Posted by Tom Ference (209.166.188.150) on October 24, 2003 at 15:26:58:
In Reply to: Re: Tip of the week posted by Kit on October 10, 2003 at 19:50:41:
I just happened upon this site and thought I'd give my 2 cents worth in regards to leaders twisting. As stated by others, flies with larger wings and similar styles will twist any leader. Now here is "My Tip of the Week". It's actually a tip that the late Vince Marinaro gave to me back in the 1970's. First, don't get rid of that supple Frog Hair tippet. It is what will give you the best drag-free drift. Now here's what to do: Let's say you are fishing 5x tippet. Start off by threading your fly on and just let it slide down and out of the way. Next, take a small piece of 3 or 4x tippet and tie a blood knot onto the end of your 5x tippet. trim away the 2 tag ends along with the remaining piece of tippet. All you should have left is a blood knot on the end of your line. The fly will then slide down to the knot and butt up against the knot. The fly is never tied on with any knot. The size of hook-eye determines how heavy of tippet needs to be added so the knot does not pull through. The fly now will rotate like a swivel while casting, but your leader will stay straight. I have also noticed that the wings last alot longer on the fly when rigged this way. A few tests at home will get you ready.
Tom