Hi all.
Instead of using a braided loop on the business end of my new DT#4 line, I am going to try using a grays loop.
I have found a few sites which give instruction on how to thread the needle through, and how to tie it, but it leaves me with 2 questions:
1. How long should the finished loop be?
2. What B.S mono should I be using to form the loop.
Any help gratefully received (As always)
I will be attaching a furled leader to the loop, if that makes any difference.
Cheers,
Gary

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"Calling Fly Fishing a hobby is like calling Brain Surgery a job."

I would suggest asking Mr Trout as I suspect that it wil impact the performance of your furled leader.

regards

Vince

Why not ask John

Gray's Loop - Fly Line Leader Loop

Harry

This page has recommendations for breaking strains and a clear SBS. They don't recommend anything less than 10lb BS and as it's not easy to repair at the bankside I'd err on the side of caution.

I think you should have no problems attaching a furled leader. To keep the loop as short as possible I put something like a paperclip, or a pen lid, through the loop when I'm making the knot, to keep it short but prevent it pulling through the tip completely. It always ends up a lot longer as you take up the slack.

It's worth putting on a dab of Aquasure to seal the end of the line and smooth the knot out but be sure to let it cure fully before winding it back on the reel. It takes ages!

SharkeyP

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Often thinks not travel widens,
Stay at home the Trout obliges.

So would you recommend the "non needle" version of the Gray's loop, instead?

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"Calling Fly Fishing a hobby is like calling Brain Surgery a job."

Hi Scuba, I would use around a 15lb BS mono for the loop, and keep it relatively small, as Sharkeyp says a pen or something to stop it pulling through is a good idea.
The needle one is best IMO and it should have no effect on the furled leader.
Personally I prefer a Roman Moser whipped onto the line with no silicone tubing, and a touch of glue, goes through the rod rings very well if needs be.
S.

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"A glint of sun has warmed the air,The flies will soon hatch out, To lure and tempt from their deep lair, The bonnie speckled trout." SKB tackle supporter. I love Furled Leaders.

Well if you were to attempt it by the water that would be a quick fix, but it's less secure and a tad more bulky. I've a similar method for my ghost tip line as it has a mono core and it has lasted well. Again finished with a blob of Aquasure. (below)


I prefer the no-knot method, with a tapered leader pulled through the needle hole, the last inch or so roughed up with sandpaper and then Zap-a-Gapped as you try to pull the last bit through. Of course this is no good if you want to add a furled leader, or fish with a short leader with a booby on a sinking line.

Go easy with the lighter too, fly line melts easily!

SharkeyP

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Often thinks not travel widens,
Stay at home the Trout obliges.

I've ended up using the non-needle version and its fine, dead easy in fact and not too bulky if you take care, still less bulky than a braided loop. I did it as a quick fix once but it worked well so now I don't bother with the needle hassle. I then dab a drop of superglue on the knot and on the cut end of the fly line to seal it and stop the last few inches absorbing water and sinking. I use 10lb mono but its easy to re-do at the bankside too if you need to, just carry some 10lb line with you in case. Its basically the same knot you would tie if you were tying a sliding knot when coarse fishing, but in this case you're using a doubled length of mono and obviously it doesn't slide! I'm gradually replacing my braided loops with this method now.

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Agree with jeffr, ive changed to using a non needle version and have never had any problems so far this season. I found the braided loops to be a bit bulky. I also use 10lb mono for mine.
Daryn