Sink Tip Line Question

[Rob909]

Hey Folks,

I was recently told something that I want to try to verify or quash.....

On a sink tip line, specifically the Rio DC 24 ft sink tip, when you attach the leader to the line, a nail knot may not be the best answer as the fly line is smooth and will not have the friction of a normal floating line and the nail knot could slip loose.........does this sound right?

I am very new to sink tips and want to make sure my setup is sound. I usually do a needle nail knot when attaching my leader. Is this not the proper attachment for a sink tip line? Does the smooth sink tip allow a nail knot to slip? Does the sink tip have a hollow center core in which to use a needle nail knot?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks


Rob

[Bernard]

I have only used a few sink-tips thus far but used nail knots without issue HOWEVER I often drop a dab of supplemental adhesive. Whether that input helps or not, I might add that it'd really be a risky proposition for a manufacturer to sell lines that are not nail knot friendly. At the end of the day, as will all knots, do the deed and then TEST IT. I always imagine myself fighting a fish of a lifetime and pull like crazy on these knots. Let us know what you decide and I'll probably post again real soon 'cause I just loaded a new sink-tip and plan to set it up it soon. Slightly tipsy on holiday wine ... about 200 miles from my gear.
B

[beachbum]

I have never had a nail knot come loose, on a sink tip, or sinking line. Over the years, that's a lot of fly lines.

[Ming Moua]

Rob, for sinking lines I use Rio Braided Loops.. I slip the braided loops over the sinking line tip CHINESE FINGER TRAP WAY and tie two nail knots 1 top and 1 bottom with 8lbs maxima..... I like the easy change loop to loop......MIng

[stanbery]

Rob

On a sink tip line, specifically the Rio DC 24 ft sink tip, when you attach the leader to the line, a nail knot may not be the best answer as the fly line is smooth and will not have the friction of a normal floating line and the nail knot could slip loose.........does this sound right?

Nail knot will work fine on the sink tip line. I also put some CA (Crazy Glue) on the knot as well

I am very new to sink tips and want to make sure my setup is sound. I usually do a needle nail knot when attaching my leader. Is this not the proper attachment for a sink tip line?

Will work fine

Does the smooth sink tip allow a nail knot to slip?

No it does not slip. Use CA as well on the knot.

Does the sink tip have a hollow center core in which to use a needle nail knot?

NO

I have started to use the braided loop connections as Ming suggested and they work fine. I also put CA on to these connections as well

Jon

[planettrout]

Here is another alternative that can not be done stream side - doesn't hinge or hang up in the guides.

Dave Whitlock's Zap A Gap connection:

http://books.google.com/books?id=gE441d ... q=&f=false

PT/TB

[Danny McB]

I have actually had this problem. Luckily it was found while still at home. The problem was that I was using a very heavy stiff thick mono on larger weight rod lines and found that when I put the nail knot on the floating and intermediates there was no problem but the knot would slip off of the much thinner full sink line. I just switched to a softer and thinner mono and have had no problems. (the other mono was overkill anyway) I really dont see what you mention being a problem with lighter line stuff ie: trout sizes with smaller mono attaching. Also I would always reccomend as others have said some sort of adhesive to the knot when finished. Hope that helps.


Danny McB

[briansII]

IMHO, you need to ask yourself, what is the max tippet/leader strength you will use on this line. If it's 15-20lb +, I would go with a braided mono loop like Ming suggests. If it's less than that, you'll be fine with a nail knot connection. I personally prefer a braided, or factory welded loop on everything above a 7wt. 6wt I swing both ways.

Here's a great article on making and installing your own braided loop.

http://www.danblanton.com/gettinglooped.html

I prefer the loops above, to the ones you can buy. They are a double catch, and stronger. Follow the above directions, and you'll have a 100% connection. If you don't want to go out and buy braided mono to make your own loops, let me know. I can send you a few.

briansII

[NorcalBob]

On some monofilament cored flylines, a nail knot can slip off since the mono core does not compress as easily as a braided core and won't give enough "bite" into the coating (especially if it's thin, like on many sinking lines). That might be an issue on big bad saltwater fish. Not so much on wimpy trout! I use braided loops on all on my 8 WT and up stuff since nothing is stronger.