Rigging you up with

      The Most Reliable Knots...

For trout outfits, many shops will use an albright knot to tie the backing to the line.  While this method is satisfactory in most circumstances, we feel that using a needle nail knot is stronger and more sleek. While it is highly unlikely that an albright knot would catch on your tip as a big brown takes you downstream into the next county, the needle nail knot is even better for going through your guides at high speed.  To get this knot done, we use a the small splicing needle.  If you would like one of these for your own knot tying, they are available at the shop for $3.95. 

The splicing tool can also be used to create large spliced loops at the end of your backing.  We use these for all of our 8 weight and up outfits.  Using the loop to loop technique is the strongest way to connect your line to the backing.  Not only is it stronger and thinner than an Albright knot, but it will also enable you to switch lines in the boat.  In order to loop to loop the backing and line, we peel off about 6 inches of line coating make a "whipped loop" in the line.  Next, we double the line over and cinch it down tight between two vices.  Then we use size D thread, zap-a-gap, and a whip finish to secure the loop.  Now you are able to thread the larger backing loop through the whipped loop, and over the reel (or plastic line spool).   With this method, not only do you have the best strength between your line and backing, but you can easily switch to a different line, (without having to shell out more money for an extra spool with a sinking line on it). 

While the loop to loop connection from the backing to the line is wider when you first attach it, with pressure it becomes streamlined and will easily slip through your guides.

For braided core bonefish or saltwater lines, (like the SA bonefish taper), we use a super glue nail knot.    For mono-core lines (like Rio's bonefish taper), we use a back to back nail knot, where both the line and hard nylon butt section pull against each other.  We've found that super glue nail knots on mono core lines will eventually slip...

Many lines now come with a factory built loop which you can "loop to loop" your leader with. These are OK for trout, but they are not as streamlined as a needle nail knot.  We found the biggest down side to these, is that when pulled extremely tight, your leader will cut into the outer coating of the line, making it impossible to undo and add a new leader.  You might ask when am I ever going to put that much pressure on a trout - but think of all those times you accidentally wrapped your hopper around a log and your guide or buddy couldn't row back up to save it.  You probably had to point your rod tip at the fly, clinch down on the line, look the other way, and SNAP!  Half your leader is gone, and your factory welded loop has peeled or shredded.  With a needle nail knot and stiff butt section, all you have to do is tie in some more tippet and keep fishing.  We like to use 30 lb. clear Maxima or for our butt sections.  We can either tie your leader in with a blood knot, or if you prefer using a loop to loop system, we'll tie in a small perfection loop for you. 

Tying a needle nail knot is our preferred method for connecting the butt section of your leader to the line.  The welded loops that come from the factory may be fine for trout fishing, but they are not a good idea to use for tarpon fishing.  George has already blown two of them to shreds while fighting tarpon and quickly decided to go back to the trustworthy knot he designed years ago. 

When it comes tarpon outfits, we use George's innovative Triple TK knot (the         Totally Tricked-out Tarpon Knot).  We stick a needle up through the braided core line and follow the same hole with either 40 pound Mason's, or 50 pound Seagaur fluorocarbon.  We'll then tie a needle nail knot with 6 or 7 wraps.  We super glue this right away, so as it tightens the zap-a-gap gets between the coils.  Next we take some size A thread and wrap over the butt section side of the Mason's, (only one way), before we whip finish it and super glue the thread. We always TEST the knots with a generous amount of pressure to make sure they are perfect.  Finally, we'll finish your butt section by tying in a perfection loop about 3.5 feet away from the knot that is just large enough for your tarpon flies to get through.  George is very passionate about Tarpon fishing, and if there was a better knot to be using to rig up outfits, he'd be using it!

Whether you are buying a top-of-the-line tarpon outfit from us, or just need a butt section on your way to the Creeks, you can be sure that we will rig your tackle the same way we rig our own.