Leader Loop Connections

Does anyone use anything other than a perfection loop to create a loop connector on a hand tied leader?

I use a surgeons knot or a figure eight on a bight (bend the end of the leader over and tie the knot)

freshwater? what's nice about the perfection is with a bit of practice you can tie it nice and small. but check out what dave whitlock does--connects the leader butt right to the fly line with no knots (using a needle and zap a gap)

in the salt i use a bimini.

I use an Albright knot

Some say it's too big to run through the guides, then again, I NEVER spool the line up so the leader comes into the guides (while fishting a fish).

It's handy to use a knot that is easy to do in failing light (and eyes http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/frown.gif) when the black flies are buzzin' http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/wink.gif
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Christopher Chin
Jonquiere Quebec
[url=http://pages.videotron.com/fcch/:c7f86]http://pages.videotron.com/fcch/[/url:c7f86]




[This message has been edited by fcch (edited 27 May 2005).]

I've used some of the Cortland brand loop connectors that are made of braided monfilimant, and made some of my own loop to loop connectors out of braided 50 lbs test dacron line. All of the loop knots I have tried seem too bulky to slide easily through the guides, unless you are talking about just using them in the tip or tippet, in 4X to 6X.

Eventually I decided that all loop to loop connections are inferior to the nail knot. Watching the line in the air I am convinced that the nail knot is better at tranfering energy and eliminates hinge points.

I still use the loop to loop on occasion to attach a sink tip extension to my floating line (rather than carring and extra spool with the sink line) ot if I am switching leaders constantly.

I use a surgeon's loop as it is so easy for me to tie. Sheer laziness on my part. some day I may get over my procrastination and learn a better knot. http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/wink.gif

Seems like everyone on this post is talking about loops on the end of the fly line.
You asked about a loop for a hand tied leader.
I assume you mean for a loop to loop connection for quick changing tippets.
The perfection loop can slip. You are better off tying two Kreh non-slip loops.
See: [url=http://www.flyfisherman.com/skills/lkknots/index1.html:be4bc]http://www.flyfisherman.com/skills/lkknots/index1.html[/url:be4bc]

When you connect the two loops it helps to form a Harro cross in the connection as it will prevent a girth hitch.
See: [url=http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y151/DickM/Loop-To-Loop-Connection.jpg:be4bc]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y151/DickM/Loop-To-Loop-Connection.jpg[/url:be4bc]

[This message has been edited by DickM (edited 28 May 2005).]