Fly fishing knots

I basically use four knots:
The Blood knot (above) for knotted leaders
The Surgeons knot for attaching the tippet
The Palomar knot for tight attachment of flies
The Surgeons loop for loose attachment of flies.

Notice that this might not apply to your particular type of¨fishing. I fish salt water with smaller flies (for that kind of fishing) in sizes 2-10 and my tippet is typically 2X or 3X.

• Always tie the knots excactly as showed in good reliable sources. I believe this is such a source.
• Pass the lines the same way around each other as shown
• Use as many twists, passes etc. as shown. The number may vary with line thickness.
• Always moisten the knot before tightening. Knots tightned dry have down to half the breaking strength.
• Tighten as described -- mostly with an even firm pull, but sometimes with a jerk or one specific end first
• Pull tag ends first unless otherwise indicated. The line will often form a 'pig tail' upon passing thorugh the knot. This section is weaker than the unharmed line. It is harmless on the tag which is cut off.
• Use the knots for their intended purpose
• When joining lines notice if lines are the same or different diameters. Too big a difference calls for a different knot
• Choose a few simple, reliable knots that work for you and use them all the time
• Inspect all knots for looks and test all knots with a firm pull before using
• Well tied knots do not need any glue
• Practice tying knots. Well tied knots save time... and fish

Go to article start ^ User comments

GFF staff comment From: Martin Joergensen · martin·at·globalflyfisher.com Submitted June 16th 2007 Alex, Duh? Not to be smart, but did you try clicking on the knot names? Martin From: Alex · aandz400·at·hotmail.com Submitted June 14th 2007 WHY DOSENT IT HAVE INSTRUCTIONS

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