3 weight question for the experts

[DaveP63]

I'm assembling a new 3wt outfit using Rio line. All my previous experience has been with 5,6 and 8 weight outfits. I've always used either a braided loop or nail knot to attach my leader. My question is this. Given the small diameter of the 3 wt line, what would be the best method of attaching the leader to this size line? Thanks for your input.

[Betty Hiner]

Attach a piece of monofilament, with a perfection loop in the end, to the flyline with a nail knot.

OOPS! Just saw the request is to be from experts ... never mind.

[SonOfMartin]

Long ago I gave up on trying to use knots to make such connections. Somewhere along the line, someone showed me how simple loop-to-loop connections between fly line and leader worked just fine. I've been using nothing but for over 10 years on everything from 3 through 8 weight.

To make the loop-to-loop, I double back about 2 inches of the fly line and then whip finish about one half inch making a smooth transition. Then I cover the whip finish with flexible cement "just because someone showed me how it worked for them".

When using a mono leader, I make a simple overhand knot in the leader butt section and add a drop of superglue (more for me than for any real reason) and then put everything together.

Honestly, over the past several years I have worked to simplify fly fishing by using loop-to-loop connections, furled leaders with 2 to 4 feet of tippet again joined to my furled leader with a loop-to-loop. I have never (honestly) had a leader / fly line separation due to knot failure.

As Betty said, you're looking for an expert opinion, and as with all things fly fishing, your mileage will vary...........

[Kerry Stratton]

OOPS! Just saw the request is to be from experts ... never mind.

LOL. Same reason I don't reply to many threads; only 377 posts in 9 years.

[Bobinmich]

I am way far and away from being an expert but I like to hear myself type.

I use the same attachment as Betty for everything. Not only works on 3 wt.'s but I also use it on running line for steelheading. Never had one pull out. Keep the mono light - maybe .012 to .015 for a 3 wt. and keep the distance between the perfection loop and the fly line close. I use Loon UV on the nail knot. You might try tying your own leaders with a similar size butt loop if it will turn over okay for you.

Try JC's connection too. Probably would work very well on a 3 wt.

Bob

[JohnScott]

Dave -

I know you were just kidding about the expert opinion thing, so I'm willing to give one.

For several years I used braided loops on all my fly lines, regardless of weight, and regardless of the kind of leader I was using. Others have complained about them for one reason or another, but I never had one fail with a fish on ( trout fishing only ).

Before the braided loops, I used the method described by Betty. For a 3 wt, I would probably go with a 6" piece of 20# test Maxima leader material. Tie a perfection loop at one end and nail not the other to the line.

HOWEVER, recently, reading another thread, I decided to take a good look at the Castwell Knot, which I had heard about before but never considered ( THAT shows what an expert I am !! ). I tried it on my 3 wt with a furled leader. Now the Castwell Knot is the only one I will use with a furled leader. ( INDEED, that alone qualifies me to be an expert on this subject. )

The only problem with the Castwell Knot that I can see, if you are using mono leaders that you will have to change out rather regularly, rather than furled leaders that last practically forever, you will lose a bit of fly line every time you change to a new leader. The knot is very small - goes through the guides easily - and very strong.

Here's a link to JC's claim to fame ( one of them, anyway ) -

http://www.flyanglersonline.com/begi...s/castwell.php

John

[Eight Thumbs]

What Betty said. Monofilament, nail knot, perfect loop. Nothing against braided loops but why bother? 8T

[DaveP63]

Of course I'm kidding!

I had to ask because when I took it out of the box, I thought "My God, it's tiny. Just like real line, only smaller...What if I break it?" Thanks for the suggestions. I think I'll go with the loop nail knotted to the end of the line. It seems least likely to overwhelm and sink it!

[Clay]

A better site than my original link for an animated perfection loop knot from your friend and mine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4TWk...eature=related

My humble opinion is that I use the speed nail knot here: http://www.flyfisherman.com/skills/jb4knots/


Good luck,

Rick

Edited to add a better video

[DG]

Mine all have a piece of 25# Maxima with a loop on the end for leader attachment. I do not like braided loops on rods under 5 wt.