So I'm liking braided loops with 50# Gudebrod on larger stuff but I can't for the life of me get the 35# stuff to work with a 5wt line. Brand new sinker so I know it's the original tip and even a bit thinner than a floater. Goes fine until I try to get it into the buried internal section.

Are folks using the 35 or 50# on something like a 5wt? And are you inching it up into the buried section? I'm trying to find out if it's possible. Just about ready to whip a loop.

I use 35# Gudberod braided mono on 5wts - no difference in construction or installation, although I don't bother with insertion into internal section.
Never had a failure with double catch mono loops.

Thanks George. I can get it to work like you're saying. I just didn't like that little hinge that it has at the point where the fly line butts up against the internal part, but I guess I could live wih it.

preast, the small gap in the connection wont cause any "hinge" effect.
If it bothers you, put a SMALL droplet of thinned Goop in the gap.

The hinge isn't a problem for casting but in the past I've had braided loops wear prematurely at spots like that. I was finally able to get one in by tapering the cut on the end of the line. Makes a really nice solid transition.

Robin butting in here. George gave me the full tutorial on making those braided loops so I am a bit of a know-it-all now But yeah, trimming a point in the end of the fly line makes a difference.

There is a fair amount of info on braided loops, great instruction on construction of loops, and shooting heads on
http://www.danblanton.com/bulletin.php including

You'll have to search the archives, but it is well worth the effort.

Bowfin47

I was privaledged to have personal instruction from Blanton a number of years ago when hosting him fishing for striped bass fishing on lake Texoma.

http://www.danblanton.com/gettinglooped.html

Thanks guys. That's the article I have been referencing. Note that he suggests pushing the line into the buried tag. I think its a good idea but much easier to do with the larger sizes. I just wanted to see if it was the brand I was using or something folks were even trying to do. Thanks.

Glad it's working out - it's not a major issue with the Gudebrod braided mono but have heard complaints about other mono braids.
Better stock up on Gudebrod - IIRC it is being discontinused.