Fips Leader Construction

[Josh McFadden]

It seems that the single loop on the fly line rule was a way of not destroying a most newer fly lines which come with a built in loop of some kind. Just not utilizing that loop for the sake of competition.

Also here's some interesting line for your viewing pleasure
http://stores.ebay.com/AMNESIA-FISHING-LINES/CRAPPIE-WALLEYE-JIG-FISHING-/_i.html?_fsub=1158318010&_sid=381599160&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

[Lance Egan]

I'm with Todd on this one.  It simply isn't worth bending the rules.  I've seen karma catch up with anglers that do, and the "perceived" edge they think they get really just holds them back in the long run.

Chris, I still can't see any meaning coming from that rule except that which it clearly describes.  "A single loop may only be used to connect a leader to a fly line."  Plain and simple.  That does NOT allow a loop to be connected to a sighter.  Does NOT allow a loop to a butt section.  Does NOT allow a loop to a fly, and does NOT allow a loop to a butt section.  Although the odds of someone calling an angler on this are slim, there is a risk.     

[Paul Bourcq]

I agree.  I dont use loops because I broke a fish off when it got hung in my rod tip.  All my leaders I build I try to minimize knots and knot sense the ones there.

[Dejon Hamann]

I love this thread  One thing I think a lot of competitors over here are figuring out is this stuff isn't set in stone. It's left to interpretation.

I gotta say Smith makes a really compelling argument here.  I agree, the rule clearly makes illegal a loop anywhere on a leader except to connect a fly line.  One might be led to believe that means no other loop in your entire system, but since that language is speaking directly to "leaders", I can see how it was not meant to make illegal a loop in the tip of the fly line.   And since there is clearly no advantage to using  multiple loops in one's fly line there was no need to create a clause describing such.

If you look at it from the "resolved by interpreting the spirit of the Rules," why would they give you one loop in the butt section of your leader and not in your fly line?  It seems the very direct language of "A single loop," was more likely meant to out law things like dropper loops and terminal fly loops, which are very distinct advantages. I mean classically, fly lines and leaders are connected by loop to loop connections and I"m just not sure whey they would create very specific language to make that illegal.

Does anyone speak/write french??  We need to call up fips headquarters on this one