Loops are generally a good way to go. For dries and seriously weighted flies like big stone nymphs in rivers, heavy bead heads, or big-eyed clouser types, AKA jigs, they can make a difference. Where they really shine is in letting you be flexible with tippet size. If I walk up to you and you tell me you're using 6X and a size 16 dry, I'm immediately going to use a longer 4X tippet and a loop knot, and believe it or not, if I'm on, which is not always the case, I'll do as well as anyone on the water, sometimes better. So as a rule of thumb, if the tippet seems to be stiffer (not necessarily heavier) than you would like for the size fly you are using, use a loop. Good to remember for "saltwater tippet material" like Mason, heavy fluorocarbon, etc, and times when you find yourself saying "how can I be out of 5X! I could swear I just bought some!"
One thing to watch out for with loops is that big fish, and bad casting will "crease" the loop and form a weakpoint at its apex where the hook eye meets the loop. It's a good idea to re-tie periodically, or you will loose a fish eventually and find your knot intact, but the loop itself has parted. Bottom line, fish what you believe in. I can show you pictures of giant tarpon taken in days of yore on Pflueger Medalists, cane rods, and gut... Phil ----- Original Message ----- From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, August 02, 2002 10:31 AM Subject: flyfishing knots > Many flyfishing books recommend you use a knot with a loop for wet flies, > nymphs and streamers. I have never liked tying them and seem to catch plenty > of fish with an improved clinch knot. When I began fishing bonefish I noted > most bonefishing books also recommended loops for tying bonefish flies. The > argument is it allows the fly to behave more naturally. I have fished with > guides in Christmas Is, Mexico, Florida, and the Bahamas and none of them use > loops for bonefish flies and they insist they are not necessary. They do use > them for large streamer type flies. What do list members think? > Terry Whitworth
