Two knots for joining leaders of different diameters

Q: What is the best way/knot to join different diameters of  fl uorocarbon when making up a tapered leader? And how big a difference in diameter can you have before certain knots and methods don’t work?

Peter Lorrimer

PAUL PROCTER REPLIES: In truth, it’s possible to join two fl uorocarbons or other monofi laments (copolymers, nylons) for that matter of two vastly different diameters. 

You only need to look at saltwater flyfi shers who often use a main leader of say 20lb (approx 0.35mm diameter) and attach a bite tippet of maybe 90lb (approx 0.75mm) that guards against the abrasive wear from species like tarpon or snook. 

Here, you’ll note the variation is some 0.40mm, which seems a massive gulf when we’re usually talking graduations of 0.02mm diameters. Yet, when using a knot called the “slim beauty” (search 'slim beauty knot' on the web for details), this is possible. 

However, in terms of trout fishing it’s seldom necessary to marry separate monofi laments with such a massive diameter difference. For stepping down in fairly small graduations of say no more than 0.03mm (say 5lb-3lb breaking strain) then for speed and convenience the three turn water knot/cove knot (see sequence below) takes some beating. 

However, for larger differences and up to 0.20mm the double grinner knot should be considered (see sequence right). The beauty about this knot is in essence, it’s a barrel type construction when two separate knots surround the main line that ultimately shoulder up to one another, making for a very strong and secure connection.

Teaching children to flyfish

Q: What would be your top tips for teaching children to flyfish on a small stillwater? 

Dafydd Humphreys

ROB EDMUNDS REPLIES: Having taught my four kids to fish I’ve got a little experience and would suggest the following: 

1. Start children fishing only when the weather is warm. 

2. Accept that you will not do much (if any) fishing yourself for the first six months! 

3. Only fish for a short amount of time as children have a very short attention span. Two hours is the maximum, but do go fishing with them frequently. 

4. Make it exciting. Help them design and tie a fly to use before you go. 

5. Keep them safe. A hat and glasses are essential, as is a life-jacket if you are on a boat or near deep water. 

6. Get an instructor to teach them the basics of casting. Just 30 minutes tuition will help both them and you! 

7. Practice casting for 15 minutes three times a week at the local park. Set them little targets to make it fun. 

8. Explain everything: what you are doing, why and what you want to achieve. 

9. Treat the whole day as an adventure. Once they are hooked try taking them out in a boat for a few hours – and of course it has to be chips on the way home! 

10. Make sure they hook and play a fish as soon as possible (get them on the stockies). 

11. Never force them into going, it will put them off for ever.

Answer by Rob Edmunds at Hunting Tips dot Net - Hunting and Fishing Blog.