Knot Index

Clinch Knot	Duncan Loop / uni-Knot
Surgeon's Knot	Barrel Knot / Blood Knot
Surgeon's Loop	Perfection Loop
Albright Knot	Nail Knot
Backing to Fly Reel	Loop-to-Loop Connection

Basic Advice on Tying Knots

It is important not only to select the right knot for a particular job but to tie it properly. Poorly Tied knots will mean lost fish and aggravation. Here are a few basic steps to follow when tying all knots for fly fishing.

Lubricate knots: Before you tighten a knot, lubricate it with saliva or by dipping it in the water. This will help the knot slide and seat properly. Lubrication also decreases excessive heat which dramatically weakens monofilament. Heat is generated by the friction created when knots are drawn up tight.

Seat the knot: Tighten knots with a steady, continuous pull. Make sure the knot is tight and secure. After it is tied, pull on the line and leader to make sure it holds. It is better to test it now than when a fish is on.

Trim neatly: Use nippers to trim the material as close as possible without nicking or damaging the knot.

Using Fly Fishing Knots
	Backing to Reel: Backing to Fly Reel Knot
	Backing to Fly Line: Albright Knot or Nail Knot
	Fly Line to Braided Leader: Loop-to-Loop Connection
	Fly Line to Leader: Nail Knot
	Fly Line to Permanent Mono Loop: Nail Knot a 6"-8" monofilament butt section, then Loop-to-Loop Connection using Perfection Loop or Surgeon's Loop
	Braided Leader Butt to Tippet: Loop-to-Loop Connection using Perfection Loop on tippet or Surgeon's Loop on tippet
	Hand-Tied Leader: Barrel Knots or Surgeon's Knots
	Leader to Tippet: Surgeon's Knot or Barrel Knot
	Tippet to Fly: (a) Clinch Knot (b) Duncan Loop