leaders to T-14

[Bruce Slightom]

I have had a problem with leader material staying connected to T 14. A nail knot does not stay. Will slip right off. I have tried an Albright knot but have problems with the leader material sliding on the T 14, comes out looking like my dog tyied it. I have gone to a loop in the T 14 itself but am not happy with that . Curious as to what experience others have had. Thanks.

[bubzilla]

I use an albright to make a leader butt on T-14 tips all the time with no issues. Landed hot chinook on them. What exactly is going wrong when you tie the albright?

I guess you could just add a braided mono loop to the terminal end of the T-14 just like you would on the reel end and then loop-to-loop on your leader butt.

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

[flygolf]

I have had the same experience with the T14. The problem with the albright is the bulk makes it difficult going through the guides. I tried to use the braided mono and I whip finish at the ends and it eventually separates and pulls the cover of the T14 off leaving exposed mono and a really bad hing in the line. I would be interested to hear any other ideas.

[jbird]

I suggest you pose this question on Blantons board (I hope its OK to direct someone to another board Bill, If not please forgive me) There is a lot of T-14ers on his board.

Jbird

[Darian]

In addition to posting on Blanton's BB, there is an article on his website under the technical or equipment link called, "Getting Looped". This article discusses several methods to create connections in differing lines, etc.... 8) 8)

Hopefully, you could get a response to your post from Bill Nash with some advice.... 8) 8)

I used the braided loop attachment, initally. Haven't had enough time to say whther it's good or bad.... :? :?

[bubzilla]

The problem with the albright is the bulk makes it difficult going through the guides.

I've never used a long enough leader/tippet on a T-14 head/tip to have that problem. That would generally defeat the purpose for the T-14 in most of my fishing. The only time the knot goes through the guides is when I'm taking the line in to the reel to quit for the day. You're not using the albright on the back end (head to running line connection) are you?



In addition to posting on Blanton's BB, there is an article on his website under the technical or equipment link called, "Getting Looped". This article discusses several methods to create connections in differing lines, etc....

Yep. That's a great article, Darian. That's why I linked it in my first post. :wink:

[Tony Buzolich]

I think Bub is right on if you use an Albright at the butt section of the head. You shouldn't be bringing the leader into the guides or the tip except when you quit fishing.

I use an Albright on all of my lines that I attach a butt section too and find it is one of the strongest and easiest knots to tie.

Another thought may be that you're using too long of a leader with the T-14. Fishing deep usually means shortening the leader so that the fly will drop along with the head. Using a long leader with a sinking head is counter productive as the fly will still be higher in the water column than the line.

Learn to tie a good Albright and you'll use it a lot.
TONY

[Jeff C.]

If you do use a braided loop make sure you put 2 four turn nail knots over the braided part that is over your line. I use one at the end and one in the middle. Coat then with Knotsense or Aqualseal. Anglernut lost a furled leader when the braided loop slipped off (he didn't nasil knot it).

Jeff C.

[flygolf]

I was refering to the connection between running line and T14. When using the braided loop and nail not method, the cover of the T14 will slide right off of the mono core. What I have tried to do is slide enough of the cover off exposing 2 -3 inches of mono on both running line and T14 and blood knotting them together. After that I apply several coats of Aquaseal to blend in running line with T14 so it doesn't hing and makes a smooth transition. The proplem overall that I have found with T14 is the stretch in the mono core vs. the cover make it difficult to work with because if you put any type of pressure on it, it will seperate.

[Darian]

Hey Bubzilla,.... Am I non-observant or what :?: :?: Didn't even dawn on me that your link was to Blanton's article.... :roll: :roll: Time for some medicine (Irish of course).... :)

[bubzilla]

When using the braided loop and nail not method, the cover of the T14 will slide right off of the mono core.

If that were the case generally, and it were a problem a lot of guys were having, then I would have to think they would have quit making T-14 a long time ago. Rio even includes braided loops in the 30' T-14 package.

I've never had a braided loop slip off of T-14. In fact, the core of the T-14 has broke before the braided loop has come lose. If the question were posted on Blanton's regarding best method for making loops to T-14, I would be willing to guess that the overwhelming majority of the guys who will respond, including Blanton, use braided loops without incident. Not trying to be argumentative, and please don't take it that way, but my guess is it's not a T-14 problem in as much as it's a unique experience you're having with the stuff for some reason. Maybe you got some bad T-14?

Were you using a short loop (meaning the connection sleeve part and not the loop opening itself)? Having the nail knot too close to the end of the line would probably produce a situation where the coating would slip from the core. And, having a short connection of only a couple inches, even if you whip finish the loop connection rather than nail knot, really increases the amount of stress on the coating/core over a small area. That can be a problem with some clear lines sometimes, for example, and the coating will slip from the core. Making a longer connection sleeve eliminates that problem generally.

Sounds like what you're doing now with the blood knots is making a permanent connection. You might want to take a look at the new line they're making now with the T-14 head already integrated to the running line. Personally I wish the industry would stop heading in the direction of making everything integrated, but many prefer that setup. For those of us that prefer having component tips/heads (particularly with materials like T-14), loops are just a reality.

P.S. in terms of nail knots to fasten the braid, two isn't necessary. Blanton recommends one 10-12 turn nail knot followed up with Pliobond directly on the knot only (not on the rest of the sleeve).

[Adam Grace]

I agree, two nail knots are not necessary. I have used a tone of loops and one nail knot has worked out just fine for me. Although I have'nt been hooking the real testers of loops; huge stripers or super powerful saltwater fish.

[Rick J]

One of the benefits of the braided material is as you pull it, it clamps down tighter - by putting a nail knot in the middle you have just lost this benefit for half the loop length that is slid onto the fly line and now you are just relying on the nail knot. Some folks say you should coat the entire loop which also defeats the purpose of the material. I use only one nail knot and will coat the loop part beyond the fly line to stiffen it up some if needed.

[Adam Grace]

Listen to Rick guys he speaks the truth.