Shooting Head Backing Connections

[Liamo]

Hi,

I've been messing around with shooting heads this season and have experimented with a few different set-ups when connecting the backing to the head.

What do people recommend and what are the advantages/disadvantages of each?

Currently I'm using a braided sleeve to connect the mono shooting backing to the fly line although I believe a braided loop can also be used and would make life much simpler!

However someone told me that using a braided loop type connection allows the fly-line to "hinge" which is why the barided sleeve type connection is desirable. But the braided sleeve doesn't allow you to change heads so it means carrying spare spools and just recently the mono backing just broke behind the braided loop connection. I'd like some way of checking/replacing the first few feet of backing every so often which cannot be done with this system either.

Liam

[Moonwalker2000]

Hay Liamo,
Someone on this site recommended to me to use Gudebrod Braided Butt Leader as the running line between the backing and head.

I used the info from this first site and tied a large loop at the end of the braided leader so as to switch heads when needed. I tie wrapped the head to create a small loop and joined the two using a loop to loop connection. It shoots very well using this setup for me and I can change heads very easily. Not sure if this fully answered your questions!

http://kfs.infopop.cc/6/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=418607442&f=272602964&m=5366026431

Here are a few sites I found when searching:

http://www.northeastanglers.com/fish_stories/messages/32.html

http://www.danblanton.com/Messages/4945.html

http://globalflyfisher.com/fishbetter/shootingheads/

What type of game are you after over there in the “land of eggs ‘n bacon”?