Hi Richard, One would think that it has to be an overstatement to say that a knot is 100% of the tippet strength because the knot process typically puts a cutting force on the tippet material somewhere in order to keep it from slipping. When I said splice, I meant the connection between the leader and the tippet. The interesting thing about the Orvis knot is that when it's used just to tie on the fly, the breakage will most often occur at the tippet to leader connection. That's why they came up with the "100%" leader to tippet splice. When both are used in combination, the tippet will usually break somewhere other than at the knot or splice. That has to be pretty close to 100% and give that info to the marketing department and it's a wonder that it isn't the 125% knot. :-) Try it out for yourself, don't believe Orvis or the guy who wrote the book. Incidentally, for the line to leader splice, I always use the Keough Splice which is a strong, smooth, mechanical connection. No glue required and nothing to catch in your line guides (which can be very nice when using looong leaders). It's just kind of difficult to make. -Bob ----- Original Message ----- From: "rdembry" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Thursday, September 06, 2001 7:57 AM Subject: Re: Most important tackle detail? Leader splice and Orvis knot > Bob, I understand the 100% claim on the Orvis knot is overstated; my > understanding (information obtained from a guy who has knots as his > hobby/interest and has written a book about it; hey, everyone needs their > passion!) is the knot is in the 90% range. > > And, I believe leader splice is unnecessary (if knot strength is your > concern) to the extent that portion of the leader that is being affixed to > your fly line is the butt section, and usually has a breaking strength > between 25# and 30# (depending on your leader construction). Leader > splices, I believe, are preferred by folks who want a 'seamless' attachment > between the fly line and the leader that slides through the guides easily. > > I have buddies that are super good fishermen that still prefer the nail > knot; I prefer loop-to-loop connections for ease of changing out leaders. I > get a lot of flack for it, though! Part of the fun . . . > > Richard > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Bob Birkner" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Sent: Wednesday, September 05, 2001 1:37 PM > Subject: Re: Most important tackle detail? > > > > OK Leland, do you use the Orvis %100 strength knot and leader splice then? > > -Bob > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: "Leland Miyawaki" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > Sent: Wednesday, September 05, 2001 9:11 AM > > Subject: Re: Most important tackle detail? > > > > > > > "Which of the following is the most important tackle detail for catching > > > fish? > > > > > > a. Strong knots > > > b. Line selection > > > c. Sharp hooks > > > d. Lure (or fly) choice > > > e. Presentation" > > > > > > > > > An interesting question. > > > > > > I have seen people, including myself catch fish with the wrong > > > patterns, dull hooks, and at the wrong depth using the wrong lines. I > > > have dropped a steelhead fly into the water while stripping line off > > > the reel and hooked a Deschutes summer run, but I have never held a > > > fish on with a bad knot. My vote is for (a), strong knots. > > > > > > Leland. > > > > > > > > > > > > >
