Developed years ago by notable West Coast rod builder Russ Peak, this method produces a loop of maximum strength and minimum bulk, but it takes some time to create. Start by soaking the last 2 inches of fly line in fingernail polish remover (acetone) to soften the coating and make the next step easier.

Many anglers consider fly-line loops to be the best way to attach the leader to the fly line and fly line to backing. Loop-to-loop connections allow you to quickly change your leader or fly line.

Russ Peak Variation
I've always liked the Russ Peak Knot but felt creating it was unduly time consuming. Instead of stitching the fly-line core together, use a waterproof cyanoacrylate cement and glue it together. Zap-A-Gap is a good choice.

Follow the steps for the Russ Peak Loop Knot, but instead of stitching the loop, spread a little glue along the rear end, then fold the core back on itself to form the loop and pinch together. Use something other than your fingers such as a pair of tweezers or a paper clamp. Once the glue sets (usually in less than a minute) proceed as above without the stitching. The glue performs the same function as the stitching--keeping the two pieces from sliding and coming apart--and is much easier to do.

Step #1.Using a length of monofilament, make a girth hitch around the softened coating.

Step #2.Pull tight, then wrap the line around something other than your hand (monofilament cuts skin rather easily) and pull hard. The coating should slip off. If it doesn't, soak it some more.

Step #3.Thread a needle with thread that is on a spool in a bobbin. Then fold the stripped fly-line core on itself, and insert the needle between the two pieces.

Step #4.Make as many stitches as necessary to create the desired loop size.

Step #5.Remove the needle and wrap the stitched loop by holding the line between your hands and swinging the bobbin around the line. If you need to adjust thread tension, take a turn or two of thread around one of the bobbin's legs or use a rubber band around both legs to increase pressure on the spool ends.

Step #6.Finish by laying a loop of mono along the wrapped portion and wrap eight to ten turns over that. Use the loop to pull the thread under itself and cut the end with a razor.

Step #7.Coat the whipped area with a good flexible cement and you are done.