| When you are fly fishing, tying the right knots can | | | | reel. This is called “Backing to the fly reel” and |
| make a world of difference in your success or failure. | | | | there is a specific knot as to how to achieve that. |
| It’s important to not only select the right knot for | | | | When you are backing to the fly line, you should use |
| the situation but also to tie it properly. Poorly tied knots | | | | either an Albright Knot or a Nail Knot. The Nail Knot is |
| will mean lost fish and frustration for you, so knowing | | | | also good for using when tying the fly line to the leader. |
| about the right knots and how to tie them can be a | | | | When securing the leader to the tippet, good knot |
| huge part of the fly fishing experience. | | | | choices include the Surgeon’s Knot or the Barrel |
| Before you tighten a knot, moisten it with saliva or with | | | | Knot. Securing the tippet to the fly can be achieved |
| water you are fishing on. This will help the knot slide | | | | easily with a Clinch Knot or a Duncan’s Loop. |
| and seat properly. Lubrication also decreases | | | | It has been said that the weakest part of a fly |
| excessive heat which can weaken the monofilament. | | | | fisherman’s equipment is his knots. A fighting fish |
| Heat is generated by friction created when the knots | | | | will test every link in between the angler and itself. If |
| are drawn up tight. Moistening the knot will reduce this | | | | one of these link is lacking, the line will break and the |
| heat and allow you to have good, strong knots. | | | | fish will be lost. Unless you’re really eager to share |
| Tighten knots with a steady, continuous pull. This is | | | | a “the one that got away” story, learning to tie |
| called seating the knot. Make sure the knot is tight and | | | | knots can be the most important part of your fly |
| secure. To check this, pull on the line and leader to be | | | | fishing experience. |
| sure it holds. It’s better to test its strength before | | | | Some fly fishing knots are simple to do – others are |
| you cast rather than to have it break once you get a | | | | a little more complicated. Practice tying knots before |
| hook. | | | | you get on the water. Become proficient at it and be |
| There are plenty of books available that give | | | | sure you can do it in low light in case you have a |
| step-by-step instructions on how to properly tie | | | | broken line. There is no one knot best for any specific |
| specific knots. You can also find many tutorials online | | | | situation – the choice is personal. But when you are |
| that can show you how to tie specific knots. | | | | fly fishing, you need to depend on your knots and |
| You will need to know how to secure your line to the | | | | it’s worth taking the time to learn properly. |