then loop/loop is probably fine secondary to shorter leaders and heavier tippet/shock tippet.
a nice trick for nail knots or other knots is the “knot sense” by Loon products. glue that hardens in seconds once exposed to UV light. Just put a drop on the knot once it’s done and it’s slip proof! Cool stuff…Ps…don’t use it to seal a cut on your hand!!! It can really give off some kind of heat.
96 Key West Stealth
130 Yamaha V4
dont tie directly to the loop on the fly line, it will eventually cut it. loop d loop or nail knot
