I have been using plastic connectors called “Cast connectors” and they are fine but can break down - they are plastic you know. That being said, I purchased some cortland loop connectors but no leaders yet. The reason I am waiting is because the connector is hi-vis chartreuse and I want to be stealthy. So - what are other folks using to connect line to leader?
Been using some white loops and magic markering them. We still use a lot of nail knotted mono butt sections w/ a loop in that. …lee s.
Lee - have you used the loop to loop connectors? If yes, did you like them? Good tip - I might be able to black out the chartreuse.
pa -
You must apply heat to shrink the sleeves down on the Cortland loops - perhaps too high for your flyline?? It also makes it very stiff. A better choice [in my opinion] is Orvis loops. They use super glue to lock the sleeve down and the sleeve is shorter. Doesn’t stiffen up your connection so much.
That said, I’ve been using the Whitlock’s super glue “center of the line” connection system. No pull-out problems yet and it really rolls over nicely.
Donald
I use just a plain old Nailless Nail Knot for flyline to a heavy butt section. I use loop to loop on my saltwater outfit. I don’t like to use loop to loop or connectors on my fresh water outfits due to slime, algae, and other crud that fouls large loops and connectors. So I try to use small and hopefully very few (two I think, flyline to butt section, Albright Special for butt section to light tippet section) knots for knotted leaders. I don’t use a mid or middle section on my fresh water leaders. Ideally a knotless commercial tapered leader would probably be best for me and I do use them from time to time.
Best of luck.
Robert B. McCorquodale
Sebring, FL
“Flip a fly”
[This message has been edited by dixieangler (edited 06 May 2005).]
Hey that’s neat, JC. I’m going to have to try that sometime on the loop for my saltwater leader 
.
Robert B. McCorquodale
Sebring, FL
“Flip a fly”
On this side of the pond I use AMBER LEADER LOOPS made by WOVENCREST Ltd. Never had one let me down yet.
“P”,
We do not like the heat shrink tubing either. We use a small nail knot to secure the loop end. You can buy the braided mono “runnuing line” and have enough to make your own loops AND your buddie’s loops for years. Have to admit to using them only on our heavier stuff. We have heard of one person who uses them on light stuff that says he applies floatant to the braid…?
Castwell’s knot looks grand…looks like a knot we learned in Boy Scouts (WAY back). I think it was a sheet bend…?
…lee s.
JC That knot is great! Its all I use now. It hasnt failed on me yet. Nice quick and easy yet very strong.
I used the Cortland loops for years, did have some problems namely that they sink and one came apart on me when on the Colorado river a long way from a tackle shop. I now use a similar but smaller loop made by Raymond Mosher in Austria and available in the US from E. Hille Angler Supply in Pennsylvania. They work great!
Nail knot, nail knot nail knot! Whats wrong with a nail knot?
Ol’Bill
JC
I have been using your knot for about three years. Bass, catfish, and redfish without any problems .
I love the simplicity of it
I’ve had the Castwell knot pull out with a furled leader, I think that the materials involved might make a large difference as to how effective it is. I tried it with a tapered mono leader and it seemed to hold up just fine for that.
I’ve always been a stickler for the nail knot,But I do find it picks up a good bit of stream debris.and would like to try the castwell. My question is this J.C. … which is the strongest loop knot to use in conjuntion with the castwell,that is simple,won’t slip or tighten and close the loop???..Never had much faith in loop knots for that reason all I’ve tried slip at some point…
I have tried all the “loop” conectors and think they all have their downfalls,the braided type I mean,those who like them,kewl for you.I don’t like anything that adds even the slightest wind resistance and or attracts dirt/greenery or weight to the line ie: loop requires the addition of tubeing/glue and is not a fun thing to have to replace on the water during a hatch…Just not for me.
“I’ve often wondered why it is that so many anglers spend so much money on,and pay so much attention to.the details on the wrong end of the fly line.If they took as much care in selecting or tying their flies as they did in the selection of the reel and rod,They might be able to gain the real extra edge that makes it possible to fool a fish that has,in fact,seen it all before” A.K.Best
“Wish ya great fishing”
Thanks all! I am going to give the Castwell a try.
I like the “pin knot” which is a nail knot but the butt section is first threaded through the core of the fly line which makes it more seamless and straight. I then blood knot new leaders to the butt section. I usually have the fly shop do this for me because it is tedious and I’m not very good at it. If anyone knows where good on line instructions are for this method I’d like to check it out.
B
Hi billknep
I’ve used loop to loop…seems like forever…never had a perfection loop tied and tightened properly slip on me. In fact considering my skills…maybe they don’t slip no matter how tied/tightened. 
But Yeah…I like to know too the best flyline loop.
Regards
nam
Ahhh! One of my failing…seeing but not seeing. Checked again and the lines in the animation are labled at the start. Thanks J.C. Looks like one less potential weak link to deal with as well as other advantages…
Regards
nam
JC - I know that knot as a “Sheet bend” which I learned in cub scouts about 45 years ago in Tasmania. I cannot recall exactly what it was used for specifically, other than joining ropes of different diameters. I use it for heaps of things around the farm, horses etc, but never thought of it in fishing.
I’ve used the Nail Knot for 35+ years now. On trout, steelhead and all species of pacific salmon. Has NEVER failed me!
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