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