Knot to be, I guess.

[cmdrstp]

I sometimes (ok, all the time) have a little problem fishing the loop end through on a small surgeon's knot. I use a loop-to-loop connections. is their a tool with a small hook that will help my draw the loop through? What is the best knot tying tool? I am looking at the "The Winder Knot-Tyer" by Orvis. Any experience with it? Thank you.

 

[BigCliff]

I would just try to make bigger loops. I use perfection loops for both ends of a loop2loop connection, make the loops about the size of a sunflower seed (with shell), and it works fine for me.

The perfection loop takes a bit of practice, but I bet you'll grow to likle it best.

 

[Frank Whiton]

Hi cmdrstp,

The Surgeon Loop is a very strong loop but it is difficult to tie small. I only use the Surgeon Loop when fishing big fish like Salmon.

Like Cliff, I use the Perfection Loop for all Trout fishing. It is quick to tie and you can get a fairly small loop. If you want a tool to use take a look at Crochet needles. Just make sure there are no sharp edges.

Frank

Crochet Needles

 

[GeorgeMcFly]

my cousin bent a paper clip into a hook shape to help him grab the line for some of his knots and then attached that to his zipper of his fly vest for on stream knots.

 

[Frank Whiton]

Hi cmdrstp,

Here are three other tools that will help with tying knots. The Ty Rite Has a little hook that extends by pushing on the top. It will grab your line and pull it through the loop. This is the standard size tool and they make a smaller one also. It has a hook to hang on your vest. Also a great tool for picking up a small fly from your box and making a clinch knot.

You could also use a small Forceps to pull your loop through but you would have to use caution not to damage the line.

Frank

Ty Rite Tool

Cinch Tie Knot Tyer

Four Inch Forceps

 

[cmdrstp]

Thank you all! Great advice and tips. I appreciate it. I did buy a tiny crochet needle....works great. I do like the Perfection loop now too.

 

[FlyRichardFly]

Great info! Talking about knots, I use the Perfection Loop for loop to loop but rather than a Improved Clinch to the fly, I use a Uni.
I use a Uni to Uni to connect the tippet, rather than a Blood or Double surgeons.
A Uni is so quick and easy to tie. I can tie one in about 5 seconds and the Uni is closest to 100% strength as a knot can get. And a Uni is small just like a Blood.
I started with braids in saltwater, and now that know replaced the Improved Clinch for me.
What do you think, Frank? Is it a good knot, or am I only kidding myself.

 

[Frank Whiton]

Hi Richard,

I like the uni-to-uni knot. I also use it a lot. When fishing in-shore I use the uni-to-uni to fasten tippets to the leader. I also use it to fasten a leader to a braided line.

Frank

 

[FlyRichardFly]

Thanks, Frank,

I thought they were a strong knot, and if you also use them ......... good enough for me!

Everyone on a video or TV always uses a Improved Clinch to tie the fly to the tippet. The knots always break for me and way too much time to tie!!
And Bloods, I must be doing something wrong because they break too easy and take so long to tie. With a Uni to Uni I can leave 10" of line out and make a perfect tie and when the line is pulled the knots slip together and waste almost no line at all.
I was getting worried about all the breakoffs with thin line, 2lb test, but with the Uni's I don't break anymore.

 

[Nooksack Mac]

Pointed, squeeze-to-open tweezers aren't considered basic fly gear - why, I don't know. I use my 40-year-old one almost daily. Good for pulling mono strands through a small loop, in knot-tying; good for tying an overhand knot in pheasant fibers for legs; great for picking a hook out of a pile, for fly tying.

The double loop cinch knot, or Trilene knot, is one of the strongest tippet-to-hook knots, and the one I use mostly. Definitely stronger than the improved cinch. The line-to-line Uni knot is much stronger than the blood knot (although I'll have to see one tied in five seconds to believe it). I use it for tying tippets into a knotted leader, with blood knots for the upper connections. I no longer have to routinely replace the tippet along with a lost fly.

 

[dimitris]

I sometimes (ok, all the time) have a little problem fishing the loop end through on a small surgeon's knot. I use a loop-to-loop connections. is their a tool with a small hook that will help my draw the loop through? What is the best knot tying tool? I am looking at the "The Winder Knot-Tyer" by Orvis. Any experience with it? Thank you.

thankss