Atatching tapered leader

[basshunter]

I am new to fly fishing.I need to know the proper way to connect tapered leader to fly line.The leaded I bought has loop on it.The leader is 7 1/2' I have a 8'-6" rod .How long should the tippet be?

[fshfanatic]

I would attach a piece (6-10" long) of heavy mono (say 20lb) the the end of the flyline with a nailknot and then tie a perfection loop on the end. Simply attach them together with the loop to loop.

I like tippet to be between 2-3 ft depending on the fly I am using.

[aztightlines]

Putting a permanent butt section at the end of your flyline is a good method - also simply nipping off the loop on the leader and nail-knotting the leader directly to the flyline works well.

I prefer the latter method, don't know why, but it seems the cleaner connection.

18-24" of tippet should be fine with a 7&1/2' leader - keep the leader about as long as the rod, or even a bit shorter for good results casting when you are starting out. Cut 6" or so off the end of the leader, and you will lose a few inches when tying the tippet knot, I prefer the Triple Surgeon's Knot for adding the tippet.

[basshunter]

If I do not have any 20# test mono.Can I cut off the loop and use nail knot to attatch leader to fly line?Thanks

[Iron_Mike]

I am new to fly fishing.I need to know the proper way to connect tapered leader to fly line.The leaded I bought has loop on it.The leader is 7 1/2' I have a 8'-6" rod .How long should the tippet
be?

Since your fly line doesn't have s loop, buy either a Rio loop connector and some bonding agent and attach the loop to your fly line. A pain in the ass doing the inch worm, you only have to do it once :D

[Trent]

If I do not have any 20# test mono.Can I cut off the loop and use nail knot to attatch leader to fly line?Thanks

I would say that is the most common way of doing it. Do you have a nail knot tool? It is a whole lot of fun tying nail knots. :;;

[Trent]

Since your fly line doesn't have s loop, buy either a Rio loop connector and some bonding agent and attach the loop to your fly line. A pain in the ass doing the inch worm, you only have to do it once :D

I've been using one of these on my 4wt recently and it seems to work just fine. Nice and strong. (And easy)

[basshunter]

Thanks for all the info.Yes I have a nail knot tool.

[fshfanatic]

Do you have an old leader? Simply cut off the butt end and use that.

[CHIEF]

Leave the loop in the fly line and simply put a loop in the but section of 6 foot 2X leader and attach to existing fly line, keep it simple. No need to be tying knots. Then put on a 3X fluorocarbon tippet with tripe surgeon on the end of the leader.

CHIEF

[Iron_Mike]

Then put on a 3X fluorocarbon tippet with tripe surgeon.

CHIEF

I see I'm not the only one that uses the triple surgeon's.....Now I know why alot physicians fly fish........:ROFL:

[aztightlines]

I see I'm not the only one that uses the triple surgeon's.....Now I know why alot physicians fly fish........:ROFL:

Not a physician, not by a long shot.
Saved a lot of lives by not going into medicine.

One tip about nail-knotting the leader directly to the flyline: put a few drops of "Knot Sense" - smells like the old airplane glue -or a similar substance (Zap-A-Gap, etc.), over the nail knot and it will not have the bumps that cause some tangles. Much smoother, less algae-clinging problem as well.

The loops and butt sections provide opportunities for tangles while casting - that is pretty much why I prefer the direct leader/flyline connection, less casting tangles and knots.

I do use the loops on the leaders if the flyline has a "welded" loop already, go loop-to-loop, and they are pretty nice.

I have installed 40 bajillion braided loops and butt sections on flylines for customers over the years, but feel the KISS Rule - Keep It Simple Stupid - applies here, why make it more complicated than it needs to be.

Learn the nail knot as soon as possible, you will need it eventually.

[bugchucker]

A basketball inflation needle is the best tool I have used for nail knots, and super cheap 0.88 for 3. Just make sure the tip is open. Butt sections fit perfect through with little room for error.

[basshunter]

Thank you for all the input.I ended up using nail knot for leader to fly line,and triple surgeon for leader to tippet.

[Blueline]

Basshunter when ur ready for a new leader just cut that one 8 - 10" from nail knot and tye in a perfection loop. You can do it now if you want so you dont have to do that standing in stream with fish rising all around...


Blueline

[CHIEF]

Tying another nail knot manually just take a couple of minute, keep with the nail knot, trim close...

