ly fishers know that the Albright is an excellent knot for attaching fly line to backing. With a slight modification, it is also a great knot for attaching the leader to the fly line using a loop-to-loop connection.

The Albright loop was born when I tried to find a new and better way to add a loop to the end of my fly line. I’d used the nylon finger loops in the past but found they did not hold up when exposed to intense salt-water fishing. My alternative was to attach a piece of heavy mono to the end of the fly line with an Albright knot, and then tie a triple surgeon’s loop using the mono. But that seemed like one knot too many, and less is more when it comes to knots.

I noticed that the Albright basically tied a loop, only closed that loop when pulled tight. If I could keep the loop open I’d have a good, strong knot forming the loop using the fly line without any excess mono or knots. After a little experimentation, the Albright loop was born.

To tie the Albright loop, form the end of your fly line into an oblong loop with the tag end parallel to one side.

Pass a piece of 20 lb. test monofilament or fluorocarbon through the loop (note: I used 20 lb. backing in the photos for visibility, but monofilament or fluorocarbon will make a much better knot).

Wind the tag end of the mono around itself, the loop and the tag end of the fly line, moving in the direction where the mono entered the loop. Take 12 turns, winding carefully so the mono wraps stay in place and don’t overlap.

Pass the mono back through the loop, making certain it that it comes out on the same side it entered.

At this point you can adjust the size of the loop by gently pulling on the standing end of the fly line until the loop is the size you want.

Slide the coils together and toward the end where the mono exits the loop, being careful that the mono does not slide off before tightening. Tighten by pulling the two strands of mono while holding the loop, then pull on the fly line (while still holding the loop).

Tie the mono into a slipknot and pull tight. Repeat, being careful each time not to wrap the mono around the fly line.

Trim the remaining monofilament.

Trim the tag end of the fly line. You can coat with pilobond or another soft adhesive, though I don’t think it’s necessary.

I’ve been using the Albright loop while fishing for stripers and bluefish and haven’t had a knot failure to date. With a little practice you’ll find that the Albright loop is easy to tie and provides a strong connection between your fly line and your leader. And you’ll always have all the materials necessary while streamside to tie the Albright Loop should the need arise.

Articles by Dave Micus
	The One That Got Away		Home Waters
	The Fanatic		Fall Fishing
	Miasma		The Big, Two Handed Rod
	Fathers and Sons		The Fly Fishing Expo
	A Sense of Place		Like Mike
	This Happened to Me		One Man's Treasure
	Smelt		The Great Shark Hunt
	The Fishing Shack		Love, Not Lust
	The Blitz		The Fishing Log
	The Renaissance Man		Loomings
	My Short Happy Career as a Commercial Fly Tyer
	My Short, Happy Career as an Outdoor Writer
StriperSurf Insider Articles
	Reel Care		Almost Famous - Part I
	The Pilgrimage		Almost Famous - Part II
	Simplify		Almost Famous - Part III
	The Albright Loop		The Agonia
	The Trout Weenie
	Essential Reading for the Striped Bass Fisherman or The Bass Bum's Library

Dave Micus lived in Ipswich, Massachusetts where he was an avid striped bass fly fisherman, writer, instructor and "star" of an episode of the outdoor show, Fly Fishing America. In 2006 he made the move from sea level to the Rocky Mountains of Montana where he has taken up fly rodding for trout, hunting and enjoying life in the "Big Country."

Copyright © 2003 - 2010 David Micus, All Rights Reserved