Knots!

[johnmac]

Im told that presentation is a huge factor in catching a Salmon..... so whats the best knot to use to make the fly look alive??? Im told the Turle not is very good... as is the perfect?? or is it perfection knot?? I've even been told to use the rappala knot which lets the fly move around in the loop for better presentation?? whats you guys thoughts???

[Fruin]

I use a double turl knot for connecting all single's, doubles, and trebles to my leader. I usually tie my hooks for tubes on with a tucked half blood knot, but I pass the nylon through the eye of the hook twice before tying the knot.

I wouldn't bother with the Rapala knot as your fly can get caught up in the loop and end up swimming at a funny angle. The nylon is also more obvious in bright conditions due to their being a full loop leaving the hook eye.

The reason that the turl knots are so popular is that they don't allow the knot to slip round the eye of the hook and, thus, your fly always swims straight and true.

[Fruin]

Graham,

I'm also a fan of the grinner knot but don't use it much now. It's a great knot for attaching lengths of leader material together, especially where there is a significant difference in diameter.

[Bogyoch]

The turle has the benefit of making the fly swim properly, but I am left with the knot on the hook when you come to cut the nylon to change the fly. Trying to snip and tweak the knot off the head of the fly, particulartly in cold weather, is frustrating and can end up damaging the tying silk. Any thoughts?

[gavan]

graham,
sorry if this is silly, iv'e noticed, that you use the
words, DRESSED FLY, would you please explain..
gavan...............

[gavan]

thank's graham.
gavan..........

[Fruin]

Bogyoch,

It's just one of those things. Try getting your nail behind it and sliding/forcing it off.
If you tie your own flies, leave more of the hook exposed behind the eye, this will make it easier to remove the leader material left over after the fly is cut from the leader.

[Bogyoch]

Thanks Fruin. I do tie my own flies, but with more hook exposed behind the eye, there seems to be more of a "waist" that traps the knot. I will have another go with this knot instead of the usual thbk.