[Eric Cioe]

Hey guys,

I got my first set up this week, and after a few hours learning to cast in the lawn, I was eager to get in the water (Muskegon Lake).

So I got up this morning and decided to tie a leader on to my line. About an hour later, I was frustrated to no end trying to make my nail knot nice and tidy, so I called it good, tightened it, and went out.

I put a fly on, started casting, and within a minute I noticed that my leader and fly were gone. I didn't have any replacement leader on me, and at that point I was so mad I could've sold my rod.

So I'm going out to get some more leaders, and I'd like to try it again tomorrow. My question is - for now, is there any other way to attatch a leader to a fly line? I'll have to learn the nail knot eventually, but I'm just looking to get some time in the water in now, and maybe hook a bluegill. Will an Albright knot work for now?

Thanks,

Eric

[bonefish41]

Originally Posted by Eric Cioe

Hey guys,

I got my first set up this week, and after a few hours learning to cast in the lawn, I was eager to get in the water (Muskegon Lake).

So I got up this morning and decided to tie a leader on to my line. About an hour later, I was frustrated to no end trying to make my nail knot nice and tidy, so I called it good, tightened it, and went out.

I put a fly on, started casting, and within a minute I noticed that my leader and fly were gone. I didn't have any replacement leader on me, and at that point I was so mad I could've sold my rod.

So I'm going out to get some more leaders, and I'd like to try it again tomorrow. My question is - for now, is there any other way to attatch a leader to a fly line? I'll have to learn the nail knot eventually, but I'm just looking to get some time in the water in now, and maybe hook a bluegill. Will an Albright knot work for now?

Thanks,

Eric

E if you can tie an albright you can tie a nail...get one of the metal knot tools at your fly shop

[Frank Whiton]

Hi Eric,

Sorry about your problems. Here is a picture of the "Tie Fast Tool" and it makes great nail type knots. It is very handy for tieing a leader to your fly line. Here is a better way to my mind. Tie a short piece of 25 to 40 lb mono to the end of the fly line using a nail knot or the tool. Now tie a loop in the end of the mono so you can loop on your leader. The mono on the end of the fly line only needs to be 4 inches or so long. Now when you want to change leaders all you have to do is un-loop the old leader and loop on a new one. Works very well. You can buy fly lines with the loop built into the end of the line and this keeps you from adding the short piece of mono.

[Roast]

Heres a resource that I have found useful: Orvis_Knots . I used a bic ink pen for the tube (I cut off the clear portion opposite the tip) Hope it helps.

[OregonStreams]

Hi Eric... I am going to recommend fly fishing blasphemy. Cortland Slip On Leader Loops. Now don't do this unless your wife has one of those heat shrinking guns. A match does NOT work. Add a bit o super glue to the end near the heat shrink tube just in case. Or better yet, take your reel down to the fly shop and have the fly guy tie on a monofilament loop. If you use the slip on leader loop, don't let any serious fly friends know about it. It is strictly DONT ASK, DONT TELL.

[tightlines57]

I have always had a difficult time with the nail knot so I use an Albright knot.

Invest in the tool Frank pictured. I have seen it used, it's an awesome tool, will have to get one soon.

[tightlines57]

Here is another link to good fishing knots.

Grog's Fishing Knots Index

[Eric Cioe]

Originally Posted by tightlines57

I have always had a difficult time with the nail knot so I use an Albright knot.

Invest in the tool Frank pictured. I have seen it used, it's an awesome tool, will have to get one soon.

I did pick one of those up yesterday - lost another leader, though that was probably just me being a bonehead. I tied yet another one on this morning, made sure it was perfect, yanked it as hard as I could, and it still held. I think I'll go fishing again tomorrow.

[Roughrider]

Those nailknot tools are awesome, work like a champ. I used to bother my local fly shop to tie my leaders on and then I started guiding and figured I better learn how to tie a couple simple knots. Have never had a nailknot come use loose after using the nailknot tool.

[BigCliff]

I agree on the greatness of the tie-fast tool. Just sit there and practice tying them with old junk catfishing line or something. Use it enough and you'll never forget how to use the thing.