If you are going to tie you own leaders, check out the Maxima leader kit (once you start, you'll soon be tying leaders for everything). There is a useful leader tying guide included with the kit. I max out the butt end of the leader at 40#, even with BIG lines.

http://www.maxima-lines.com/leader.htm

For knots, the blood knot can't be beat for joining leader sections. For loops, the perfection loop and double surgeon's knot work well.

Safety tip: when you are pulling the knots tight, wear a pair of leather gardening gloves. You can pull tight without sinking the line into your fingers (line cuts heal slowly!)


Tom