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Tip: Spliced Loops
Flyrodders
hate knots, and hate them most when they start bumping through guides
as a trophy saltwater gamefish takes off on a run. To take some of the
bumps out of fly fishing, install a Spliced Loop in Backing Lines and
a Braided Monofilament Loop on the end of your fly line.
The Loop-to-Loop Connection is strong, and best of all, much smoother
than Nail Knots or any other method of joining a fly line to Backing.
You can make these splices because braided monofilament line is actually
hollow. Most backing lines are also "hollow," but there are
exceptions, specifically the newer gel-spun lines. It's a totally different
manufacturing process and you will not be able to insert a splicing needle
into the line. You might also find it difficult to splice backing lines
under 30-pound-test. In these cases, you can tie a Bimini Twist loop in
the backing.
This method of installing a Spliced Loop in Backing is essential to setting
up a Shooting Head system. [There are three images below. Give them time
to load.]



Note
that Diagram #3 shows an extra "tuck" that's used to make for
a firmer loop connection in a backing line. It's not necessary for splicing
a loop in a braided monofilament.
Though this is a solid splice, you should cover it and the crotch of the
loop with a thin mixture of Aquaseal and its accelerator, Cotol-240. Allow
the Aquaseal to cure for about one hour before you connect your fly line,
spool your reel, and go fishing.
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