Fly Line to Backing

Gear & Reviews
1

I’m about to attached my dacron backing(20lb) to a intermediate type 3 fly line.
The instructions I got with the line (8 weight) said to use a “albright knot” for the connection.
However, it appears to be somewhat bulky, since you have to form a loop at the end of the fly line.
Would a “nail knot” be just as secure as the “albright knot” if I got into the backing?

2

I would stick with the Albright knot. It is the only knot I use when attaching fly line to backing. The advantage over the nail knot is the loop. It may look bulky but once trimmed, it is very neat. If you think a fish might take you into the backing then I would coat the knot with Pliobond.

Hope this helps.

Dave

3

Albright is alright. Like Dave said either coat it with Pliobond or Loon Knot Sense. If you think you’re going to be changing lines around much, you could put a whipped loop in the back end of your line and a loop in your backing. I’ve done that, but prefer the Albright.

Regards,
Scott

4

I use a nail knot for all backing to line connections. Never had one fail even with 20 plus pound steelhead pulling backing off at an amazingly fast pace.

5

I use nail knots for everything 5 wt and smaller. 6 wt and above, I use a loop system to allow me to change lines. So far I have used this system: http://www.danblanton.com/gettinglooped.html coupled with a Bimini Twist in the backing. It’s working fine.

6

Thank-you, for your input.

7

The hard coatings on some fly lines do not hold a nail knot well. I have seen some other lines with softer coatings that a nail knot connected would strip the coating away from the core under tension. This may be why the manufacturer recommended an albright knot. An albright is pretty slim and goes through the guides quite well. I have witnessed other angler’s nail knot connections fail when pulling hard on fish, even small 10lb tuna.

Many years ago I was introduced to the method referenced by waynep for use on my bluewater fly rigs. I now use this system on all of my setups from 2 through 13wt. Flyline changes are much easier.

8

Tailingloop, that certainly makes sense.
Thank-you.

9

As stated above, the Albright can be slightly bulky, but when coated, it’ll slide right through the guides quite nicely. Personally, for anything freshwater, I always use a nail knot only because it’s quicker and easier to tie and has slightly less bulk to it. Now if we’re talking salt, I’d definitely go with the Albright…if for no other reason than you never know what’ll attack your fly & they seem to be just tougher fish. The other reason is, in freshwater, you’re weakest link is always going to be one of the knots at the terminal end of the entire setup where that might not necessarily be the case in salt.

10

I also the nail knot for my line to backing connections. The knot slides through the guides without a hitch. When I am fishing for salmon or steelhead I will tie two or three nail knots in a row, simply leave a long tag end then tie the second nail knot about a half inch farther up your backing, and again if you want three. I have never had the first knot fail but if it did then the second knot would take up the fight.

Larry —sagefisher—

11

Believe it or not I use the Castwell Knot for backing to fly line. If I want to change lines I only have to cut off the line and tie on a different line with the simple and quick Castwell Knot. I would only be losing a 1/2" of line if that much. No big deal.

Haven’t fished the salt…but will try the Castewll Knot when I get the chance. Any input on the Castwell Knot in saltwater would be appreciated. Hope this is not hi-jacking…but I do use the Castwell Knot for backng to fly line. So easy. No tools.
Jim

12

I’m with Gem…

And Gem the saltwater question was asked of Castwell and he said he had never seen a failure in the salt…

13

I’m now curious as to what the Castwell knot looks like…

14

“I’m now curious as to what the Castwell knot looks like…” Just go to FAOL Home page, scroll to the bottom and click on ‘Knots’, scroll down to Castwell’s Knot and voila! There it be. http://www.flyanglersonline.com/

Kelly.

15

Thank You Duck.

I think I now remember him saying that, but had forgotten. I have a goal to fish the Salt on the PNW someday.

Thank you for bringing it up and kick starting my memory. It is useful to me to have the reinforcement on the knot’s possible issues.

Thank you again Ducksterman.

Jim

16

I’ve always used the Albright until recently…however, as others have mentioned, the nail knot is easier to tie (at least I think it is), less bulky and if you can’t cause the nail to fail by pulling with your hands…guess what…it ain’t gonna.

17

Ive always used a loop to loop connection and probably wont ever change—The loop in the flyline is whipped and coated and the loop in the backing is a big bimini, big enough for the reel to pass through so i can change lines or mix and match reels. It goes through the guides both ways without a problem.

FWIW—Before i knew the knot was a castwell knot, somehow i lost a leader while casting for little brookies on the n. branch of the au sable—probably by sloppy casting. Now i just use a loop to loop there also.