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.
