08-11-2009, 01:49 AM
Here is a way an old fly shop owner, Doug Hoops taught me to attach a leader to the fly line. Doug had me use a rather large sewing needle. You push the needle into the end of the fly line a little more than 1/4 inch. Heat the needle with a match. When it has cooled, remove the needle. A hole should remain in the end of the fly line. Place a small drop of Krazy Glue on the butt end of a knotless leader. Slide the leader into the hole in the end of the fly line. Place the smallest of drops of glue right where the leader meets the fly line to finish filling the hole and make it smooth. Be careful not to get glue anywhere else on the fly line or leader. Wait for the glue to dry (24 hrs is best).
I remember questioning weather this would hold when I first tried it. I used an old line and tried to pull the leader and line apart. The fly line broke - the connection never did. It sure makes a smooth transition from fly line to leader (much smoother than the nail knot). I have used it now for 15 years and have never lost a fish from a line to leader failure. One note - Doug only used "Krazy Glue". I'm not sure if it is realy better than other brands of super glue, but that is the only brand I have tried - the student always listens to the master.
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I remember questioning weather this would hold when I first tried it. I used an old line and tried to pull the leader and line apart. The fly line broke - the connection never did. It sure makes a smooth transition from fly line to leader (much smoother than the nail knot). I have used it now for 15 years and have never lost a fish from a line to leader failure. One note - Doug only used "Krazy Glue". I'm not sure if it is realy better than other brands of super glue, but that is the only brand I have tried - the student always listens to the master.
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