My next method was the fly
line pin, which was a booger bear to insert into the end of the fly line. My
Dad wouldn’t use anything but the pin. He liked the pin because it would run
through the guides with ease; I would always get him to pin my fly line.
I eventually moved from the
line pin to what I would call a combo connector, that Scientific Angler
introduced which included the connector and the leader in one package. Scientific Angler had all the leader sizes from 7X to 3X. My only
complaint was the hang up that resulted with the connector and tip guide. This leader connector combo has been discontented. I
finally moved on to my next connector.
My next adventure with the connector was the loop that is manufactured by numerous companies. I have two
complaints with this connector; one is the sinking of the loop after it becomes
water logged. The other is the loop itself not being flexible enough to close.
This connector can be very difficult to connect to your fly line. I tried this
connector less than a year. The loop has a tendency to disconnect from the fly
line.
My present connector is the
fused leader loop into the fly line, which I consider the best I have found for
me. I will never buy another fly line unless it has the loop built in the fly
line. The loop is found in most fly lines priced above 40.00. Cabela has some
line in the 30.00 range with the loop, if you don’t mind the bright orange
color. The only color fly line I use is olive or green. What is you connector preference and why?
I use factory loops, the braided ones, or a nail knot loop depending on the situation. Factories are great until they break. The braided are good for sink tips and shooting heads, and tying a piece of mono to tge line with a nail knot and a perfection loop in the other end is good for replacing that broken factory loop
ReplyDeleteI tried the Reconnect and disliked it. I use the slip ons. I've only had one issue where I lost my leader and slip on loop because it had been on the line for so long. So, now I double check the grip before the season begins - and especially after I put it on and after my first few tips out.
ReplyDeleteoddly enough i use the cortland loop to line connector with the heat shrinking piece at the end. i love it, to me it has been easy to fasten on, even streamside. never had an issue with it sinking with my wf lines. when installing them you need to do almost as you would with chinese finger cuffs, push at both ends...
ReplyDeleteReconnect was awesome. I wish they still made them.
ReplyDeleteI went through a similar evolution in line connectors and agree that the manufactured loop is probably your best bet, although I find that with cheaper lines that don't have it, the so-called "perfection loop knot" works well. I tie a loop, small as possible, in the end with a 3-step process that's a little tricky, but fail-proof. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI just tied a surgeons loop to the end of my fly line! lol the loop is definitely more simple than having to tie the leader on every time!!
ReplyDeleteBill, I too have tried various methods and like you agree that the built in loop is by far the best method. My only issue with it has been I have worn out the loop in some of my lines and needed a way to reform it. I did some searching and came up with this solution: http://atlasfishing.blogspot.com/2012/10/how-to-make-loop-connection-in-fly-line.html it also proves helpful for those who may buy a line that doesn't have a built a loop in it. Thanks for the post sir.
ReplyDeleteI use the Cortland leader loop. I'm not sure how you may have installed yours, but I've never had a problem with them coming loose. I do take time to install them correctly. If you use the shrink tubing and hair dryer, shrink it down tightly and evenly over the loose end of the leader loop, and then put a drop of super glue on the fly line that continues down fully into the woven part of the loop (visible through the weave) it will not fail... or at least not in my experience. they can be a bit stiff, but I've never felt it has hindered my casting or presentation.
ReplyDeleteNick
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried the braided loop, another possibility. thanks for the comment
Josh
ReplyDeleteThe reconnect was good for me until it started hanging in the tip guide--thanks for the comment
Blake
ReplyDeleteI just don't have any patience with the Cortland loop, some work for me and some didn't --thanks for the comment
Kevin
ReplyDeleteI like the combo feature with this type connector-thanks for the comment
River
ReplyDeleteYes the fused in loop on the fly lines today are my favorite. thanks for the comment
Juan
ReplyDeleteMy next post will deal with using the same leader for an entire season--that will certainly address your leader issue. thanks for the comment
Al
ReplyDeleteI checked out the link in your comment and discovered that is the route I will go when the loop on my fly line starts to wear. thanks for the comment and link
Jay
ReplyDeleteThe heat was an issue for me--I used a candle, and should have used the blow dryer. thanks for the comment
I've used the Cortland connectors before on a few lines. No complaints except they do periodically hang up in the tip top. Now I cut the loops off the leader and the fly line and tie a nail knot and put a drop of glue on it.
ReplyDeleteThe pin, a favorite for years. But now it's Orvis lines with the welded loop. The pin worked well with level fly lines.
ReplyDeleteI still use the old fashioned nail knot.
ReplyDeleteI'll use the factory loop until it breaks, and then I'll just use a nail knot to connect a very short heavy mono tip with a perfection loop tied on the end of it.
ReplyDeleteExample - when my 5 wt loop broke, I took a very short piece of 20lb mono, nail knotted it to the fly line, and then put a perfection loop on the other end. This way I can still easily make that loop to loop connection, and change leaders out with no hassle. (After both knots and it being tied onto the fly line, it should be roughly 2-5 inches. All your preference, too.)
I have never had a problem with this method.
Howard
ReplyDeleteThe nail knot a good suggestion--thanks for the comment
Alan
ReplyDeleteI liked the pin, but was a hassle to install. thanks for the comment
Justin
ReplyDeleteThe factory loop is my favorite as well--upcoming post will explain how to make that particular loop much longer. thanks for the comment
Bill
ReplyDeleteGood choice--thanks for the comment
Nice post Bill! We use the braided loop and have had great success; however, it took a while to get it rigged in a manner that it did not have any separation from the fly line otherwise it is a pain. Another consideration is temperature to bond the shrink tape without damaging the fly line. A two person approach is what we use. Awesome post!
ReplyDelete