Successful fly fishing relies on how well you are able to tie the right knots for various purposes and that you are able to tie them properly. If your knot tying skills are not up to par, then you will lose fish, flies, and probably your temper.
Basics
Lubricate the knot before you tighten it. Saliva or water will work. This helps the knot to slide and decreases the friction on the line. With a steady, continuous pull, tighten the knot. Test it to make sure it holds. You don't want to wait until that big fish has grabbed your fly and discover that your knot won't hold. Trim the ends of the knot neatly, without damaging it. Knots should look good as well as function.
Importance
Knots are a very important part of fly fishing. Different knots can have different effects on flies, which can cause a fish to be attracted or disgusted. Being able to identify different knots and knowing when, where and how to use them can be vital to a success fishing venture. Practice makes perfect, though, so once you learn which knots are which, you'll need to practice your knot tying skills.
Knots
The slip knot is used to tie the backing line to the fly reel. The improved clinch knot is used to attach the fly to the tippet. The trilene knot is also used to tie the fly to the tippet. A surgeon's knot is for a fast connection with the leader. The perfection loop is a looping in the leader or dropper. The double turle knot is used to tie the fly to the leader. It's claimed to be a strong and improved knot. A nail knot is used to tie the fly line to the backing line. And the Albright knot is an easy knot to connect the backing line to the fly line.
Favorites
All fishermen have their favorite knots. Some knots they just do not like, for whatever reason. As you become more familiar with these fly fishing knots, you will probably choose your favorites as well, since more than one knot will do the same job. It's important to make sure that the knots you use are strong enough to handle the strike of a fish. You will also need to choose knots for your type of fly fishing. Different types of fishing, such as game fishing, require different knots than those fishing for trout at the local stream.
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