Fly Fishing Knots
There are many fly fishing knots that an angler might use, but you
only need to master a few to ensure that your trophy lunker doesn't
swim off because you used the wrong knot to prepare your tackle.
The terminology of fly fishing knots
When tying fly fishing knots we need to learn the terminology so that
we are sure of what we are doing. The part of the line in which the knot
is tied is known as the tag end. The part of the line that attaches to
your reel is the standing end. The tag end is the short part of the line;
the standing line is the long part of the line.
Turning the tag end around the standing part of the line is called a
wrap or a turn. To make a loop you either tie a knot that creates a
loop or you bring the tag end of the line back alongside the standing line.
Tips to know when tying fly fishing knots
* The tighter you can make a fly fishing knot, the stronger it is, and
the less likely it will be to slip.
* Any knot will create a weakness in your line. Choosing the right knot
will ensure that the weakness is minimized.
* If you wet the knot as you tighten it, it will slide more easily and
seat properly.
* Trim the tag end close to the knot. If it is seated properly it should
not slip.
* Keep the lines parallel when tying double line knots. Twisting the lines
can cause them not to seat properly.
Fly fishing knots you should know
A simple fly fishing knot for attaching your backing line to your leader
is the Arbor knot. Loop the backing line around your reel and make an
overhand knot to tie the tag end to the standing line.
Tie another overhand knot at the end of the tag end. Moisten the knots
and tighten. Pull the standing end of the line to close the loop against
the reel.
The Albright is the knot used to join lines of different diameters or
materials. You can use this knot to tie the fly line to the backing,
or to attach wire to monofilament. Make a loop in the heavy line by
bringing the tag end back towards the standing end. Thread the light
line through the loop and make about ten wraps around the looped line
and working toward the loop. Take the end of the wrapped line and pass
it under and through the loop between tag end and the light line.
Slide the wraps toward the closed end of the loop being careful not
to let them slide off the end. Moisten and pull gently on the standing
part of both lines until they are properly seated.
If you are joining wire to monofilament you can use pliers to tighten
the knot securely.
An adaptation of the Cinch knot, the improved Cinch, is the fly fishing
knot most used to attach flies to the tippet. Thread the tippet through
the eye of the fly and wrap the tag end about five times around the
standing end. More than this will prevent the knot from tightening
sufficiently. Pass the tag end through the loop formed next to the
eye of the hook and then through the large loop. Moisten and seat
tight against the hook. When using a thicker tippet, wrap the tag
end only three times around the standing line.
Another fly fishing knot that you will use for loop-to-loop connections
is the Perfection knot. It is strong and effective. Using the tag end
of the line, make two loops with the front loop closest to the secure
part of the standing line. Pass the tag end between the two loops and
then pull the front loop through the back loop. Moisten and pull tight
then trim the tag end close to the loop.
There are many fly fishing knots and as your expertise increases you
may find yourself trying a few that are not listed here. These fly
fishing knots will get you started. If you tie them properly you will know
that if you do lose a fish it will not be because your knots failed.
Tags: 
