Tips for Beginners: Knots

Knots are one of the most intimidating parts of fly fishing for beginners. Unfortunately, knots are probably the most important aspect of fishing. A weak connection between your line and fly will result in you losing fish no matter how strong your casting or fishing fighting skills.

Entire books are dedicated to knots; however, most people can get away with knowing only two: the clinchand either the surgeons or blood knot. The clinch is used for tying the fly to the tippet. The blood and surgeons knots are used for attaching tippet to leader. Because the surgeons knot and blood knot are interchangeable, we suggest you use the one that is easiest for you to tie. Typically the blood knot is better looking and symmetrical, and the surgeons is a little faster to tie.

We haven't mentioned a knot for attaching the leader or butt section to the fly line because many new systems include a loop-to-loop connection. Most manufactures sell leaders that have a loop already tied or you may ask your local fly shop employee to tie the loop for you (specify that you want a Perfection Loop). The system that most of us use is a butt section attached with a nail knot. You will want to learn the nail knot eventually but it is not necessary right away. Once again, if necessary, ask your local fly shop employee to tie the nail knot for you. To switch leaders when using a loop-to-loop connection you simply thread a new leader into the loop system – no need to tie any knots!

Before you cinch tight any knot, be sure to moisten the knot with you mouth. This applies a lubricant to the line that will limit the friction created when tightening the knot. Too much friction can weaken a knot’s strength. The most important thing for beginners is to learn the knots well. When there are fish rising all around you, it can be difficult to tie knots even when you are a pro.