Perfection Loop

[MJ]

I realize this question may be a no-brainer for most, but for me, well....it is a legitimate question. Yesterday while playing around with my gear, the loop I had installed on my fly line managed to come off (rather disappointing I might add.) Since I didn't have a heat source with me at that moment, I decided to simply tie a perfection loop in the fly line and loop-to-loop my leader that way. Of course, I have not yet had the opportunity to test this set up under actual combat conditions. My question is, however, does anyone have any experience how such a setup will hold up? I have noticed in the past that perfection loops aren't the strongest, however, whereas the loop in this case is the fly line, I figure it will work ok. Any comments?

Mark

[SaltH2oFly]

Marcus - for my saltwater set up, I created a perfection loop in my line (b/c it didn't come with one), then I trimmed it up as close and neatly as possible without jeopardizing the knot, then I took some plyo-bond and coated the entire knot. This maybe just a psychological tactic, but I believe it helps to streamline the knot in the water as well as keep it solid. It has held up just fine over the last few years in the salt. I don't see why a technique like this would not work for you.

[fessiewig]

My standard set up is to have a perfection loop spliced onto the end of my fly line and another on the leader. Been using that set up for 25 years with no problems.

[flytire]

A perfection knot loop in both the fly line and the leader is an acceptable method, maybe not the optimum but acceptable. Too many different methods to say which is the correct method!

If it works for you then its acceptable :!:

[sbeausol]

if you are fishing for trout, the perfection loop should be just fine...

[Salmon Slayer]

I have used that connection quite a bit and i've never had it fail, although I was less than pleased with the way it looked and the way it transfered energy from the line to the leader when trying to turn over a heavy fly

[MJ]

Everyone, thank you all for your comments re: perfection loop. Because of your responses, I feel confident about using such a setup. Now, if I can just reconcile some finned beast into accommodating me...!

[overmywaders]

I use a whip-finished loop on the ends of all of my fly lines, silk or PVC. Sometimes, after a few years of use, I need to make a new loop, but I have never had the loop fail in use.

The advantage of this loop over the braided loop is that it doesn't stiffen the end of the line as much, especially when you are using 3wt.

Best regards,
Reed
www.overmywaders.com

[fessiewig]

Interesting. Tell me where I can see how this is done. Sounds like something I'd want to investigate. Always looking for a better way.

[MJ]

Please bear with my vast inexperience, but what is a whip-finished loop?

Mark

[overmywaders]

A whipped loop is made as shown for a PVC line, slightly different for a silk line--- http://www.flyfisherman.com/skills/lkknots/index8.html
you might also want to roughen the finish of the line with coarse sandpaper, to improve the grip of the thread. Varnish makes a better coating than head cement because it flexes.

I go about .25" onto the single strand of fly line with the tying thread (3/0 nylon) to stiffen that section somewhat and ease the transition. The overall length of the finished loop is about 1".

Best regards,
Reed
www.overmywaders.com

[fessiewig]

Interesting. It looks kinda bulky, though. I'm using a perfection loop tied in 25lb test leader which I draw into the center of the end of the fly line with a needle. Once the needle has traveled a half to three quarters of an inch I bring it out the side of the fly line. Then I draw the leader with the perfection loop almost all the way up to the fly line end (maybe an inch of so from the loop butting against the end of the fly line). I then add Zap-a-gap to the leader and finish drawing until the loop butts against the end of the fly line. I then cut the leader tag flush with the exit hole in the fly line and apply a little Zap-a-gap and I'm done. Small and neat.

[MJ]

Whipped-loop? Yes, I see what you mean. And, thank you for providing the link which displayed the visual of how to tie the loop. It was most useful indeed!

John, your way is quite interesting as well. Both ways seem doable by me.

Mark

[overmywaders]

fessie,

Your technique sounds good, too. I have always used the whipped loop with no problem, so I haven't changed. Just whatever we are used to, I guess. Have you ever had the mono pull out of the fly line?

Best regards,
Reed
www.overmywaders.com

[fessiewig]

Never. But, in truth, I've been using this method (the Zap-a-gap) for less time than I have threading the line up and securing the tag end with a needle knot. But still, I think it works better because it's smaller and you can have the perfection loop right against the end of the fly line. The old method I would have the loop about 1.5 to 2 inches away from the end of the fly line.

[Boneylegs]

fessie- I've had your method demonstrated to me before and it works great with a braided core line. The problem comes when you buy one of the clear sinking lines that have no core. I've been using the whip method for about 5-6 years now and won't use any other method. Works slicker than snot. The key is to make sure the loop isn't too big so as to catch in your guides, and with practice, it's easy to do! Lefty Kreh has the complete details in one of his "Complete Knots" books....he goes into a little more detail than the FFM link does.