Go to this site and look at the information in the flyfishing basics section in the lower right hand corner of the screen. It should give you the information necessary. It is very good on the knots you should use.

http://www.flyfishingconnection.com/

 

There are different ways to attach the leader to the flyline. The traditional method is by using the "nail knot" which is a bit challenging to say the least. An easier way is to utilize one of the braided, loop connectors available. Leaders are available in different lengths and tippet sizes. The tippet is basically the skinny end of the leader. Tippet size can be changed by tying on a smaller size via a blood knot. If you go with the braided, loop connections, best to get a leader with a loop on the butt end. Hope this helps.

 

I second the braided loop connectors, makes life much easier. You just thread them on to the end of your fly line and the put a drop of zap a gap or glue on them before you slide the collar over the connection point. You will figure it out once you get them. Most leaders sold in flyshops have a loop on them and you can just use a loop to loop to attach your flyline to your leader. Tippet is sold in spools and you can add it on when your leader starts getting short or you can add it on your leader right away or if you need a longer leader. For a beginner The Surgeons knot is probably the easiest way to add a piece of tippet to your leader. Just remember you add 4x to 3x but you don't add 3x to 4x because you want to keep the taper so your leader will turn over. As the number goes higher the tippet gets smaller, 7x is like thread. Let me know if you have any more specific questions and good luck! :thumb:

 

While those braided loops are nice,they suck on the smaller weighted rods such as 5,4,3 weights and sometimes a 6. You only used leaders such as a 9' one and when your in the process of landing a fish they tend to get stuck in the guides at the top of the rod. Besides I cut all mine off and went to a nail knot which doesn't sink or get stuck in the guides of the rod.

But I do used then on my 8wt due to the changing of the tips on the line.

Jim

 

They actually don't suck if you get the correct size for the line. I've had them on 1 and 2 weight lines and haven't ever had a problem with them. In fact most of the fisherman I know use them also.

 

I usually take some kind of needle and poke a hole in the flyline from the inside, then i run the leader through it and do a normal knot

 

The braided loops also create a lot of water disturbance and act as a hinge when you cast. If you are trying to do any technical dry fly fishing, they will put you at a big disadvantage. Harder to turn a small dry over, and more likely to spook the fish.

For an 8 wt used for swinging flies they're great. Allows you to change leaders quickly when you need to, or add a sink tip. The hinge effect is not a big deal when you are swinging flies either.

 

I would take it into the closest shop you can find, buy a nailknot tool while you're there, then have the shop dudes show you how to do it. They will probably even walk you through doing it yourself on extra line they have sitting around.

As for the braided loops, they're nice, I use them on my heavier gear, but I also nailknot around them then put UV glue over them, I wouldn't trust those to stay on by themselves or with just superglue.

my .02

 

I would suggest taking some time and learning to tie all types of knots well. It's worth the effort and will open up many options throughout your flyfishing life. Get a good book with knots explained (most good flyfishing books will have a chapter on these) and grab some 10-12lb test mono and start practicing. You'll pick it up quickly.
As far as nail knots go, I keep some toothpicks in my vest or use my "toothpick" from a swiss-army knife.