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 Vaughn Podmore’s typical BTB setup. Others in the series:

Get Connected! Capt. Bill Matthews

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 Vaughn Podmore – SaltyFly Guide Service

Capt. Vaughn Podmore

Capt. Vaughn Podmore and a nice Calico

Connection
Knot / Other Prep
Backing to arbor (A)
Takes 3-4 turns around the spool arbor to prevent slipping, then use an Improved Clinch Knot to connect the backing to the spool.
Backing to fly line / shooting Line (B)
On the end of the backing: Bimini Twist. Use an Albright knot to connect the Bimini Twist to 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)
Uses the factory fly line loop if available. If not, creates a Nail Knot loop, using 3 nail knots. However, he does not use monofilament for the nail knots, he uses heavy nylon shoemaker’s thread. The Nail knots are coated with Loon UV Knot Sense, which soaks in to the thread.
Typical leader (E)
  • Starts with straight mono of the desired strength
  • Ties a short (8″ or so) Bimini Twist on the butt end. If the tippet is less than 15lb test, he makes the Bimini Twist longer, then folds the loop over and ties a Double Surgeon’s Loop (so the final loop has double strands)
  • Uses a Loop-to-loop Square knot to connect the leader to the fly line.
Leader tippet to mono or fluoro shock tippet (if used) (F)
Albright knot
Leader tippet to wire shock tippet (if used) (G)
Ties a small solid ring (40lb test) to end of tippet, then ties a 30-40 lb fluorocarbon shock tippet to the ring with an Improved Clinch knot.
Tippet to fly (direct) (H)
Palomar knot. However, prefers a loop connection
Tippet to fly (loop) (I)
Kreh or Berkeley Loop knot
Albright knot

A Bimini Twist to double the backing, connected to the fly line with an Albright. Click for larger image.

Notes

With Captain Podmore’s rig, you need to know 7 knots: the Improved Clinch, the Bimini Twist, the Albright, the Nail Knot, the Palomar knot, the Kreh or Berkeley loop, and the Double Surgeon’s loop.

This rig uses additional loops and loop-to-loop connections at strategic points (fly line to backing, tippet to leader butt) to allow you to change fly lines or leaders easily

Bimini Twists are used to preserve leader strength.

Advantages

Fly lines can be easily changed out

Tippets can be replaced easily

Stronger overall than earlier rigs

Disadvantages

Added complexity can make it harder to tie consistently while on the water, or when under pressure.

Next up: Get Connected! Some Extras