Confession. I only tie one fishing knot.
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| Courtesy: Fishingtieknots.com |
Maybe that’s a bit of a lie. On the rare occasions that I need to, I do know how to tie a nail knot to connect fly line to backing and an arbor knot to attach backing to reel. However on the whole, the only knot I tie for like 99% of my tippet to fly connections (which are 99% of my knot tying situations) is the improved clinch knot. Heck, I used it when I was fishing with spinning tackle and lures and using swivels and all that stuff too. It’s quick, easy, and seems to faithfully get the job done.
That said, I also tend to catch small fish. I like chasing small stream trout and (out of convenience) the stuff that lives in freshwater ponds. I’m sure my improved clinch will fail me at some point should I ever hook that big carp or redfish or manatee (joking), but I really don’t recall any situations where I lost a fish due to the knot being the weak point.
Is there another knot I should be trying? I’ve heard the mono loop knot is good for streamers…but other than that, is there a reason to learn an Orvis or Davy or some other knot to connect a tippet to fly? Or am I being wise to keep the tangled messes to a minimum?
What knots do you utilize in your fishing and why?
I use improved clich also, but only on light line (like 4 lb or so.) But for heavier lines I use double loop clinch knot which I think is easier and faster than improved clinch. I have no idea if one is stronger, but I find the double loop clinch tends to untie itself on light line when tugged.
I use the same knot you do, sometimes tied wrong even. Still works. Every so often I have to go to the internet and refresh my old brain on how it's “supposed” to be tied. The only other knot I use is a triple surgeons knot when I have to join two lines. I should know more knots, but then – I haven't really needed any others. Is that you in the second photo? 🙂
Davy Knot: slightly easier to tie, not significantly so.I use these knots the most:BloodSurgeonsImproved ClinchTrilene (doubled IC)UniNailEach has a purpose, and on the water most are NOT employed. 80% of my knot tying is the IC, with Trilene for hard terminal ties. I got EZ Eyelets and quit using the Nail Knot.It's hard to resist the lure of knots, I know. But it is possible.
95% of my fishing I use a palomar knot…any time it'll fit through the eye of the hook. Quick and easy to tie, never had it fail, bass, reds, specks, trout, carp. When it won't fit…Imp. Clinch, like you.
I use the Imroved Clinch…..all the time. I to need to learn my knots.
I use the Orvis knot, omitting the final turn (faster and seemingly unnecessary). It is a very fast knot to tie. It doesn't use much tippet. It is not sensitive to the ratio of size of tippet/size of hook like the Davy. (Beware! AMHIK). It sets up square and is a very small knot. It is also very strong. Works with mono and fluoro equally well.
Ever since I started fishing, I've used the “fisherman's” knot, at least that's what I call it. Wrap around four times, through the loop twice and pull tight. It's only failed me a couple times in 60 years.
Learn the no-slip mono loop, it's easy and very effective, I break off far fewer flies now…
Michael, I thought this was a great post. Knots are the key to the final picture, is it “Knot”? Anyway, I have used the Clinch Knot like you through good times and bad. By far, the only knot I usually will tie a fly on with. Thanks for the refresher………………………..
**Adv. Clinch Knot – I use this for everything. My fly gear and spinning/baitcasting gear. I have never had a knot fail me in my fish career. I love this knot. Easy to tie and dependable.**The Non Slip Mono Loop Knot – I use this for some streamers to get more movement. Haven't had one fail me, yet.**Surgeons Knot – For when I'm making leaders or adding tipped to a leader. Quick, easy, and super dependable.
Maybe I am a knot nerd (I am a cheater of sorts since I rock climb as well) I use all sorts but for fishing I am similar to drew: 1.) My go to knot is the palomar. Very fast to tie, strong, and I can do it in the dark. It only becomes problematic on small flies in that you have to go thru the eye of the hook twice. 2.) In those instances, and when I tie a dropper on the bend of a hook, I join the rest of the fishing world and use the Improved Clinch. 3.) EXCEPT when I am nymphing picky trout, carp, or saltwater sorts; then I tie a perfection loop so my fly has more movement. Also useful to take a straight section of line and turn it into a loop for a loop to loop connection. 4.) Triple surgeons knot, for my leader to tippet connection. 5.) If you have a boat, inflatable pontoon, or even a kayak like myself it is helpful to know a few other simple boating knots: including anchor hitch, bowline, figure 8, and in a rush the pile hitch. 6.) Surprisingly I have no clue to tie a blood knot or the nail knot. I have a desire to learn the first but with how I fish I never really need to tie a nail knot. I have my own odd way of creating connections in line–but thats a whole other box of worms…
Wow. You are a knot nerd. Actually, I'm quite jealous. That's quite the library. I think if I learn half of the ones you suggest, I'll be better off. Thanks for the suggestions!
Fortunately, no it's not me in the 2nd picture.
You and me both. There are some good suggestions in this list.
Definitely have been a light line guy to date…thanks for the suggestion should I go up in weight.
EZ Eyelets huh? May need to look into that…
The Orvis knot is the one other knot I've been toying with, but haven't made the switch. I think I'll play around with this one some more.
Yep. That was one I was definitely going to add to the repertoire.
No problem Mel. If it's not broke, don't fix it, right?
Non slip mono is going to happen. Thanks for the suggestions.
Nice. It's gotta be good with that record over 6 decades!
Improved clinch knot for everything. If I need another knot… someone else ties it! Lol. Maybe I need to fish with Atlas… =)
Well if everything goes to plan I will be moving out to Utah within the year and then we can fish together!