NorCal Kayak Anglers

Kayak Fishing Zone => Kayak Fly Fishing => Topic started by: Tinker on August 21, 2016, 05:06:30 AM

Title: Connection Problems
Post by: Tinker on August 21, 2016, 05:06:30 AM
I like using a slow sinking mainline connected to 15-18 feet of T-18 to a leader, but hinging between the mainline and the T-18 has been a problem.  If I cut the factory loops off the mainline, what's the best method to attach the T-18?

And as a second question, does a nail knot work on mono-to-mono connections?  The double surgeon's knot creates a big enough lump in leaders to interfere when I have a bigger fish at the boat.  I can tie a nail knot, but blood knots manage to escape my knot-tying skills.
Title: Re: Connection Problems
Post by: Eddie on August 21, 2016, 07:11:53 AM
Double Uni knot is my line connector knot :smt006
Title: Re: Connection Problems
Post by: fishshim on August 21, 2016, 12:54:14 PM
I would make loops out of hollow spectra or dacron. look up making topshots with hollow spectra. Those will be smoothest connection possible.
If hinging is an issue, old school nail knot mono loop with some flexible adhesive.
Title: Re: Connection Problems
Post by: Tinker on August 21, 2016, 05:46:09 PM
Thank you, but the connection area where I'm having problems is the main line to the T-18 sink tip.  You cannot make a nail knot between those two lines.
Title: Re: Connection Problems
Post by: CptSloppywood on August 21, 2016, 08:17:23 PM
I found that hinging is a common issue with shooting heads try a full intermediate line if you want a slow sinker that won't hing on you. I used Rio clear intermediate but prefer the cheaper Cortland clear camp. It cast better and had way less memory.
Title: Re: Connection Problems
Post by: CptSloppywood on August 21, 2016, 08:19:41 PM
Opps sorry dude i missunderstood.you want a fast sinking tip on an intermediate running line.duh
Title: Re: Connection Problems
Post by: Tinker on August 22, 2016, 05:14:05 AM
Yeah, kind of counter-intuitive.  I want to get the fly down to 50+ feet but still be able to watch the line as it sinks.

Right now I'm using a SINK 7 integrated line, but would really like to get some use out of all the T-18 I bought before I thought about how to work with it.
Title: Re: Connection Problems
Post by: golfish on August 22, 2016, 10:26:11 AM
15-18ft is kinda short and may enhance the hinging action. IMO don't go under 24' if you are trying to use it as a shooting head. I start with a 30' chunk and cut back until it feels right for the rod.

You could try using the braid part of the a braided loop and aquasealing over the connection. I still think it might hinge though.

I prefer integrated lines on the yak so I can pull some of the head in to cast a little easier at times, in the boat I don't care.
Title: Re: Connection Problems
Post by: Tinker on August 22, 2016, 12:15:19 PM
15-18ft is kinda short and may enhance the hinging action. IMO don't go under 24' if you are trying to use it as a shooting head. I start with a 30' chunk and cut back until it feels right for the rod.

You could try using the braid part of the a braided loop and aquasealing over the connection. I still think it might hinge though.

I prefer integrated lines on the yak so I can pull some of the head in to cast a little easier at times, in the boat I don't care.

Thanks.  I've about accepted that it sounded better in my head than it actually works.  Oh well, I'll figure out something I can do with the T-18.
Title: Re: Connection Problems
Post by: peterjmaes on August 22, 2016, 06:54:55 PM
Have you tried an Albright knot?  Quick, easy, AND strong.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Connection Problems
Post by: golfish on August 23, 2016, 01:54:50 PM
Thanks.  I've about accepted that it sounded better in my head than it actually works.  Oh well, I'll figure out something I can do with the T-18.

You can chop it up into sinktips if you ever do skagit casting with the 2-hander.