Welding Running Lines: Replacing Running Lines

Ever had a line where you like to replace the running line? Perhaps the original running line is too thick, or you would like to add a running line with a different colour. I've added floating running lines to sinking lines for river usage. In this video we'll deonstrate how to replace one running line with another.

[@mikestone9129]

Thanks, I'm new to fly fishing and I'm learning a lot from watching your videos.

[@richardmcgill9954]

Once again another well thought out helpful video thank you.

[@kevinjtoner]

Excellent!!! Couldn’t be simpler…….Thank you!!! 👍🎣

[@christiannilsson4071]

Thank you.

[@nicolelewis1828]

Brilliant!

[@SportFishingAsia]

That’s pretty good. Thanks for sharing that.

[@Ruger44Carbine]

Clever 👍🏻

[@gabrielfusaru1211]

Question from an absolute beginner (so neophyte!): why don't you weld the lines without loops? The max lump thickness will consist of thin line + thick line and not twice thick line. Even the lump length will be shorter.

[@hooked4lifeca]

Good question. Often lines come with welded loops made at the factory. It's easier to use the existing loop. The loop-to-loop also creates a stronger weld.
Years ago, Airflo used to do exactly what you suggested. Their running lines would be too thick if they extruded their Spey line heads and running lines in one piece, so they extruded them separately and welded them together using an overlap joint as you described. It became a point of failure on their lines and they stopped using it, living with the thick running lines instead.

[@gabrielfusaru1211]

Of course, you are the master, not me. But i still believe a welding operation will not leave room for failures. Other way. even the loop welding will brake. Yes, we can debate on the mechanic of the stress and admit that the share force for the added loop wing is only a half of the traction force the other half stressing the main line. But in my theory, what does count is the force per inch. So, if we double the welding length (what we already do) the force per inch will be the same. The only one parameter i had ignore till now is the compatibility of the two line materials !!!! If these materials are not welding compatible than, for sure, the loop welding method is better.

[@hooked4lifeca]

I think we should use the Airflo experience as a guide. If I remember correctly, around 2005 or so they had to recall lines because the overlap joint was peeling apart. If the front edge lifts during a cast and catches on a guide . . .

[@gabrielfusaru1211]

you are right.

[@tuloko16]

@@gabrielfusaru1211i think the part that you are missing is that we are welding just the coating of the 2 lines. Remember, they have a core and it stays intact during the weld. It could be dacron, monofilament or something else. You can peel this coating from the core relatively easy. That’s why a loop to loop weld it stronger. As compared to the 2 cores side by side, only joined by the coating