Click a link below to get detailed instructions.

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

 

PITZEN KNOT 

I started using this knot to attach fly to tippet about three months ago and have yet to have it fail. It's about as close to 100% line strength as you can get. If you have been using a clinch knot and have had it fail as often as I have, you'll appreciate how strong this knot is.

Knot Tying Instructions

1. Position fly to the right as shown.

2. Thread 3" to 4" of tippet through the hook-eye and loop as shown. Hold in place between your left thumb and finger. Now let the fly hang.

3. Make 3 twists (only) as is illustrated leaving a loop through which you thread the tag-end exactly as shown...(i.e. 'in' top front and 'out' back of loop!)

4. Pull the tag end with the left hand so twists close up loosely, not firmly! Now pull the tippet line (not tag-end) so that the knot slides to the hook-eye; do this steadily and then firmly until you feel the knot set

With repeated ties you will feel the knot set; pull it a second time as sometimes you may feel a second smaller 'knot-set'. Retie if you do not feel at least one 'knot-set'. This knot is as easy to tie as a Clinch-knot but it tests, on average, an incredible 95% to 100% of straight-line strength of my tippets vs. as little as 65% for the Clinch-knot. The "Pitzen-knot" is so simple; it's a small knot, not at all bulky and you can snip the tag-end close!

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.

Notice:

Knot advice, text, and diagrams are used by permission of the Orvis Company, Inc. Materials are taken from the Orvis Waterproof Vest Pocket Knot Booklet. All material Copyrighted by the Orvis Company, Inc.

Parts of this page have been reproduced with the permission of Steve Scott at Kilroy's Flytying killroy@killroys.com

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