[Loxiafan]

I am currently (trying to) move over from using Mincon Braided Loops as I can see the benefits, but have a quick question. Are Needle Knots the preferred method of attaching the Leader (more secure) or are Nail/Tube Knots okay ? I am finding both quite difficult to do (neatly) but for some reason my Nail Knots are a bit neater, but I worry about the security of the knot slipping, particularly thick stiff butt nylon material onto thin fly line ?

Have been practising with 20lb Maxima at 0.42mm but it is much harder to do with quite stiff Tapered Leader Butts that are 0.24 inches/ 0.61mm !

Cheers,

Lindsay

PS by 'Needle Knot' I mean where you use a needle to puncture and hollow out the fly line and thread the leader up and through.

[Will Shaw]

Hi Loxiafan

I prefer needle knots as they give a smoother connection. I don't think there's any difference in strength. I've never had a needle or nail knot slip on a fish, although I do occasionally tie a duff one which on testing, due to poor tightening, strips off the coating and fails, so make sure you test them well before use.

On lines up to #6 I only do three turns, which makes it easier to tie them and get them to seat properly in tapered leader butts.

Cheers

Will

[danbruce]

Hi Lindsay,

Here is a link to how Sandy Nelson showed me how to do it the last time I was at Haddo.
http://www.michigantroutstreams.com/michigantroutstreams/no_more_nail_knots.htm

I was sceptical at first but the same leader fitted at the start of the season is still going strong.

Dan

[Loxiafan]

Cheers Guys,

Have tried the "Constriction Knot" that Mike recommends - seems easier to do ( and do neatly !) and is strong in testing. Set up my Mallard using 20 lb Maxima as butt (which I have used before) and it was easy to do, looks neat and knot is small. Still not sure about thick, stiff Butt material like Orvis SS - might be tricky to produce a non bulky Knot ?

Will, thanks, good tip about only 3 wraps, that would certainly make it easier !

Cheers Dan, saw that 'Knot' in a Jeremy Lucas article - I don't have the balls for that I am afraid ! I know JL has had whopper Rainbows on that setup, but I would prefer a "knot" incase of Don "lump". Might be good for that thick butt material though so might at least "trial" it.  I love the idea of no knot to rattle about !

I guess with all these methods the real trick is to keep checking for wear or stress on the fly line due to casting etc as time goes on.


Cheers,

Lindsay

[Irvine Ross]

Hi Lindsay

I use a nail knot, mainly because I found it difficult to get the thick butt through the needle hole. I haven't lost a leader yet even when pulling to break the leader when a fly gets stuck up a tree. It always breaks at the fly knot. I coat the nail knot with Aquasure  to smooth off the edges and let it run through the rings more easily.

Irvine

[Loxiafan]

Cheers Irvine, good to know it holds up.

Lindsay