Loop connection vs. knot

There are a number of ways of attaching leaders to the fly line. Many
people believe in the nail knot to a tapered leader. they worry abut
hinging. When you are casting, the end of the line should be a near perfect
U shape on its side. If it is hinged, it will have an irregular side. A
small amount of hinging is okay.. a lot can cause problems and the leader
may not turn over.
Another alternative is a small plastic connector that fits on the end of the
line. the butt of a tapered leader is inserted in one hole, and it will
come out of a hole in the side. Tie a simple overhand knot and pull the
knot into the plastic connector. Works well but I break a lot of them.
Another guy I know swears by them and doesn't understand how I can break so
many.
Another alternative is a little barbed connector that has a tiny loop on one
end. You insert the barbed point into the hole of braided lines, and tie
the leader to the tiny loop. I don't like these because there is too much
stress on the line at the end of the barb.. Pretty soon you have to cut off
an inch or so of the line and reinsert the barb. And hinging is a problem
I prefer the loop to loop method, mostly because I prefer poly leaders over
tapered leaders. they come in all sizes and densities, and are supposed to
turn the fly over better especially in the wind. They are like mini-sink
tips. I tie on about 4 feet of tippet to the poly- leader when I begin
fishing, using again the loop to loop method, and fish until the tippet is
short, then add a new piece Poly leaders are becoming very popular in
steelhead and spey fishing. I use them for everything.


"haresear" wrote in message
...
I'm new to this group, and I must admit to being bewildered by the
breadth of topics, and intensity of feelings, expressed. But after
reading the FAQ and lurking awhile, I am starting to enjoy the feel of
the group. Y'all are all right.

I'm fairly new to fly fishing. I converted from spinning gear last year
at the gentle prodding of a friend, who has proven both field guide and
mentor to me, and for whom I am very grateful. I am *really* enjoying
fly fishing for the challenges it presents, the intimacy of being right
in the stream, in the action, and the exhilaration of hooking and
fighting a fish on a fly. It's awesome fun!

My Question: Are loop connectors at the end of your fly line an
advantage? They sure make it easy to change leaders, but do they
provide sufficient transfer of energy from line to leader? Is it
"better" to use a nail knot? Or does it matter?

Philosophize at will.

Tim


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