Fly Fishing Knots

[tie one on]

I've seen a number of threads about knots so here is
some easy to follow information.

If you having been fishing at all knowing how to tie
the knot required is a must. We all had to learn from
someone how to tie these knots & it's important for
those more seasoned anglers to teach the next generation
so that they too can carry on.

I'd would say that 99.9% of those I have taught how to
fly fish over the years had little or no idea how to tie even
the most simple knots.

I researched on the internet & found several sites that
may help those just starting out. Try going to either of
these sites, or just Goggle "fly fishing knots"

killroys.com/knots/knots.htm or animatedknots.com

If you teach others & I know many of you do, is teaching
knots part of your standard practice ?

Teaching is fun :-)

Tie One On

[Pocono]

As a sailor, I have to ask if anyone has ever used a "bowline" (pronounced "bo'lin") knot to attach a fly to the tippet? It's a simply knot, tightens on itself under tension and comes apart very easily. The eye can be formed both large or small (large to allow fly action or small to snug it down). I've used it to secure good sized boats during high winds and bad weather and have never had it fail. I ask because it's a simple knot to tie, but I'm not sure how it will function for tying on flies with a relatively stiff material like monofilament. Does anyone have any experience using this knot?

[Joe D]

You can use a dunkan loop to achieve the same thing, which is really just a uni knot tied through the hook eye.

[fysh]

I like to save old spools of unused tippet material for teaching someone to tie knots.
Once they get a couple of knot basics figured out have them sit in front of the tube to watch a game or something and tie knots over and over.

When they get those memorized then move onto a couple more knots, before they know it they are good to go.

[Joe D]

What I' use for teaching knots are two spools of contrasting mono or backing. I find the two different colors make it much easier to learn knots used for joining two lines together. For other knots used in a single line the colored line makes it easier to see and follow along as the knot develops.

[fysh]

Great idea, thanks.