Quick Question - Braided Loops for Salmon

[John Gray]

I thought I would compare the mono loop with the braided loop, as recommended by Rio. The mono loop, needle knotted, is tied with 15 pound Maxima. I made the braided loop from a length of Leeda braided nylon backing line reinforced with 8 pound Maxima. No glue or varnish has been used.

MONO LOOP




BRAIDED LOOP




In my opinion, the mono loop is neater, has less bulk and is likely to be stronger and more durable than the braided loop. I also found the needle knotted mono loop considerably quicker and easier to attach than the braided loop.

I tested both by looping a doubled length of 15 pound Maxima through each in turn and pulling hard. Both held. However, if going for the braided loop, I would certainly recommend the addition of a drop or two of waterproof glue. Both loops might benefit from a coat of varnish, aquasure or other sealant.

[munro]

Take your point about neatness. Your set up is far more pleasing to the eye.Would I just put a dap of fishing glue on the knot(s). Have heard of aquasure - in fact originator of the thread referredto it but I'm not sure what it is exactly - is that just another type of glue?

[elwyman]

Aquasure is a waterproof glue - normally used for wader repairs, for which I have found it excellent.

[elwyman]

John,

Your mono loop looks very neat and secure. Two questions:

1. How often do you replace it.
2. Does it turnover the leader ok, ie no hinging effect.

[John Gray]

On the question of efficient turnover of the leader, I must say I have no way of measuring this. As far as I can tell, it turns over a leader as well as any other method, including a braided loop. The doubled monofilament is quite stiff, particularly in the higher breaking strains, possibly as stiff as the fly line itself. With care, the loop can be made quite small, which would increase the stiffness and reduce any hingeing.

The mono loop is very durable, particularly if made from a hard nylon like Maxima. As with the braided loop, it is, of course, important to use a loop-to-loop connection, rather than to tie the leader to the loop. I would normally replace my loops at the start of each season. This would depend, of course, on their use. As an example, the loop on my sea trout floating line - a DT7 with a loop of 12 pound Maxima - would normally last a season, fishing approximately thirty nights. The loop might well last considerably longer but I would make an effort to change it every season. There is no need to use glue or sealant on the knot, although I normally add a drop of varnish.

[munro]

John you have quite convinced me to use your method rather than the loops as I'm very impressed by the neatness of the join (and it will give me a chance to use my new all in one nail knot pipe/splice needle/fly pick up magnet which I was persuaded to buy when I bought the loops).
Only one question tho'-what is the likely breaking strain of the 20 lb line once its doubled?- I suspect the answer is not 40lb

[John Gray]

Is there a physicist in the house?

[elwyman]

As an engineer, I would say as strong as its weakest point, ie the 20lb mono or the knot. In theory the doubled mono should take 40lb loading, but I suspect the knot would fail first.

John - hook a 40lb salmon and let us know what happens!

[munro]

The only reason I asked was that the originator of the thread was told by Willie Gunn to dump his 20lb loops - so what is the best weight and does our set up come up to that.

[elwyman]

munro said:

The only reason I asked was that the originator of the thread was told by Willie Gunn to dump his 20lb loops - so what is the best weight and does our set up come up to that.

I get the impression that Willie doesn't like braid loop full stop. I am fairly sure that 20lb mono loops, for forming the Gray's Loop, will be perfectly adequate for salmon fishing in the UK.

[munro]

Thanks Elyway and especially John for all the trouble you've gone - much appreciated

[bennachie]

Excellent work by John in this thread, thanks for going to all that trouble.

Now, how does the needle knot go again.....................