Basic & Their Functions in the Complete Line Set-Up

NOTE…The knots below, are tied using backing, fly lines, leader material and tippet material. They are pictured below using blue and red rope for viewing clarity only !!!!!

Arbor : This is a simple knot used for attaching backing onto a bare reel (arbor). Its function is simply to close tightly around the reel to allow line to be spooled in, while providing a last line of safety in the event that all of the backing is pulled off the reel.

Nail Knot: This knot is used for attaching the backing to the back end of a fly line and is also used to attach a leader to the front end of the fly line. This is a thin, very reliable knot that will pass easily through the eyelets of your rod when pulling in line.

Blood Knot: This knot is generally used to attach a tapered leader to the thin tippet material. It is a very reliable and relatively thin knot that is easily reeled through the rod eyelets.

Double Surgeon’s Knot: Though not as thin as the , this knot is often chosen to attach a tapered leader to the thin tippet material due to the shorter amount of time required to tie it. If time is not an issue, a blood knot may be a better choice for this role.

Non-Slip Loop Knot: This knot is used to attach the thin tippet to the eye of the fly. If it is more difficult to tie than the , it is only marginally so. Regardless, this should be the preferred knot for attaching flies to tippet because of the natural motion that the loop allows when the fly is in the water.

Improved Clinch Knot: This knot may be slightly easier to tie than the non-slip loop knot; however, it simply does not allow the same amount of natural movement, as this knot binds tightly around the hook eye. Once I learned how to tie the non-slip loop knot, I have seldom used this knot to attach a fly to my tippet.

Basic Fly Fishing Knots & Their Functions in the Complete Line Set-Up

Look at the diagram below to see where each knot fits into the process of setting up your line from reel to fly:

1.) 2.) 3.) Nail Knot 4.) Blood Knot* or Double Surgeon’s Knot** 5.) Improved Clinch Knot or Non-Slip Loop Knot ***

* Thinner (passes through eyelets more easily) ** Quicker to tie *** Better choice of the two (more natural fly movement)

FOR CLEAR VIDEOS ON HOW TO TIE THESE KNOTS, LOOK ON THE LOGAN LAKE FLY FISHING WEBSITE UNDER THE “FISHING AND KNOT-TYING BASICS” TAB