CHIEF

[azflyfisher]

I like to minimize the number of knots whenever possible....especially the leader to line knot or loop connection. Consider using a super glue connection for line weights 6 or lower. This allows for a smooth, seamless running of the line to leader connection through the guides. Variations of the technique are well documented, but here is what I do. Dip the last 1/2" of a braided core fly line in nail polish remover to soften the plastic coating. After 5-10 min. the plastic can be stripped off with your fingernail. Using fine grit sandpaper, take the shine off the last 1/2" of the end of your leader. This will create a tooth for the glue to better adhere to. Cut the butt end at an angle with a pair of clippers and insert into the middle of the braided core. Using a twisting motion, continue to inch-worm the leader into the core until the plastic coating stops the progress. Add a small drop or two of Krazy Glue to create a welded connection. I have tried other super glue products, but the original Krazy Glue seems to work best for me. The glue also keeps water from wicking up the fly line and sinking the tip. Keep in mind that it's essential to know how to tie a nail knot in the event you need to replace your leader streamside or you are pursuing larger game with a bigger cannon. Give it a try sometime.

[fshfanatic]

I like to minimize the number of knots whenever possible....especially the leader to line knot or loop connection. Consider using a super glue connection for line weights 6 or lower. This allows for a smooth, seamless running of the line to leader connection through the guides. Variations of the technique are well documented, but here is what I do. Dip the last 1/2" of a braided core fly line in nail polish remover to soften the plastic coating. After 5-10 min. the plastic can be stripped off with your fingernail. Using fine grit sandpaper, take the shine off the last 1/2" of the end of your leader. This will create a tooth for the glue to better adhere to. Cut the butt end at an angle with a pair of clippers and insert into the middle of the braided core. Using a twisting motion, continue to inch-worm the leader into the core until the plastic coating stops the progress. Add a small drop or two of Krazy Glue to create a welded connection. I have tried other super glue products, but the original Krazy Glue seems to work best for me. The glue also keeps water from wicking up the fly line and sinking the tip. Keep in mind that it's essential to know how to tie a nail knot in the event you need to replace your leader streamside or you are pursuing larger game with a bigger cannon. Give it a try sometime.I have a tool that was designed for attaching leaders into the end of the flyline. I love it. Best $9 I ever spent.

[aztightlines]

I have a tool that was designed for attaching leaders into the end of the flyline. I love it. Best $9 I ever spent.

Is that thed Whitlock tool for installing needle knots - or the Tye-Fast tool?

I use that Tye-Fast tool, they are a little bulky, but work great.

[fshfanatic]

Is that thed Whitlock tool for installing needle knots - or the Tye-Fast tool?

I use that Tye-Fast tool, they are a little bulky, but work great.It is basically a plastic clamp that holds the line and a needle for threading the leader through the line and then for pulling the leader back through the line. It was made by Umpqua. http://books.google.com/books?id=gE441dOuG4IC&pg=PA26&lpg=PA26&dq=Whitlock+tool+nail+knot&source=bl&ots=oZjYb1kuG9&sig=2lsBUxiLEnLmEmGmi3KK7dr9HcQ&hl=en&ei=MjTzSdbdGJOeMpiinc0P&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9#PPA31,M1 (see # 30 )

[kount_zer0]

I usually whip a loop into the end of the fly line.

[Tying2Fly]

I have 3 ways I can do the nail knot: I have a 2 inch piece of a small plastic straw, like ones used to stir your coffee at circle-K. I tie the nail-knot using this and when I have to pass the leader through the wraps, I pass it through the straw, then just pull the straw out. Only thing about this method is you have to pull the straw all the way off over the length of the leader to get it off which can cause you to loose hold on the knot before you get it tightened down. So, my best nail for the knot, is one of those plastic coated paperclips. Works great. If I don't have that for some odd reason, I always have my small swiss-army knife that has a small plastic pic (tooth-pick I think) that also works in a pinch.

[fshfanatic]

I have 3 ways I can do the nail knot: I have a 2 inch piece of a small plastic straw, like ones used to stir your coffee at circle-K. I tie the nail-knot using this and when I have to pass the leader through the wraps, I pass it through the straw, then just pull the straw out. Only thing about this method is you have to pull the straw all the way off over the length of the leader to get it off which can cause you to loose hold on the knot before you get it tightened down. So, my best nail for the knot, is one of those plastic coated paperclips. Works great. If I don't have that for some odd reason, I always have my small swiss-army knife that has a small plastic pic (tooth-pick I think) that also works in a pinch.You should invest $3 and buy a quick knot tool. Takes all of 45 seconds to tie a sweet knot. I may have an extra. Remind me the next time we fish together and it is yours.

