[SwiTz]

Hey Guys,

I have 5 wt orvis wonderline that is prelooped. I just noticed a crack about half way through the line, but its only about an inch above the loop at the end of the line. What are my options to fix the line? Should i cut it and tie a new loop or use shrink tubing?

Thanks

[Frank Whiton]

Hi SwiTz,

You say it is half way through the line. Does that mean the core of the line is damaged and not just the coating? If the core is damaged heat shrink alone would not be a good repair. I would use some Pliobond in the cut and wrap it with thread and then apply some Pliobond over the thread.

Frank

[SwiTz]

yea, the core is damaged...i bought some slip on leader loops and was wondering if i could just cut the line and use one of those? or would the water leak into the core?

[Frank Whiton]

Hi SwiTz,

Yes, you can use the braided loops. I would not use heat shrink to fasten the braided loop on your fly line. Here is some information from another post about how to add a braided loop and other Information. Try this link on how to make another loop on the end of the line using the fly line.

How to fasten a braided leader to the fly line

The best method I think is to tie on a short section of 20lb to 25lb mono on the end of the fly line using a nail knot. Then tie a loop in the end. I have always used a Perfection Loop but I think a better knot is the Non-slip mono knot. Use 4 wraps with the 15 to 20 pound mono. Here is a link on how to tie the Non-Slip Mono knot.

You can also form a loop like we did on the backing end of the fly line. You might find this too bulky.

If you want to try the braided loop here is how to do that. You need to feed the loop onto the fly line end. Some of the braided material may be frayed and you can trim that up. You need to serve the braid (wrap with thread) and some of the fly line to have a smooth transition. You need about 1/8 on the fly line and 1/4 to 3/8 on the braid. Cover the thread with Pliobond or Goop. I like Pliobond as it doesn't get as hard as Zap-A-Gap or other types of super glues.

Here is a second way to attached the braided loop. Thread the braid onto the fly line like before. Instead of serving the braid to the fly line, tie a Nail Knot at the junction on top of the braid. Pull it as tight as you can get it and trim off the ends. Cover the Nail Knot with Pliobond and you are good to go. Use Braded Spectra line to tie the nail knot if you have some.

Frank

[SwiTz]

thanks frank!

is there any special way i should seal off the end of the line to prevent water from soaking into the core?

thanks again

[Frank Whiton]

Hi SwiTz,

This is one spot that I thing super glue will work.

1. Take a needle and make a slight indent in the end of the line. No more than 1/16" to 1/8".

2. Hold the line vertical with the tip on top.

3. Take a drop of super glue and put it on top of the indent. If you are using regular super glue you should turn the tip down right after you apply the super glue so it won't penetrate too deeply into the fly line. If you are using ZAP-A-GAP you should not have to invert the tip unless you see it is migrating into the line. Let it dry and if if the end is not 100 percent filled, add another drop. The second drop won't migrate into the tip so it should fill any gap.

Now add your braided loop. The braided loop will protect the tip and you should never get any water migration into the tip. I like to use regular super glue as it penetrates the woven core better. Jiust experiment a little bit and you will figure it out. You could use Pliobond for the same procedure but it may be a little thick.

Frank