Fly Fishing

FemaleDuck · Posted: Tue 02/17/09 11:03 pm Post subject: Knots - Fly Line To Backing?

tying flyline to backing when fishing GT's I'm interested in peoples opinions and or experiences indeed recommendations..

thank you in advance

Linesidesonthefly · Location: Old Orchard Beach, Maine

Whipped loop at the end of the line attached loop/loop to a Bimini Twist in the backing.

AvidDavid · Location: Long Island, NY

FemaleDuck:

As a flyfishing person in the US, I will stick my neck out and suggest that many of our US flyfishers aren't familiar with GT. I believe that they are Giant Trevally and are found in the waters of and around the Indian Ocean. They are extremely large fish for fly fishing; however, many of us are interested in catching the largest fish that we can.

In light of this concept, I will share a little of my thoughts about your question. Bear in mind that if you have seen any of my catches, posted herein, you know that I never deal with the large fish issue that I will mention here. So take this for what it is worth. This issue is preservation of equipment (and hence expenses) when catching enormous fish. Linesides has suggested the use of a Bimini twist (a loop) in your backing which he suggests you use to link to a loop on the spool end of your fly line. Bimini twist loops are praised as having the same strength as the line itself, uncharacteristic of most knots that we use which tend to be weaker than the line. For this reason, I think that Linesides has made a good suggestion. HE is also accustomed to catching large saltwater species on the fly (Striped bass, in particular). He is quite knowledgeable in this respect. Others may use an Albright knot which is pretty strong; but is of a more permanent nature.

However (here is where the idea of "preservation of equipment" comes in), I think that if you anticipate getting into your backing with any fish, you should carefully choose your leader/tippet so that some portion of it is clearly less strong than your backing. I would not want my backing to break (and thereby lose my fly line) because I overpowered my leader. Hence, as I believe is done with tarpon for world record setting catches, I suggest that there be a portion of your leader that is of lower strength (in this case lower strength than your backing), even if the tip portion is particularly heavy to deal with toothy fish or excessive wear from the fight.

kory_k · Location: New York, NY

This connection is extremely important (every connection is) when you are fishing for big game species such as GT's (Giant Trevally). It is actually always important for any fish that you expect to take you into your backing. In reality, there is no reason not to have a strong connection here even if you don't expect to get into your backing. Better to have it and not need it than not have it and lose a fish and your entire fly line. I know of more than one occasion where a fly line was lost to a trout because of this connection even on a small river. One guide friend had a guy lose two in one day (both were retrieved as it was a small river and they merely had to look for the fly line waving in the current) both to poor connections.

The best option, as mentioned is probably the bimini loop (even better than a single bimini loop is a double for added reinforcement) to whipped fly line loop. An alternative that I have used in place of the whipped loop is to double the fly line over forming a loop and to tie 3 nail knots behind this loop to secure it. Coat it with a little knot glue of your choice and you are good to go. I have also used the albright for this connection and it is super strong and forms a very small connection. True, this is more permanent, but it only takes a few minutes to tie once you know it so it isn't that big of a deal. Also, if you have issues on the water such as the rear portion of your fly line getting abraded or your backing getting abraided during a fish battle and you need to cut out the bad section and retie, an albright on the spot is the best option. It is much easier than retying the bimini and rebuilding the loop in your fly line.

Avid brings up another good point about making sure you have a breaking weaker point (usually your class tippet with toothy fish or fish that require a stronger "shock" tippet) in the middle of your leader so that it breaks before your backing. In some cases you may even break your rod before the knots fail if you use too strong of material. On a related note, your backing should be at least as strong as your weakest point in your tippet (if you are fishing a 20# tippet, make sure you have at least 30# backing).

Linesidesonthefly · Location: Old Orchard Beach, Maine

One added feature to the Bimini is this. The guy that taught me the knot used to leave his tag end long. Like about a foot.
You can imagine the stress on a sport that sees a stray line hanging down towards the water as a big fish takes him/her into the backing.

kopalks · Posted: Wed 02/18/09 5:33 pm Post subject:

I second the double Bimini, its the only way to go. For the fly line a whipped loop or a braided loop connection would be good. I have used both and can't complain about either. Recently i have been using more braided loops.

Good Luck,
Make sure you post some pictures when you get back from your trip