Almost all fly rods are rigged about the same...

Almost all fly rods are rigged about the same…

There are many ways to rig fly tackle, none of which are the perfect solution for all situations. The simplest configurations are not the strongest, but get the job done. The most complex rigs produce the highest strength, but are time-consuming and can be difficult to tie, especially on the water.

In “Getting Started – Get Connected!“, we shared some thoughts on rigging in general. In “Get Connected! Details” we shared a basic simple rig, and shared links to examples of setups used by some our local guides.

This post is describes Captain Bill Matthews’ typical BTB fly fishing setup. Others in the series:

Get Connected! Capt. Vaughn Podmore

Get Connected ! Capt. Conway Bowman

Get Connected! Capt. Scott Leon

Get Connected! BTB Staff

In the last post of this series: “Get Connected! Some Extras” we cover some additional info we know you’ll find interesting.

Captain Bill Matthews – FlyTime Guide Service

Capt. Bill Matthews

Capt. Bill Matthews and friend

Connection
Knot / Other Prep
Backing to arbor (A)
1-2 wraps of electrical tape, then a standard arbor knot. However, he passes the tag end of the line through the loop twice before cinching things down.
Backing to fly line / shooting Line (B)
Ties an 18″ Bimini loop in the backing; folds over the loop, and ties an overhand knot to form a loop with double strands. Uses a Loop-to-loop Square knot to connect the backing to the factory loop in the end of the fly line.
Shooting line / shooting head (C)
(C) does not apply. It only applies if you are using a traditional Shooting Head
Fly line to leader butt (D)
Use the factory loop on the fly line. If no loop, makes a Nail knot loop with two Nail knots, whip finishes it with some thread, and coats with Loon UV Knot Sense.
Typical leader (E)
Factory-made Rio 7′ Striper tapered leader. Connects leader to fly line using a Loop-to-Loop Square knot
Leader tippet to mono or fluoro shock tippet (if used) (F)
Does not use a mono or fluoro shock tippet on local fish
Leader tippet to wire shock tippet (if used) (G)
For barracuda, uses Surflon knottable wire in a dark color instead of heavy mono or fluorocarbon. Adds to leader using a Surgeon’s knot
Tippet to fly (direct) (H)
Almost never uses a direct connect knot.
Tippet to fly (loop) (I)
Perfection Loop for both wire and mono
Nail Knot Loop

The Nail knot loop is a quick(er) way to create a loop in a fly line. Click for larger image

Notes

  • In this setup you need to know 5 knots: the Arbor knot, the Bimini Twist, the Nail Knot, the Loop-to-Loop square knot, and the Perfection Loop.
  • While the Bimini Twist may be a new one to you, it is a knot that serious coastal/offshore fishermen ought to learn. It is one of the few knots that will, if properly tied, break at 100% of the line strength. Unfortunately, it is not simple to tie. The references we mention in our FAQ post do a good job of describing how to do it, plus there are a ton of videos and pages on the Internet.

Advantages

  • It is a fairly simple setup and can be tied easily. Capt. Matthews feels that it is much more important to be able to put everything together consistently, so the performance of your equipment is predictable, rather than trying to squeeze out every last ounce of strength.
  • The use of the Bimini Twist loop on the backing-to-fly line connection allows you to change fly lines easily

Disadvantages

  • If you are trying for world-record fish, you will be able to eke out 2 – 10 percent more strength by going to a more complicated setup, similar to one of the rigs described below

Next up: Get Connected! Some Extras