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 Captain Conway Bowman’s typical BTB setup. Others in the series:
Get Connected! Capt. Bill Matthews
Get Connected! Capt. Vaughn Podmore
Get Connected! Capt. Scott Leon
In the last post of this series: “Get Connected! Some Extras” we cover some additional info we know you’ll find interesting.
Captain Conway Bowman – ConwayBowman.com
Capt. Conway Bowman with a WR redfish!
Captain Bowman’s setup is similar to Captain Webb’s, the main difference being the removable leader butt section:
- On the end of the backing: Bimini Twist; fold the doubled line back on itself and tie a Double Surgeon’s Loop (leave loop big enough to pass the reel through; loop will have two strands, not one)
- On the end of the fly line: fold the end over, and make a small Speed Nail-Knot Loop in the fly line, or us the factory loop if available.
- Connect the backing to the fly line using: Loop-to-loop Square knot
- On the end of the fly line: fold the end over, and make a small Speed Nail-Knot Loop in the fly line, or use the factory supplied loop
- Leader butt: tie a Double Surgeon’s Loop in the end of a section of 40lb monofilament
- Connect the fly line to the leader butt using: Loop-to-loop Square knot
From fly line towards the fly:
- Leader butt section is 4′ of 40lb Ande, Mason or Berkely Trilene Big Game mono, with a Double Surgeon’s Loop on the end facing the fly line
- 1 – 2′ of 25lb or 30lb mono, 6 turn Blood Knot to butt section
- Heavier tippets are Blood-Knotted to the 25lb mid-section
- Lighter tippets are attached by tying a Bimini Twist in the 25lb mid-section, a Bimini Twist in the light tippet, then using a Loop-to-loop Square knot to connect the tippet to the mid-section
- On the end of the tippet: tie a Bimini Twist
- Connect the tippet to the shock tippet using: Albright Knot in the shock tippet
San Diego knot
Notes
In this system, you need to know 8 knots: the Uni-knot, the Bimini Twist, the Double-Surgeon’s Loop, the Blood knot, the Loop-to-loop Square knot, Nail knot, the San Diego knot (or San Diego Jam knot), and the Figure 8 loop.
The San Diego knot is not well known outside of the San Diego area, but is an excellent choice for all types of line: mono, fluorocarbon and braid. Originally created for use with the metal jigs commonly used by SoCal saltwater fishermen, it is most easily tied when you have some weight on the hook end.
In that situation, you can let the weight hang, and use a spinning motion to quickly walk the overwraps back towards the eye of the lure. When using a fly, you will probably have to put some tension on the line by pulling on the fly in one hand, and manually making the overwraps.
Make sure you set the knot by sticking a pair of pliers or the end of a cleat in the bend of the hook, and pulling hard on tag and standing parts of the line!
Advantages
By adding Bimini Twists at specific junction points, maximum strength is preserved.
Disadvantages
Complexity. Because it can be difficult to tie a Bimini Twist while on-the-water, many people pre-tie tippets with Bimini Twists in them, and keep them on leader spools until they are needed.