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Fly Fishing Knots Used to Set Up Your OutfitMany people believe that you need to know an assortment of fly fishing knots to set up you outfit. There are a multitude of different knots you can use but you only really need to choose from a few of them to get the job done. Now, in most cases when you buy a fly fishing outfit from the same fly shop they will be more than happy to go ahead and set your entire rig up for you. There will come a time when you will need to know how to do it yourself, so it’s worth learning a few knots. Like I said before, there are many different fly fishing knots you could learn and some of them can get the same job done as another. It’s really up to you which you feel you can tie easily and effectively. I’ve put together this page to give you options on common fly fishing knots, what they’re best used for, and how to tie them. For effect I’ve found some resources that show the knots being tied through videos or animated instructions . Alright let’s get to the knots. The fly fishing knots in the headings are the ones I would personally suggest using although there are other options below each one. Tip: Before tightening any knot, be sure to get it wet first. This can easily be done by putting it in your mouth and getting a little spit on it. The moisture will make the knot hold more securely. Backing to Reel: The Arbor KnotThe arbor knot is the easiest knot I’ve found to be used for tying the backing to the reel arbor.Other optional knot:
Fly Line to Backing: The Albright KnotThe Albright knot is a little more complicated than the arbor knot but will securely hold the fly line to the backing.Other optional knots:
Leader to Fly Line:The Perfection LoopAlthough the nail knot is the stronger of choices for tying the leader to the fly line it is a more difficult knot to tie with or without a knot tying tool.The perfection loop is easy to tie to the butt end of a leader and allows you to quickly and easily to change leaders. For the perfection loop to work you will also need a loop at the end of your fly line. Some lines come with the loop already molded at the end. If not, you will want to get a slip-on braided loop to easily attach to your fly line. After making the perfection loop at the butt end of your leader you will need the thread the loop at the end of your fly line through the perfection loop. Lastly you will need to take the tippet end of the leader and thread it through the fly line loop. Pull it completely through and your leader should be securely attached. By tying perfection loops in all of your leaders you can easily see how this will make leader changes on the water simple. Other optional knots:
Tippet to Leader: The Double Surgeon's KnotEvery time you snip off a fly to try something new you shorten your leader. Rather than buying a whole new leader you can add tippet material to extend the life of your current one.There are a few fly fishing knots you can use to attach tippet to your leader but one of the easiest and strongest is the double surgeon’s knot. I couldn't find a video for this knot however the animated instructions should be enough to get you through it. Other optional knots:
Fly to Tippet: The Clinch KnotWhen attaching the fly to your leader or tippet there are multiple knots to choose from. The one I most commonly used in the past and still use is the clinch knot or the improved clinch knot. Very simple to tie and with a little spit will tighten securely.There are times when another knot may be a better choice (when you need more natural action from your fly) so it’s a good idea to learn a few. Other optional knots:
As you can see there are many fly fishing knots available that do the same job. If you can commit a few of them to memory you should have no problem while you’re on the water. I often come up with a memory blank (or a “brain fart” as some people call it) so I like to keep the little streamside knot book that Orvis offers in my vest pocket. The book also offers useful information on leaders and tippet and choosing the best ones for different conditions. To leave the fly fishing knots page and return to the fly fishing outfit page click here. Click here to go to the home page and find out more about fly fishing for bass and panfish. The Duncan LoopThe Nail KnotThe Blood KnotThe Non-Slip Mono LoopThe Trilene KnotSign up for our free ezine.To get updates to the site, fly fishing stories, tips and gear information feel free to sign up for our free monthly ezine – Fly Fishing Journal.
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