[SPAM] Jim Laing on Nail Knot & tippet loops

Jim....

You are correct about that nail knot. Has to be tightened just right. For connecting the butt section of the leader to a fly line, I use an 8 turn nail knot. I do use saliva to lubricate it, and pull it down with moderate speed. If I goof and the turns overlap, I cut it off and start over. I don't coat it with anything, but many do so using Pliobond or similar material. This makes the knot smoother, but I doubt that it adds any strength.

There are many loop connections which can be used with mono to the hook. The, "Lefty Kreh non-slip loop" being the one to which you may be referring. This becomes a, "slip loop" rather than a, "non-slip loop" if it isn't tightened down correctly, but when done perfectly, it's good on all counts. This loop knot has nearly 100% break strength when tied with nylon monofilament and with copolymers such as fluorocarbon. (MCI Bill Nash has done these tests as has Lefty). (Check this out in his publication, "FLYCASTING SYSTEMS", p. 32. ....available via e-mail at: billsknots@xxxxxxx .) Takes practice to get the loop small enough.

One I use when strength isn't a much of an issue or when I need to tie it in the dark is the Duncan loop with 6 turns. (Also known as the "Uni-knot loop".) This one will slip down to the hook eye when hooking a fish, but you probably won't have it break. Then you should re tie it after landing the critter. The tippet comes straight out of the knot which assists in having the fly track straight when this is desired.

Another loop knot which works well, here, is the perfection loop. It's a bit harder to tie, though, with the hook on the leader. The cut off bitter end protrudes toward the hook eye, so it's less likely to catch weeds. It stands out well allowing the fly to swing freely.

The Homer Rhode loop is quick and easy to tie to the hook and works OK for heavy bite (shock) tippets. With other tippets it isn't very strong. When using it for long drawn out battles it sometimes pinches itself off.

A 2X or 3X surgeons loop knot is strong and easy to tie. When using heavy or shock tippets, it is bulky, however and not aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

There are a few variations on the Hufnagle loop knot. In general these work out well when used for heavy bite tippets to the hook eye.

Some use crimped metal sleeves for loops tied on heavy bite tippets when big game fishing. Works fine for billfish and many other big salty critters....but I've found it seems to be a turn off for tarpon.

Gordy

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Gordy,

On the needle knot and the knotless connection I have used this (it is

actually my preferred connection) and know quite a few other trout folks that use the

knotless connection and have had no problems with any slippage if done

properly.

Correct connections can be found in Dave Whitlock's literature and in his splice kits. The key is sanding the butt section of leader to increase surface area for glue application and to have between 1/4 and 1/2 inch of butt material threaded through the tip of the fly line, then glue.

Several products made by SA and Umpqua make this threading process easier, as does the Whitlock splice kit. Before using the setup on fish make sure to test it, it can beeasy to get a less than effective knotless needle connection, but a good one should hold like a needle nail or nail.

I believe that Al Buhr also has several techniques for this in one of

his recent publications about fly line splicing.

Jeff Wagner

Master Certified Fly Casting Instructor, Federation of Fly Fishers

Fly Fishing Buyer, Jax Outdoor Gear

Fly Fishing Guide, Jax Outdoor Gear

Redington Pro Staff

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Jeff...

Great input. I learned something here. Will try this.

Gordy