fly fishing knot( leader to main line).

[Fishaholic]

So I was wondering what knot to use to tie my leader to my main line? I have been using the albright special  knot and the sergeon knot. Any advice?  I use floating line thats weighted forward. I am going to go out this evening and try to catch something on my fly pole.

Thanks
ddjj

[Mr56Jeep]

Nail knot loop.  Loop to loop connection.   

[bearpaw]

nail knot shown here: 
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.floridasportsman.com/files/2010/09/tubenailknot2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.floridasportsman.com/2011/10/25/howto_knots_tube_knot/&h=600&w=400&sz=50&tbnid=vwS91ZZB4IZ1FM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=60&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dnail%2Bknot%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=nail+knot&usg=__dd6vIxmUAwvuTCZ-kynW8JL9fyM=&docid=3pB5YOV_sbryNM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=3waIUcvfE42ujALi_oCYCA&sqi=2&ved=0CD4Q9QEwBQ&dur=2586

[Pathfinder101]

X 3 for the Nail knot

[JackOfAllTrades]

Nail knot loop.  Loop to loop connection.

I am switching to this soon. That way I can switch leaders any time without tying knots.
 
-Steve

[luvtohnt]

Try these. Pretty neat idea, and it makes changing leaders quick and painless!!

http://www.fishusa.com/Bear-Paw-Tackle-Line-Leader-Connectors_p.html?source=googleps&gclid=CIGdi6yfgrcCFSU6QgodJEgAuQ

Brandon

[jackelope]

I use these:
http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=1051

That or you can nail knot a heavy chunk of mono to your fly line and put a perfection loop on the end of that.

Then I buy leaders with pre-tied loops and go loop to loop.

I'm lazy.

[Heredoggydoggy]

When I flyfished years ago, I used the epoxy "no knot" stuff, and it worked good.  But I used it to attach a short piece of heavy leader material with a loop in it to attach leaders to.  Made for an easy leader swap, and no big knot to feed through the guides... 

[wildmanoutdoors]

Im with Lazy. Lol

"That or you can nail knot a heavy chunk of mono to your fly line and put a perfection loop on the end of that.

Then I buy leaders with pre-tied loops and go loop to loop.

I'm lazy."

[jackelope]

Nail knot loop.  Loop to loop connection.

I am switching to this soon. That way I can switch leaders any time without tying knots.
 
-Steve

Just make sure your mono that you use to attach to your line is heavy stuff...like 40+ pound test. It's got to be able to roll. If it's too lightweight it won't roll the leader over properly.
 

[Fishaholic]

okay so do i have to use a leader? or can i tie straight on to the main line or does it go main line leader tippit?  can i use a loop to loop  for the main line to the leader then use another loop to loop for the tippit?

[olsy]

I use this handy tool to tie a nail knot

http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=711069&productVariantId=1600601&WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=30034778&rid=40&channel=GoogleBaseUSA&mr:trackingCode=406FE7CC-958E-DF11-A0C8-002219318F67&mr:referralID=NA&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=25988357591&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=52254561071&gclid=CLWg2OSlgrcCFSU6QgodJEgAuQ

You are going to want to use a tapered leader attached to your fly line. As your leader gets shortened from changing flies, etc... you can tie on tippet to your leader.

[mossyoak arrow slinger]

I would just go by one of the loop connectors that they make for the main line of your fly rod, then you can just tie a regular fishermans knot off of that.  They also make a lot of fly lines that come with a welded loop now. but i have fished the loop connectors on all of my lines for years.

[jackelope]

okay so do i have to use a leader? or can i tie straight on to the main line or does it go main line leader tippit?  can i use a loop to loop  for the main line to the leader then use another loop to loop for the tippit?

Use a tapered leader. The taper is what helps the leader to roll your fly when you cast. Otherwise, it will just pile up at the end of your line.

Don't use loop to loop for tippet to leader. It's too big and you will get all kinds of crap stuck to it.
Use a blood knot for your leader to tipper connection.

So it's fly line to leader via loop to loop, then leader to tipper via a blood knot. I always use a tippet so when you do cut your fly off, you're cutting tippet and not leader. Tippet is a lot cheaper than hacking up your leaders.

[mossyoak arrow slinger]

i truly believe that running straight flourocarbon is the way to go when fly fishing. the least amount of knots that you have the better off you are. the only time i will ever use tippet is if the fish are being very picky when i am fishing dries and need the best presentation other wise i will just run the straight flouro. either way its your own personal preference.