The loop-to-loop connection has long been hailed as the standard for attaching a leader to a fly line in fly fishing. It’s often praised for its simplicity and accessibility, especially when compared to knots like the nail knot. However, this seemingly convenient method harbors inherent flaws that can lead to frustrating problems on the water. But what if there was an even simpler, more effective way to connect your leader, one that eliminates the headaches of loop-to-loop without requiring a tricky nail knot? Yes, there is – and it might be a knot you already know. Can you tie a simple clinch knot? Then you’re already halfway there.
Many anglers are so ingrained in the loop-to-loop system that they go to great lengths to maintain it. Imagine a fly fishing enthusiast showing up for a guided trip with a hand-tied loop clumsily attached to their fly line, simply because it didn’t come with a factory-welded loop. Instead of solving a problem, this actually amplifies it. In such cases, the best course of action is often to cut off that unwieldy creation and embrace the superior nail knot. But there’s an even better solution.
For newer fly anglers, it might be surprising to learn that fly lines weren’t always manufactured with loops on the ends. About a decade ago, the trend of pre-looped fly lines began with high-end options and gradually became widespread. Today, a significant majority of fly lines come equipped with welded loops straight from the factory.
Interestingly, for years, many experienced anglers, including myself, would actually cut off these factory-welded loops. Early welded loops were often bulky and cumbersome, adding unnecessary mass to the delicate taper of a fly line. However, advancements in fly line technology brought about slimmer, more refined welded loops. When my preferred fly line started featuring a low-profile loop right out of the box, it became difficult to argue that such a streamlined design could negatively impact casting performance. So, I decided to keep it. But instead of using it for a loop-to-loop connection, I started tying my leader directly to it using a clinch knot.
Yes, the humble clinch knot. Often overlooked for leader attachment, it’s arguably the simplest and most effective method. As someone who constantly seeks efficient solutions, I initially adopted the clinch knot for quickly changing between a Mono Rig and a standard leader using a tippet ring. This method is detailed here:
READ: Troutbitten | Get me back to my fly line — Connecting and disconnecting the Mono Rig
When those improved, slim fly line loops became available, I made a further simplification. I abandoned the nail knot altogether, along with the extra step of using a Chameleon leader piece and a tippet ring. Instead, I began tying the clinch knot directly to the fly line loop.
The Frustrations of Loop-to-Loop Connections
Let’s delve into why loop-to-loop connections fall short. Consider this my “airing of grievances” against this widely accepted method. The list is concise but impactful.
The primary issue with loop-to-loop is its inherent bulkiness. This creates a clunky connection that frequently snags in rod guides. Regardless of knot-tying precision, the perfection loop in a leader, with its blunt end, is prone to catching on guides as you strip line. The bulky “handshake” where the two loops connect also adds to the friction and snagging. Imagine this scenario: you’re playing a trophy trout, rod fully flexed, net in hand, stretching to land the fish after a hard-fought battle in strong currents. This fish of a lifetime decides to make one last run. It bolts, the loop-to-loop connection catches momentarily on a guide, and your tippet snaps. Heartbreak.
Even without a fish on the line, the loop-to-loop connection hinders smooth casting and line shooting due to the constant friction as it passes through the guides. This is particularly noticeable when trying to achieve distance casts.
For anglers who prefer longer leaders, the loop-to-loop system presents another inconvenience. Changing a leader longer than ten or twelve feet becomes a cumbersome task, requiring you to thread the entire length of the leader through the small fly line loop. And when you need to detach the old leader (which can sometimes be fiddly in itself), you must repeat the process in reverse. While perhaps not a major ordeal, it’s certainly inefficient and can become irritating, especially when you value time on the water. If you’re using a long leader system like a Mono Rig, the thought of threading thirty-plus feet of leader through a tiny fly line loop is simply impractical when a quick clinch knot offers a far more efficient alternative.
The Clinch Knot Advantage: Simplicity and Streamlined Performance
This brings us to the elegant simplicity of the clinch knot. A basic clinch knot is all you need to securely attach your leader to a fly line loop. Treat the loop as you would the eye of a fly and tie the clinch knot accordingly. There’s no need to “improve” the clinch knot by threading the tag end back through the final loop – this unnecessary step only adds bulk.
The beauty of the clinch knot lies in its slim profile. Resembling a blood knot in appearance, it simply wraps neatly around the line, adding minimal bulk and eliminating hard angles that can catch on guides. For the thicker diameter of a leader butt section, just three or four wraps are sufficient. Remember to moisten the knot before tightening it firmly, and it will hold reliably.
Equally important is the speed and ease of leader changes with the clinch knot. To replace a leader, simply clip off the old one close to the knot and tie on a new one. It’s quick, clean, and avoids the hassle of threading long leader sections through small loops. A significant advantage, especially when time is of the essence on the water.
It’s worth noting that with each leader change using a clinch knot, you will lose a small portion of the butt section. Typically, this is about half an inch per change, depending on tying technique. Even if you lose a full inch each time, is it a significant concern? For long leaders like a Mono Rig, the impact is negligible even over many leader changes. For standard length leaders, it becomes relevant sooner, but for many anglers, the trade-off for efficiency and a streamlined connection is well worth it. And if you tie your own leaders, you can easily replace the butt section if it becomes too short for your liking.
Exploring Other Connection Options
For those familiar with Troutbitten’s philosophy, efficiency and optimized design are paramount. A solution must not only be fast but also function flawlessly.
While the clinch knot method for leader-to-fly-line connection works exceptionally well for me, it’s important to consider leader design in conjunction with connection methods. My leader designs, particularly the Mono Rig, are intentionally long to keep the fly line connection outside of the rod guides during casting and retrieving. This allows for techniques like slinging streamers across the river with only the leader butt section passing through the guides.
READ: Troutbitten | Streamers on the Mono Rig — More Control and Contact
The needle knot is perhaps the only connection method that creates an even lower profile than the clinch knot. However, the needle knot is impractical to tie streamside. The nail knot, while a traditional option, also involves a degree of complexity and can be challenging to tie neatly on the river. Furthermore, tying a nail knot typically consumes more leader material. And in terms of profile, a well-tied clinch knot to a fly line loop is arguably just as streamlined as a nail knot.
Therefore, it’s time to move beyond the limitations of the loop-to-loop. Embrace the simplicity and efficiency of the clinch knot for a more streamlined and frustration-free fly fishing experience.
Fish hard, friends.
Enjoy your time on the water.
Domenick Swentosky
T R O U T B I T T E N
[email protected]
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