by Michel Lajoie
Airflow® braided leaders or any other type or make of braided are a miracle of technology in the world of fly fishing. No other leader system can cast a long leader like the braided system can!
I am an old conservative when it comes to my equipment. I learnt fly fishing back in the 60's and the knotted leaders I was using were fine with me, I would not hear of a change.
My friend and fly fisher Scott McCartney initiated me to the braided system back in 1997 when we were giving a fly fishing course. He was bugging me to try this new leader system and I refused, but after a while, tired of his arguments I gave in and tried it.
Wowwww!!! The same day I switch all my fly line to this wonderful system.
On the braided leaders you must have a tippet to tie your fly on. The leader will permit you to add as much as 15' if you wish. This sytem will deliver 15' as softly as 4'.
It is very secure, has it is connected with loops. Finish the time of tying nail knots, and barrel knots and surgeon's knots.
Figure #1 shows how to make the loop for your tippet.
Figure #1 shows how to attach the tippet and the leader together
You will need a loop on your fly line to finish the connection. With level braided material, build one as shown in figure #3. Most good Fly Shop will install a loop connection to your fly line when you buy one. This is usualy done free of charge!!! Ask for it!
Just in case you have to make one for yourself see figure #4:
Your loop that attaches to your fly line should be no more than 15cm (that is 6" for the old guys!) Passa small shrink tube over the braid and slip it to the loop. Noww you should have 15cm (that is 5" for us old guys!) of free level braided material.
First cut the end of your fly line in a taper, something like a hypodermic needle, so that the penetration will be eadier and slip the fly line inside the braided material for about 2", then slip the shrink tube all the way back to the end of the braided material so it covers the fly fline. Add a small drop of "Vinyl & Plastic Crazy Glue" to secure the whole thing and your done. Please!Please! do not use heat or flame to shrink the tube, it might cause damage to you material and weaken it. Just connect the whole system together and your ready to go fishing with the best equipment possible.
