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.
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.
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…
LOL. Same reason I don’t reply to many threads; only 377 posts in 9 years.
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
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/begin/knots/castwell.php
John
What Betty said. Monofilament, nail knot, perfect loop. Nothing against braided loops but why bother? 8T 
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!
A better site than my original link for an animated perfection loop knot from your friend and mine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4TWkebfAz4&feature=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
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.
I whip a loop on the end of the flyline and use a loop-to-loop connection.
I usually use a nail knot covered with PlioBond/ZapAGap. I have used a loop/loop connection, I have used a piece of mono to the fly line & loop/loop to leader…
I find the loop/loop & knots (not zapagapped) get hung up in the guides.
I fish dry flies with long leaders (10+ feet) & when brining in a fish, changing flies, pulling in line to move to a new spot, the line hangs in the small guides (I fish most 4 weights & occasionally 3 weights).
so, & I do not consider myself an expert either, but I do know what I like… the smoother the connection the better! nail knot/pliobond…done.
later,
An Oregonian
Castwell knot…
Brad
“Interesting that none of the replies says anything about anyone using “line connectors”. The type that I’m referring is the plastic oval shaped ones with opened ends and exposed middle. They come in clear and orange colored. As long as there are no pre-exisitng loops, the connectors are simple to attach by threading both leader and fly line through each end and tying a suffiicient knot head in the exposed middle of the connector. I tie my own leaders and changing or replacing leaders are a snap with these connectors and they practically last forever”.
shoot me a PM and I’ll suggest a brand that i use
I looked at the castwell knot and it’s very cool and simple, but for the life of me I can’t understand how it doesn’t come undone! Especially if there’s any slack in the line. Can anyone enlighten me?
Dave -
Take it on faith, in JC’s word, or the recommendations of any of us who have used it !!
It will not come undone, period. Tie / try it and you’ll understand why.
John
Dave,
I have been using the “Castwell Knot” over 2 years and it has never failed!! Trust us on this…
It is almost impossible to untie it once it has been pulled tight! With a steady pull your tippet or leader will break before the “Castwell Knot” does.
Try it, you will like it!!;)
I’ve used those on a 5 weight before, but I was a little skeptical as to whether the smaller line would “float” it.
I use the butt and of a leader, nail knotted onto the end of the fly line. That is about 4 inches long with a perfection loop. Leaders that don’t come with loops get a perfection loop and from there it’s a loop to loop connection.
This is the setup on all my lines that did not come with a built in loop already there. My 3 weight line came with a welded loop on the end of the fly line so I use it.
Never a failure on any of my lines.
-wayne
Dave…those were my thoughts exactly before I actually used it. IMO it’s like Warren said…you need to tighten it down that is really cinch it in…seems to “set”…play around with it before actually using and see what you think.
It still bothers/concerns me that the tag end sticks out at a right angle…adds some friction through the guides…cutting it off flush doesn’t seem wise and I did ask JC about that once and got the impression he leaves a little tag.