Tying leaders to fly lines

[Flying Roast Beef]

I know there are several methods. I know a few of them. I just picked up a new fly reel for my 7/8 weight rod and would like to see demos of how to tie leaders onto the line for steelhead/salmon type applications. Any help out there?

Thank you, Bill.

[stoneflyguy]

FRB, I like to use a nail knot to attach a piece of 6-8" 25# monofiliment. At the other end of the mono I tie a loop and with the loop I attach my sink tip or leader with a loop. I can try to send a pic but my photography skills are lacking and I'm not sure how to post pic's, someone always does it for me... :cheers:

[EugeneFisher]

I use stoneflyguy's method for my sink tips. However, on all my floating lines I use a nail knot to connect the tapered leader directly to fly line, then use a small amound of "Zap-A-Gap" to ensure the knot isn't going anywhere. I can then trim the tab ends to almost nothing and still feel confident my leader wont slip.

[SSPey]

An albright knot is stronger than a nail knot. I use albright knots for all heavy applications, and nail knots only for trout.

google it

[AndyK]

I stopped tying my leaders directly to my flyline several years ago and now use Airflo leader loops. I have never had any problems with them, even when using a heavy leader and catching big fish (40 lb +).

Cortland leader loops are junk; I have had the loops pull out with them.

[SilverFly]

Uni-knot (a.k.a "quick-knot"). Looks like a nail knot and can be tied in under 30 seconds with no need for tools. Haven't had one fail in the 10 years I've been using it.

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[mandinga]

I also use the loops...specifically the cortland loops.

The new 555 Lines come with loops!

I use the albright knot for the backing to fly line application....

before the loops I would always use nail knots...which are very easy to tie.

[clacksteel]

I also use the cortland loops. I had trouble at first, but the keep is to add some superglue after you get the shrink wrap on. They have some specially designed for steelhead/salmon sized line as well. You can't beat the speed of changing up the leader with the loops! A little extra $ will save you a lot of time on the water.

I suggest doing this at your own risk. These loops have been known to cause lost fish, but as long as you put them on properly the SHOULD hold (its kinda like a safety on a shotgun).

[Flying Roast Beef]

clacksteel safety on a shotgun is always pointing it in a safe direction.