by George Krumm
Double braided loops will help make the factory loops of your fly lines and sink-tips last indefinitely. They serve as the junction between sink-tips and leader material, or between fly lines and leader material. In this video, we show you how to make them.
Years ago, while fishing the upper- and middle Kenai for trout, I noticed that the 10-pound-test fluorocarbon leader I had looped onto my sink-tip had cut into the loop at the end of the sink tip, essentially compromising it. I pondered a solution for a couple weeks, then thought of the single braided loops used on the ends that fly line manufacturers have sold for years. I thought a double braided loop could solve the problem of mono leaders cutting into factory loops. Double braided loops are made of relatively thick, 30-pound-test braided monofilament, which does not cut into the fly line or sink-tip, so it solves the problem.
They are designed to be sacrificial. They are fairly durable, though, and will generally last for a whole season of use. You should inspect them occasionally and if you see any of the braided mono material fraying, simply replace them.
To make your own double braided loops, you’ll need some braided mono (the only one readily available right now is made by Cortland and is called Braided Mono Looping Material, sold on 100’ spools), scissors, a bobbin threader, UV-curing glue (I like Loon UV Knot Sense), a UV curing light, and a black Sharpie marker.
Double braided loops are not available commercially. If you want your sink-tips or the factory loop on your fly lines to last forever, you’ll need to make your own. It’s not that difficult to do. This video shows you exactly how to do it. I like my finished product to be about 4.5” long. This provides enough length to ensure that each loop stays intact.
If you want the factory loops on your fly lines or sink-tips to last forever, give double braided loops a try.
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