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Connecting Loops in Fly Fishing Lines

loop to loop connection in fly lines for fly fishing

The Loop to Loop Connection

Whether connecting backing to fly line, fly line to leader, or sometimes even tippet to leader, you will use the versatile loop-to-loop connection frequently. Pay special attention when closing the connection so that it forms a square knot and not a firth hitch, which can weaken the connection.

  1. Insert the loop of backing (created here with a double surgeon’s loop) through the loop of fly line (created here with a nail knot).
  2. Place the backing loop over the reel or spool.
  3. Continue over the reel and pull the backing loop through the fly line loop.
  4. Draw the connection tight. You may end up with a girth hitch, which will weaken the line. If so, simply dress the knot by flipping the loop of backing over from a square knot. Pulling snug.

loop to loop connection for fly lines and leaders and backing for fly fishing

Author

Joe Mahler fly casting

Joe Mahler is one of the USA's leading fly casting instructors and author and illustrator of “Essential Knots & Rigs for Trout” and “Essential Knots & Rigs for Salt Water”. You can Book a fly casting lesson with Joe via his website here


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