Loop to loop connection.
This connection is used to connect the leader to the fly line and also to connect tippet sections to the leader. This is a very, very simple, strong, and reliable method of connecting lines together. If your fly line doesn't have a loop you still have a few choices. A furled leader can be nail knoted to the line just the same as a tapered monofilament leader with a few modifications, but it is highly recommended to do one of the following:
- Use a slip on fly line loop
- Tie a perfection loop in the end of a short section of heavy tippet material or mono and nail knot that section to the fly line
- Do an internet search with the quarry "fly line leader loop." There you will find many methods of tying, welding, shrink tubing, and strip and looping leader loops in the end of a fly line.
The following illustrations demonstrate a loop to loop connection.
Tippet rings
Tippet rings are very tiny sterling silver rings woven into the tippet end of our leaders. They provide a solid connection point for tying on tippets which can be repaced without damaging the leader. They also provide a great tie-in point for droppers. Their tiny size allows them to float due to the surface tension of the water.
Disconnecting leaders and tippets
To disconnect a Gandy Creek furled leader from a fly line, or a tippet section from a leader, simply hold the different sections between your finger and thumb close to the connection and push toward each other. The square knot will release and they can be separated by reversing the above procedure. If your leader has a tippet ring installed, simply cut the tippet from the ring in the same manner you cut the tippet from a fly.
Tippets
Our main leader sections come in three sizes, 4', 5'4" and 7'6". From there you can adjust the total length of your leader by adding tippet. For longer leaders it is recommended that you step down in tippet size. For example, to achieve an 9' leader using a 5'4" main leader, add on a 2' section of heavier tippet such as 3X or use a light monofilament such as 2lb test fishing line. You can then tie on a 2' or so section of lighter tippet to complete your leader. Looped tippet sections in several weights and lengths are available in our online store.
Straightening a leader
Although virtually devoid of memory leaders furled using monofilament line may sometimes take on small bends and curves. DO NOT use a leader straightener on a furled leader. Leader straighteners work on the principal of friction generating enough heat to realign the strands of carbon chains in the leader. The ammount of heat generated by straighteners will damage a furled leader because of the very fine strands it is made of. If any bends are present the best way to straighten it out is to cast it. The natural stretching incurred by casting will realign the fibers after only a few casts and you will have a like new leader. Leaders furled out of stranded polyester and tying thread have no memory whatsoever.
To sink or to float, that is the question!
And the answer is yes! All of our monofilament lines are bouyancy neutral, that means they will support their own weight in water. Leaders furled out of stranded polyester or nylon thread have slightly negative bouyancy, which means they will slowly sink. Either will float high and dry with an application of floatant. Both types work well with all types of floatant. Sinking tippets and leaders are constructed of fluorocarbon line which will readily sink. A whole host of combinations can be achieved and quickly assembled by changing leaders and tippet sections.
Strike indicators and sinking tips made easy
Need a floating indicator, no problem. Or how about a sinking indicator or tip? We gotcha' covered. Foam, yarn, string, weights, and wire are easily attached to the leader by inserting between the elements of the leader. To do this, simply grasp the leader between your thumbs and forefingers about an inch apart and twist one side in a clockwise direction. The elements will separate and allow you to work your indicator or weight between them. Let go and it snaps back together holding the material between them. Indicators or weights stay where you put them.
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