Fly Fishing Tech Tips: Leader & Sinktip Quick Change

Having to swap out sinktips when fishing for steelhead, can be a pain. It's common to end up dropping the fly in the water, tangling up the leader and so on.
Here's a quick change method that will make leader swaps less of an issue.

[@ClearStreamsUK]

Thanks so much, I'm learning so much from your videos.

[@tall14dude]

Great tip!

[@sakanatsuri]

That's it. I figured out this method last year. By the way, Perfection knot is very weak for Floro lines leass than 6lb.

[@lucasdement5629]

I guess kinking isnt an issue with mono when doing a loop to loop the "wrong" way

[@hooked4lifeca]

I'm not sure what you're referring to - can you explain?

[@lucasdement5629]

@@hooked4lifeca comapring to a loop to loop connection with a head and sinktip for example. If you loop a sinktip back through itself it will kink.

[@hooked4lifeca]

@@lucasdement5629 There's no problem with mono as it will roll out completely. A sinktip with a stiff loop may not be able to completely roll out. I just tried it with an old sink tip that had a more flexible loop, and it rolled out fine, no kink, completely straight.

[@lucasdement5629]

@@hooked4lifecaI should try with a tip with a braided loop

[@mattstout856]

Nice little trick! I literally struggled with this last night. How long are your leaders typically?

[@hooked4lifeca]

It depends on the fly and other issues, but the shortest leader off of a sinktip or sinking line is usually around 5' with 10' usually being the longest. I've gone as long as 15' off of an intermediate long belly.

[@mattstout856]

@@hooked4lifeca might be a good idea to discuss MOW tips at some point. I’d love your feedback on them as to how and when you use them. They have been game changers for me.

[@hooked4lifeca]

@@mattstout856 I already have some videos up on both making them and on the Airflo versions, the FLO tips. They are effective.

[@SirPraiseSun]

what do you mean a 1 piece leader like if you dont have a ring and a tippet on it? so surgeons loop is weaker for thinner lines?

[@hooked4lifeca]

See my latest video on this subject.