Just curious how many attach your lines using zap a gap? Is the strength the same as a nail knot?

When you say "attach your line" are you referring to the line to the backing or some other point of attachment? Just not 100% on what we are talking about yet

I used to do the Zap-A-Gap splice before I had lines that came with welded loops. I never had any of the connections fail. I was taught how to do the connection by Joe Robinson (who originated the the method then traded it to Dave Whitlock for a fly rod). The important things are to have the right tools, pinvise, very small crewel needle, and a line with a braided dacron core... I was told that the connection would not work with monofilament core lines, as the glue will not bond mono to mono. Joe now works for Sportsman's Finest in Bee Cave (just south and west of Austin).

Hope this helps,

Michael

This is to attach the leader to the fly line. You thread the eye end of a small sewing needle out the end of the fly line by piercing the side of the line, then pull the end of the leader (coated with zap a gap) into the line and out the side. Then trim off the little piece sticking out of the fly line. Dave and Emily Whitlock swear by it, but I still use loop to loop.

I learned Dave and Emily's method when I spent the weekend at their place in Oklahoma for my 60th birthday. Since then, I've converted a number of my light lines to this method and have found them much easier to move through the guides and cast delicately. None have failed so far. But then, I can't say I've had a bruiser on to test the knot. When I fished Alaska last summer, I used nail knots on those line/leader connections.

I've been using it for about 20 years. Learned from Joe back when he ran the Angler. I've never had one pull out with zap a gap, though did have one do that when I tried it with superglue (not waterproof). All my 3 and 5wts have it on and I even still use it on a 7wt. Have caught some decent carp, hybrids, catfish(35# bluecat) an even some reds with it. Only I put a perfection loop on the end of the section that is connected so I can loop a leader onto it. I wouldn't use it for anything really large though and plan on getting away from it for 7wt and up. I'm leaning towards the built-in loops but the jury's still out for me on that. I too was warned about some types of lines not working. I understood it to mean single strand mono cores but maybe someone can clarify.

Learned that from Joe as well many years ago. That's the way I did it for several years til I lost a big one on Lake Travis. I'm sure I didn't do a good enough job with the glueing process. Haven't used it since but I agree that it is smooth. Personally, I'd go with the knot system, haven't broke one yet. JMHO.

I use it and have set a hook on a Tarpon on an 11 weight. Just remember the Zap-A-Gap dries instantly with the lack of oxygen. ie: Don't glue you finger to the table!

I like the idea, but I'm curious. Has anyone tested this connections breaking strenght? I'm not comfortable with statements like I havn't lost one yet. I like to test my loop to loop connections by putting on a leader, tie it to hitch or post and pull until something fails. (be sure what you tie to does not cut the line) Better yet is to use Boga Grips to do the pulling and note about what lb. reading the system failed.

Has anyone done this type of testing on this connection?

Also has anyone tried a E-6000 glue. I've been using this glue for some projects and it seems pretty good. It holds real well and seem to remain fairly flexiable.

That is a good question and I understand your hesitation. It seems like it wouldn't hold as good as it does. You do have to do it right or it can slip. That might be the biggest problem with it--you can't tell how well it's bonded in there because you can't see it like you can a knot.

I know it's not as controlled as what you're describing, but I have broken off everything up to 15# tippets with no sign of failure. I also try to replace them every couple years (I keep fly lines a while). Again, I don't know about using it for bigger stuff like 20#+ tippets. But now you've piqued my interest so I'll try to get around to a test in a couple different weights to know for sure and post up what I find.

I was concerned as was Scott, about breaking strength.
Whitlock's methoid was popular a number of years ago and he made it look easy but too cumberson for me.

I would not consider any other connection other than a mono loop for a simple no fail connection, but I would like to see a break test as Scott suggested.

I test leaders and mono "double catch" loops by same method as Scott with a Boga grip.

I'm going to do some testing on little different set up. I'm going to try it for a T-14 to Amnesia connection. It will have to fail somewhere north of 20 lbs. to be useful in my type of fishing.

I use this on all my lines. I however use a piece of 20 or 30lb amnesia depending on the line weight. I also nail knot the amnesia onto the fly line at the point where it goes into the line. A dab of head cement on the nail knot and it's good to go.