Fly Fishing

Chernobylv8 · Location: Chile

Hi there, preparing my staff for june saltwater trip and I need some help.

This is a 12wt combo for tarpon on fly.

I always use the albright for freshwater two hand rods.

What Knot you use for this thin backing in saltwater? Line is a Multi Tip Rio Saltwater.

Best

Cristián

MarshallD · Location: Naples, Fl

Use a loop to Bimini Twist Very Happy

jeremy · Location: Portland, Maine

Hi,

I am not the most well versed person in regards to "knots" - and to be honest, I can't even tie a bimini twist - wouldn't even know where to begin. I do know that Marshall does know what he is talking about because he has spent much time working in fly shops down in Florida rigging up peoples reels/lines etc... So, I am sure a bimini to loop is great. I think I also recall some of the guys I fish with doing loop to loop connections - and those seem to be relatively easy and reliable. I won't even tell you the knots/connection that I use .. as its not a pretty connection .. and when people see it they usually say "What the F* is THAT?" ... I'd probably be laughed out of most fly shops .. but, at the end of the day, it holds fish and works .... but, honestly -- I am going to try to learn to tie a bimini twist this year ... I'm just getting bored of the only 3 knots that I know ... so, look into a "loop to loop" connection .. perhaps others can say if its good or not ... kory, marshall, and many others who have tied/rigged countless reels/lines will be able to give you solid advice and be able to tell you if the loop to loop is ok. good luck.

kory_k · Location: New York, NY

Bimini twist is the strongest, but you have to make sure that your locks are really cinched down withe the slick nature of gel. An albright will also work here as well, not quite as strong but pretty close and is very low profile.

jeremy · Location: Portland, Maine

Hi - thought this was a great question and so many people do different things -- - So, I reached out to some of the flies and fins extended internetworks and aked "what kind of knot to use from backing to fly line" -- here are some responses - more to follow .. hope this helps

1. Nailknot with a touch of superglue

2. Albright

3. loop to loop connections for swapping out heads and running lines. weld rear fly line loop

4. Several recommendations for this article with pics and instructions

5. Bimini in the backing - whip finish the fly line then loop to loop connection

6. blind splice - for everything except 35lb gsp.

Chernobylv8 · Location: Chile

Number 4. really rocks¡¡

Thanks for the advice.

MarshallD · Location: Naples, Fl

The reason I recommend this knot ( "5. Bimini in the backing - whip finish the fly line then loop to loop connection ") is that you are using gel spun backing. Gel spun will cut through your fly line if it is not tied with the proper knot. I KNOW, because I had a 140 lb. Tarpon get me to the backing and the gel spun litterally cut through the fly line BECAUSE I had used the WRONG knot.

Chernobylv8 · Location: Chile

That´s SO clear.

In that way the thin gsp backing work the line in two points not one.

AND you can change fly lines easily.

Nice¡¡¡¡

Cristián

MarshallD · Location: Naples, Fl

Use a "Double Bimini to a double or triple whipped loop on your fly line and you will be golden. I KNOW. Just last Thursday I was out with my friend John Stark and we hooked a 130 to 150 lb Tarpon on that intermediate line. I am happy to say the Bimini-to-Loop line-backing connection performed terrifically.

It was the failure of my Mach V reel that pissed me off. The reel could not take the pressure and the screws all started to unscrew...the crank, and then the reel foot screws. Both foot screws finally completely loosened and the spool was handed to John as I fought the fish free hand. I yelled a series of bad, bad words.....Us fighting the fish together like a pair of Siamese twins...went well for 5 or 10 minutes when the leader failed at the 30 lb.-to- 80 lb shock barrel knot. I have pictures.

lunchbox · Location: Utah

I think it is a lot easier to get the bimini to seat tight with gel spun than to get an albright to seat evenly anyday.

Chernobylv8 · Location: Chile

MarshallD and all.

What you think about keep the manufacture Loop instead of make the whipped finished?

Just bought the lines and they come with loop both sides.

Cristián

MG · Posted: Mon 06/01/09 2:21 pm Post subject:

I partake in Jeremy's #3, using loops from 50lb braided mono running line for the fly line end, which are slipped over the line and secured with nail knots and a dab of Aquaseal. Surgeons loop on the backing side.

I've always been a piss poor bimini tier. The knot drives me to drinking (and just makes things worse).

MarshallD · Location: Naples, Fl

chernobyl,
Many guides and shop owners prefer to retie the manufactured loops themselves and I have no problem with that.