Fly Line To Leader

[Trout Stalker]

In the past I used a loop to loop connection, which IMO is fast for changing leaders. Now I use a nail knot for the simple fact that I don't like to carry a bunch of stuff for repairs, such as needle, glue, and etc. Just tie on a new leader and go.

Just my thought.

[brittsnbirds]

How about the little stainless rings? I've used them in the past. Work pretty slick and saves the leader. Plus you can use an improved clinch knot on both connections.

Pat

[Greg]

I don't think they are very popular but I've used those plastic cast connector/leader links for years. I have yet to have a connection fail. They don't catch on the guides, are cheap, and are easy to use.

If you don't know what I'm talking about:

http://www.flyfishingdenver.com/nailpage.htm

Greg

[Trout Predator]

I tie a piece of amnesia (red) to the fly line with a nail knot and then tie a loop on the other end......and tie a small loop on the end of all of my leaders, to connect loop-to-loop

This is what I do. I like it a whole lot easier than tying a nail knot.

[troutchaser]

I don't think they are very popular but I've used those plastic cast connector/leader links for years. I have yet to have a connection fail. They don't catch on the guides, are cheap, and are easy to use.

If you don't know what I'm talking about:

http://www.flyfishingdenver.com/nailpage.htm

Greg

That's kinda cool! Where do you get these?

[Luke]

troutchaser - Bass Pro has them.

[Greg]

troutchaser - Bass Pro has them.

Yes that's where I get them. I don't know of anyone else that uses them so I've been afraid they will stop being manufactured - consequently I have a stockpile of them.

I've been warned by other fly fisherman that these cast connectors can cut your fly line or leader. But I have yet to have that happen and I've been using them for probably 10 years. I do make a point to change out to a new one every year or so on my favorite 5 wt that I use 90% of the time. I think when these devices were first being manufactured a "harder" plastic was used that tended to cut line and that problem has since been fixed.

Greg

[jOrOb]

I have a buddy that lost a very large fish because one of those slip on connectors failed and gave up his leader. I witnessed it, so I believe it to be true. I have also heard numerous stories of others having those things fail, costing them fish. I feel much better with a knot. Also, I am a cheapskate, and knots are free.

[Greg]

I have a buddy that lost a very large fish because one of those slip on connectors failed and gave up his leader. I witnessed it, so I believe it to be true. I have also heard numerous stories of others having those things fail, costing them fish. I feel much better with a knot. Also, I am a cheapskate, and knots are free.

I don't doubt that is true. However just like a nail knot if you do the leader link connection incorrectly (and don't test it first) it is possibly going to fail. For instance if you trim the overhand knots too close they can slip and the end will slip from the connector. I think that is called operator error.

I wonder how many people have had a nail knot fail because they tied it incorrectly? I've personally had a nail knot I tied fail - and I'm sure it's because I did it wrong. Cost ?? - I only use one or 2 cast connectors a year - which comes out to about a buck a year.

I'm not saying they are for everyone. But they sure work well for me.

Greg

[Brian Wise]

I use a nail knot straight from the leader to the fly line. I messed with the loop-to-loop stuff for a little while but found it to be a little "too much" ...just didn't like the way it did anything compared to a straight nail knot. I too have the knot tying too called the Tie Fast and I kid you not I can tie a nail knot with that thing in under 10 seconds. So actually when you get used to the Tie Fast you can usually get a nail knot tied in less time than it would take for you to string a loop-to-loop. But it does take practice.

Brian