Oldfrat wrote:

I nail knot some red amnesia to the end of my fly line and tie a
surgeon's loop in it

Have only found a few references to red amnesia. What exactly is it and
what is it for? Sounds painful to me

If you've only been at this for a year, "transfer of
energy" is more of a concept like global warming than an issue like
standing on a burning bridge.

Excellent point. I am only too aware of how many other things I need to
deal with first. I personally have a nail knot tool, and I know how to
use it. I derive a certain amount of satisfaction when the knot comes
out right; it's all part of the overall enjoyment of the sport. (Now
somebody's gonna scream, "you use a *tool* to tie your knots?" ;)

Getting through a total season with one leader is not my goal. I
wanna catch (and release) fish. I wanna have days filled with
fishing, not unsnarling knots or reconstructing leaders. Unsnarling
knots and reconstructing leaders is too much like what I do for a
living as a consultant, not what I want to do for fun.

I'm no purist, but I try to avoid scorn and ridicule when possible (just
don't look at my casting). I'm at the stage you describe where I'm
changing leaders for all the wrong reasons and at the worst times. The
loop to loop starts to look inviting after the third one-- first nail
knot on the bank: "nice one, Tim"; second knot in midstream: "hey, I can
do this"; third knot with numb fingers: "where's that freakin' loop
thingy!"

BTW, thanks to all for your input. And thanks for being gentle with the
newbe.

Keep the thoughts coming,

Tim Hare