Big JJ
05-16-08, 11:13 AM
I've spent the last couple nights using up an almost dead spool of 5x tippet practicing some knots. IMO, one of the biggest things a newbie can do to make the whole FF experience more enjoyable is getting proficient at making the necessary connections. Whether it's making the call early on just to snip off that ugly wind knot and start over, or just wanting to try some other flies cause you're not getting any bites, the decision is a whole lot easier to make if retying doesn't turn into a half-hour ordeal (and I'm not exaggerating; it can take that long for newbies).
So, there were two things I wanted to work on.
- leader to tippet - I've been doing the triple surgeons knot. As advertised, it's very strong when tied correctly. As easy as it seems to tie, though, I've noticed I get it wrong a significant percentage of the time. I don't know exactly where it goes wrong, but after lubricating and pulling tight while holding both ends in each hand, I then tighten with just the leader and standing end, and it snaps quite easily. The good news is, I know right away that I've messed up and don't have to find out by losing a fish. The bad part is just the time wasted. So, I practiced the Orvis tippet knot last night, and I have to say I was impressed. I feel it's no more difficult to tie than the surgeons, but not once did I have one break on me after tightening. Anyone else using this knot?
- loop knots - I've been wanting to get proficient at the non-slip mono loop, so I'll be confident enough to use it out on the stream. It's not a difficult knot, until you get to the tightening, and then something always seems to go wrong. It's funny, you can find 50 different diagrams online showing what loops make up a knot, but it's very hard to find tips or suggestions on how to actually tie it. I finally found an article (I think it was on midcurrent) describing how one needs a "third hand" when tightening the knot, and suggesting the use of a D-ring or zipper tab from a vest with which to secure the fly, leaving the hands free for the leader and tag end. Finally, it clicked! Holding the leader in the right hand and pulling with just barely enough force against the fly (hooked around something) to keep the line taut, and then pulling the tag end with the left hand in the opposite direction of the leader. This tightens the loops perfectly against the over hand knot. A few practices with this new method and I was finally getting it right 100% of the time.
Anyway, just thought I'd share my knot practice experiences. I always enjoy the threads where people share their "best practices" and we all learn from each other.
So, there were two things I wanted to work on.
- leader to tippet - I've been doing the triple surgeons knot. As advertised, it's very strong when tied correctly. As easy as it seems to tie, though, I've noticed I get it wrong a significant percentage of the time. I don't know exactly where it goes wrong, but after lubricating and pulling tight while holding both ends in each hand, I then tighten with just the leader and standing end, and it snaps quite easily. The good news is, I know right away that I've messed up and don't have to find out by losing a fish. The bad part is just the time wasted. So, I practiced the Orvis tippet knot last night, and I have to say I was impressed. I feel it's no more difficult to tie than the surgeons, but not once did I have one break on me after tightening. Anyone else using this knot?
- loop knots - I've been wanting to get proficient at the non-slip mono loop, so I'll be confident enough to use it out on the stream. It's not a difficult knot, until you get to the tightening, and then something always seems to go wrong. It's funny, you can find 50 different diagrams online showing what loops make up a knot, but it's very hard to find tips or suggestions on how to actually tie it. I finally found an article (I think it was on midcurrent) describing how one needs a "third hand" when tightening the knot, and suggesting the use of a D-ring or zipper tab from a vest with which to secure the fly, leaving the hands free for the leader and tag end. Finally, it clicked! Holding the leader in the right hand and pulling with just barely enough force against the fly (hooked around something) to keep the line taut, and then pulling the tag end with the left hand in the opposite direction of the leader. This tightens the loops perfectly against the over hand knot. A few practices with this new method and I was finally getting it right 100% of the time.
Anyway, just thought I'd share my knot practice experiences. I always enjoy the threads where people share their "best practices" and we all learn from each other.