| When you're a beginner fly fishing for the first | | | | method because it's easy to do and easy to |
| time, one of the most frustrating things can be | | | | remember. A small repair kit containing a needle, |
| figuring out how to attach a leader to your fly line. | | | | super glue, and a cigarette lighter can easily be |
| The most widely accepted method is to use a | | | | carried in a vest pocket or tackle box so you can |
| well tied nail knot, but if you're not an experienced | | | | do on stream repairs or attach another leader if |
| knot tier, tying a nail knot isn't the easiest thing in | | | | necessary. Here's how the method works. |
| the world. Worse yet, if you don't practice the | | | | First, take a small sewing needle and stick it into |
| knot regularly, you may not remember how to | | | | the end of the fly line. Try to insert it between 1 |
| do it if you need to make on stream repairs. You | | | | 4" and 1/2" into the fly line. The purpose of this is |
| can attempt to tie easier knots, but these often | | | | to widen the diameter of the fly line so the leader |
| leave too big of a bulge where the leader and fly | | | | can be pushed inside. To make it easier, use a |
| line come together which then gets caught in your | | | | cigarette lighter underneath the fly line to help it |
| guides when you're reeling in a trout, tangles | | | | expand. As the line warms, it will expand around |
| during your back cast, or snags on things in the | | | | the needle, creating a perfect hole for your leader. |
| water. Is there a better alternative? | | | | Just don't get the lighter too close or you'll start |
| With decades of experience chasing trout around | | | | the line on fire and melt it. If you do, just trim the |
| the Pacific Northwest, I have tried many different | | | | melted piece off and start over. |
| knots and attached my leaders to my fly line in a | | | | Next, use sandpaper to rough up the end of the |
| variety of ways. My favorite method is one you | | | | leader and put some super glue (I highly |
| might not expect. One of the least known, but | | | | recommend you use Zap-A-Gap in the green |
| most effective ways to attach a leader to a fly | | | | bottle) around the end of the leader. Roughing up |
| line is through the use of super glue. | | | | the leader with sandpaper allows a better bond |
| Advantages to this method are that it leaves | | | | for the glue. Next, slide the leader into the space |
| virtually no bulge at all so it won't catch on the | | | | you just created in the end of the fly line. Hold it |
| guides or ruin your back cast. Also, tension | | | | there for 30 seconds or so to let the glue dry. Pull |
| between the fly line and leader actually creates a | | | | the fly line and leader in opposite directions as if |
| "Chinese finger trap" effect that makes the | | | | you were fighting a fish to make sure the |
| connection strong and durable. I do recommend | | | | connection holds. If it does, smear a dab of super |
| making a new connection each season, but I've | | | | glue around the outside of the knot for extra |
| never had any problems attaching my line and | | | | holding power. That's all there is to it. After all, |
| leader with this method. | | | | even beginners fly fishing for the first time should |
| Beginner fly fishing fanatics will appreciate this | | | | have a few tricks up their sleeves. |