There are of a number of ways of joining shooting heads to running lines, some anglers make the use of braided mono loops, others strip off the outer coating and tie a loop in the core.

Personally this is the method I use.

By using a knott prior to welding a loop into the line we can be assured that the core is still intact and is satisfactorily joined internally with a knott.

My prefered knott is the Perfection loop, very ideal for this task as it is reasonably small and see's the loop sit as a continuation of the line, rather than kick off at an angle...
So first we tie a Perfection loop into what will be our connection end of our flyline, and we then pull it tight.
"be carefull not to damage the outer coating or expose the inner core at this point, hence the use of smooth round scissors for gripping the loop as we pull"





Trim the tag close and whilst using mono, thread on heat shrink over the loop and well past the knott.....

 

Using a lighter on a low setting "*Edit, or even better a small candle with a short wick, so you can use two hands"... gently heat the heat shrink in the area of the knott so that is contracts tightly and begins to melt the flyline coating beneath, rotate the line as you do so to evenly heat the knott....This does take practice in not overdoing it, and watch your fingers...

With wetted fingers, roll the melted knott beneath the shrink tubing and smooth out the bump, once cooled carefully strip off the heat shrink and inspect the weld.
Always test for strength prior to use.



Back to Articles Page