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Tying Leaders

There are several knots to tie the short strands to­gether; the best, in my opinion, being the single and double water knots as they are known in this country or the fishermen's knots as they are called abroad.

The single knot (figure 1) is made by laying the ends of two strands along side of one another and tying a simple knot around each with the free end of the other. When pulled tight these knots jam against each other making what appears to be one knot. The strands should be shaken slightly as the knots come together. Finish by snipping off the overhanging surplus.

Figure 1, Figure 2

The double knot (figure 2) is made similarly except that a double knot is tied before tightening. Of the two I prefer the single knot because it is smaller although not quite as secure unless very carefully tied. Some anglers weave a tiny length of gut between the strands to act as a cushion before drawing taut but this I believe to be unnecessary. If one wishes he can insert the knotted end of a loop or strand between the knots for dropper fly before pulling them together.

In using either knot it takes from six to eight strands, depending on their length, to produce a leader approximately six feet long which is the most favored size for general fishing.

The best knot I know for making a loop at the ends of the leader is shown in figures 3, 4 and 5, labeled Favorite Loop. A double loop is loosely made on the end of the leader. The free end is placed be­tween the loops, the upper loop is pulled through the lower and both pulled taut. This knot holds well, lies flat and will not cut.

If the angler uses snelled flies and fishes with more than one fly the best leader is made by looping together two three footers with loops at both ends. The snelled dropper fly can then be attached by simply in­serting its end between the two loops. If more than one dropper fly is desired or if a strand to attach an eyed fly is wanted it can be tied to the leader as shown in figures 6 and 7.

Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5

One can learn these knots in a few moments by practicing with heavy jute cord such as is used by hardware dealers and others selling heavy merchandise.

I use only one fly and my favorite leader for bass is tapered, the upper two-thirds being of bass size, the lower third of heavy trout strength, the whole being slightly over 5 feet in length. My trout leaders vary in weight, according to conditions. Six feet is my wet fly length and 71/2 or 9 feet for dry fly fishing.

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