[Tying2Fly]

You should invest $3 and buy a quick knot tool. Takes all of 45 seconds to tie a sweet knot. I may have an extra. Remind me the next time we fish together and it is yours.

Well, I like tying knots and trying to learn new ones. I actually built my rowboat a few years back and fit it to also use a mast and 2 sails; sprit-rig sail and a small jib, and in that process, I went and took a beginner sailing class and learned several knots for doing the riging and such, so kinda a side interest for me.

[fshfanatic]

Well, I like tying knots and trying to learn new ones. I actually built my rowboat a few years back and fit it to also use a mast and 2 sails; sprit-rig sail and a small jib, and in that process, I went and took a beginner sailing class and learned several knots for doing the riging and such, so kinda a side interest for me.
Either way. It is just much easier and quicker, thought I would offer.

[Richard]

If you are a good caster and through few tailing loops cut the loop off and tie a nail knot. If you are getting better but through some taling loops, which cause the wind knots, a loop to loop connection with the leader and fly line. If you are a beginner nail knot a piece of butt section to the fly line, then loop to loop with the leader. For the loop knots for the connection use a perfection loop.

[Gemrod]

I do not use any knot that requires a tool. And having said that, referring to
KISS....I use the Castwell Knot for backing to flyline, and for leader to flyline. No tool needed. So simple you can tie it in about 15 seconds or less. No need to go to all that fuss about tools, wrapping, perfection loops, gluing, dipping, peeling, buying tools, learning how to use them, loosing them and on the water and need a knot.....and don't know any other way....so you are sorta stuck... etc.

This is done with a fly line without a loop...tied to a leader with a loop. I use nothing but furled leaders so I have a loop to tie to.

Just FYI in case it helps somebody.

Jim

[joe]

Gary Borger's nail-less nail knot works for me

[flyinfisher]

I use the Sportsmen's Knot. That's where I have the guys at Sportsmen's tie a stinger loop to the end of my line right after I buy it.

[Flygirl]

Maybe I am oldschool but I really like a nail knot. Using the tie fast tool is much quicker, however similar to the glue system that Azflyfisher described, you can insert a needle into the core of the fly line, go up 1/4 of an inch or so, then gently out the side of the line. Next feed your leader up the tunnel you created with the needle out the hole, and tie your nail knot above it. I lightly coat with a glue, and turn it as it dries so it remains very smooth. I find that it turns over nicely and doesn't snag. As for tippet I use a triple surgeons and for my fly either a duncan or an improved clinch using my hemo's.

On the other hand almost every reel I spool up now either has a line that comes with the loops or I tie a butt section using 20#mono and a perfection loop for them. The perfection loop is small, and simple to tie. Most companies make the leaders with the loops already in them, however it is good to know the perfection knot just in case something goes wrong with your loops on the water.

[2BFSHN]

Fishing dry flies all day I found the needle/nail knot with sealing the exposed line core with glue kept the "line sink" to a minimum. Good direct action to the fly when working it on the top water.

[bugchucker]

Nail Knot then cover w/ UV knot sense. Nice taper slides through the guides if fishing a extra-long leader.

[icuthroats]

Would a perfection loop at the end of the fly line be a bad choice as it may be to bulky? Or is the best solution just the fly line to mono line to leader?

[mvtoro]

Would a perfection loop at the end of the fly line be a bad choice as it may be to bulky? Or is the best solution just the fly line to mono line to leader?

Yeah, knotting your fly line makes it more bulky than a nice slim nailknot and mono loop. Srews up you taper (and transition of energy) more too.

[mikeyboyaz]

Speaking of Knots, I just whipped off my perfection loop on my fly line; had the opportunistic necessity to learn to tie a perfection loop. I sadly feel embarrassed at how easy it was, seeing as I was totally intimidated... I think it's the name "Perfection" ouch.

[fshfanatic]

Speaking of Knots, I just whipped off my perfection loop on my fly line; had the opportunistic necessity to learn to tie a perfection loop. I sadly feel embarrassed at how easy it was, seeing as I was totally intimidated... I think it's the name "Perfection" ouch.
I was the same way when I started using it. Now I can damn near tie them in the dark...