PIKE FLY- FISHING ASSOCIATION

BACKING LINE TO REEL

Reel knot-  This is a simple and reliable knot which can be used to secure the backing line to the reel.

For added security, take the backing round the reel drum twice before tying the knot. After pulling the slip knot tight, trim the loose end but not too close to the knot.

BACKING TO FLY LINE

Constriction Knot- This is a simple method of attaching most types of backing line - nylon monofilament, dacron, braided terylene or twisted nylon - to a traditional type of fly line i.e. a PVC coated, terylene core fly line.

1.  Overlap the fly line and backing line by around 12 inches.

2.  Take the end of the backing line and fold it over itself and the fly line to form a loop and grip the point of overlap (A) firmly between the thumb and forefinger of the right hand.

3.  Bring the end of the backing through the loop half a dozen times times.

4.  Carefully draw the turns together while sliding the whole knot towards the tip of the fly line. With the turns of the knot touching, pull steadily on both ends of the backing until the knot grips the fly line tightly. Check the security of the knot by pulling the backing and fly line firmly in opposite directions. When satisfied, trim the ends closely.

Nail Knot- Most common area for use is attaching the leader to the fly line. It can also be used to attach the fly line to the backing.

1. Place a nail between the fly line and leader. Wrap the leader back towards the end of your fly line about 6 times.

2. Pass the end of your leader back through the loops you just made. After the leader is through, pull on both ends of the fly line and leader trying not to have the loops cross each other. Holding with fingers, remove nail.

3. Moisten and snug down by pulling both ends away from each other. Clip excess line and leader close to the formed knot.

LEADER TO FLY LINE

Loop to Loop- A convenient method of attaching a leader to the fly line, avoiding wear and tear on the butt loop.

Perfection Knot- The perfection loop knot is used for attaching two looped pieces of monofilament together. Sometimes used for a quick change of leaders. This is a dependable and strong when formed properly.

1. Take the standing line in your left hand and form a loop by crossing the tag end over itself with your right hand. Pinch between the thumb and index finger in your left hand where it crosses leaving about 5 inches of the tag end exposed to work with. Form a smaller loop in front of the larger loop by bringing the tag end in front of the first formed loop. Pinch this in with the first crossover.

2. Take the tag end, wrapping it around the back of both loops and then between the two loops. After you go between both loops add that to what you are pinching down between your fingers.

3. With your right hand, reach through the first formed loop taking the second smaller loop between your thumb and index finger and pulls it through the first loop. Moisten and slowly pull on the standing line continuing to hold the smaller loop that you pulled through. Trim the tag end close and the loop knot is complete.

LEADER TO TIPPET

Surgeons Knot- The easiest and fastest knot for attaching the tippet to the leader in all kinds of conditions.

1. The Surgeon’s knot requires the leader and tippet to be placed side-by-side so they overlap (foe about 6") with ends facing opposite directions.

2. Pinch the standing leader and tippet tag end with the left thumb and forefinger and use the right hand to tie an overhand knot with the leader tag end and the tippet. (The entire length of the tippet must be passed though the overhand knot loop, even though the leader tag end is only about 5"). Do not tighten the completed overhand knot!

3. Grasp the completed loop with the left and make another pass through the same overhand knot, passing the full length of the tippet and the leader tag end through a second time. Draw the loop down by simultaneously pulling on leader and tippet. Moisten the loop, grasp the leader and tippet tag on the left with your left hand and the tippet and leader tag on the right with right hand. Pull all four end simultaneously to snug the knot tight. Trim tag ends.

Albright Knot- The Albright knot is used in situations where you need to join two lines of greatly unequal diameter or of different material.

1. Loop the heavier line (wider diameter) and place it between your thumb and index finger of your left hand. Pass the lighter line through the formed loop leaving yourself about 8 inches. Pinch the lighter line in with the line already in your left hand.

2. Make approximately 10 wraps with the lighter line wrapping away from you and working from left to right. With each wrap, work your thumb and index finger along holding these wraps in place, trying not to let up any pressure on your left hand. On the 10th wrap, come around and then through the remaining loop. Taking the standing line in your right hand pull gently as you push the wraps with your left hand towards the closed loop. Alternate between the end of the lighter line and on the standing part until the wraps are against the tag end. Make sure the wraps do not go over each other and that you don't push them to far. Pull the tag tight then pull on the standing part of both lines until the knot is secure.

3. Finally, clip the two short pieces close to the knot.

TIPPET TO FLY

Clinch Knot-  Can be used to tie a tippet to the fly and to tie monofilament to a hook/ swivel.

1. Pass the line through the eye of the hook, or swivel. Double back. make five turns around the line.Pass the end of the line through the first loop, above the eye, and then through the large loop. Draw the knot into shape.

2. Slide the coils down tight against the eye.

MONOFILAMENT TO HOOK OR SWIVEL

Crawford Knot- The Crawford knot often is overlooked by even the most skilled anglers. It is a very versatile knot for tying most types of hook, swivel, or lure "eyes" to a leader or line. The Crawford knot is not nearly so difficult to tie as it looks.

1. Insert the line through the hook eye, leaving about eight inches for tying the knot. Bring the line end back around the standing part of the line to form a loop.

2. Now bring the line end under the standing part of the line, and over the two parallel lines, as shown.

3. The knot has formed a "figure 8." Bring the tag end of the line under the two parallel strands, then back over all three lines.

4. The knot is completed by tucking the tag end between the standing line and the front part of the loop. Pull the knot tight, slide it down and "jam" it against the hook eye and trim.

Grinner Knot- Used for attaching pike traces to the end of your line. It works equally well with nylon monofilament or braided lines.

1. Pass main line through trace swivel and double back to form a loop

2. Pass the free end of the line through the loop, and around the mainline, four times. Moisten the knot and pull the free ends to tighten the knot while controlling the coils as it slides up the line.

3. Carefully slide the knot towards the swivel while continuing to pull on the free end. Snug the knot down tight and trim off the free end.

In thin braided lines the knot can be tied after first doubling a length of line.

KNOTS BY KIND PERMISSION OF JOHN GRAY  

http://www.trout-salmon-fishing.com

For more animated fishing knots go to       http://www.animatedknots.com