Get Connected! Capt. Scott Leon

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 Scott Leon’s offshore setup. Others in the series:

Get Connected! Capt. Bill Matthews

Get Connected! Capt. Vaughn Podmore

Get Connected ! Capt. Conway Bowman

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 Scott Leon

Capt. Scott Leon and a nice seabass

Captain Leon is a Yellowfin Tuna addict, and as most people will tell you, a big YFT is one tough fish. His setup reflects the need for maximum strength, plus durable, smooth connections that pass through guides easily.

Connection

Knot / Other Prep

Backing to arbor (A)

If using GSP backing, wraps tape around the spool arbor to prevent slipping, then ties the backing to the spool using an Arbor Knot

Backing to fly line / shooting Line (B)

On end of backing: Bimini Twist
If GSP backing, folds end of doubled line over and tie a Double Surgeon’s Loop (big enough to pass the reel through), otherwise leaves Bimini Twist “as is”
On end of fly line: Use manufacturer’s pre-formed loops if present, otherwise fold the end of the fly line over and make a Speed Nail Knot Loop using 4 nail knots; uses thread to whip finish over the nail knots to smooth out the junction, then coat the knot with Pliobond
Connect fly line and backing using: Loop-to-loop Square knot

Shooting line / shooting head (C)

Fly line to leader butt (D)

For 11wt and under:

On end of fly line, form a Nail Knot Loop in the fly line, using 4 nail knots; use thread to whip finish over the nail knots to smooth out the junction, then coat the knot with Pliobond
On end of leader butt, tie a Triple Surgeon’s Loop in leader butt.
Connect the fly line to butt section using a Loop-to-loop Square knot.

For 12 wt. and over:

Use an Albright Knot to attach a butt section of heavy mono directly to the fly line.
For 12 -13wt lines, use 2 – 3ft of butt section; for 14wt and over, 3 – 4ft.

Typical leader (E)

For line weights under 12:

Use pre-made tapered leaders which have loops in butt section. Connect to the fly line using a Loop-to-loop Square knot.
If extending the pre-made leader: In lighter tippets, use a perfection loops in leader and the extra tippet, then use a Loop-to-Loop Square knot to join the tippet extension to the tippet on the leader. In heavier leaders use Double Surgeon’s Loop instead of the Perfection Loops.

For heavy outfits, prepare a class tippet as follows:

Tie a long 12 – 24″ Bimini Twist in the fly line end of the tippet
Stick a fingertip into the Bimini Twist loop, and twist the loop as tightly as possible.
Keeping the loop twisted, fold the loop in half, and allow it to twist onto itself (this technique is called “furling” ).
Tie a Double Surgeon’s Loop in the furled section, as close to the Bimini Twist knot as possible.
On the fly end of the tippet, tie a standard Bimini Twist. This will be used to connect to a shock tippet
Connect the furled leader to the butt section using a Loop-to-loop Square knot

Leader tippet to mono or fluoro shock tippet (if used) (F)

Slim Beauty for lite bite tippets (40lb test or less)
Hufnagle for heavier bite tippets (80+ test)

Leader tippet to wire shock tippet (if used) (G)

For single-strand wire, uses Australian swivel (tiny) tied in using a slim beauty. The wire is attached using a Haywire Twist

Tippet to fly (direct) (H)

Improved Clinch in heavy shock tippets

Tippet to fly (loop) (I)

Non-slip Mono Loop

Non-Slip Mono Loop

Notes

This system requires that you know how to tie 11 knots: Arbor knot, Bimini Twist, Double Surgeon’s Loop, Nail knot, Loop-to-loop Square knot, furling, Slim Beauty knot, Hufnagle knot, Haywire Twist, Improved Clinch knot, and the Non-slip Mono loop knot.

Captain Leon uses furled leader butts on his really heavy gear because of the additional shock absorption provided by this technique. Furled leader butts are not that hard to tie once you understand what needs to be done, and provide some additional protection to the leader. They do, however, add complexity to the setup, and are not really needed for most of our BTB fly fishing. If you would like to learn more about furled leaders, see Bill Nash’s book mentioned in the “Notes for Newbies” section.

Advantages

This rig provides the maximum strength possible, along with some extra shock absorption due to the furled leader.

Disadvantages

Complexity. For most fisherman, this setup is probably too much work. For day-to-day fishing, Capt. Leon often uses a Rio factory-made leader.