A Knew Knot

[TubeDude]

[cool][blue][size 1]During the little exchange on line preferences, I got a PM asking for suggestions as to which knot was best for tieing a hook, fly or lure to your line. MAN...Now that is a sure way to open up a heated discussion.[/size][/blue]

[#0000ff][size 1]There has to be at least a hundred easy to find websites that detail how to tie all the popular fishing knots...Clinch, Double Clinch, Trilene, Palomar, Surgeon's Knot, Blood Knot, etc. Most anglers use some or all of those.[/size][/#0000ff]

[#0000ff][size 1]But, if anyone would like to try something new, let me offer a knot that is old to me, and probably unknown to most people. It is a triple loop slip knot. [/size][/#0000ff]

[#0000ff][size 1]As far as I know, I invented it for myself when I was about 12 years old. Since then, I have used it in fresh and salt water, for bait hooks, flies and all kinds of lures. It is quick and easy to tie and it is strong. I can't remember more than a couple of times that this knot has failed before my line broke. And then I suspect it was because I did not tie it right or failed to snug it up properly.[/size][/#0000ff]

[#0000ff][size 1]The good news is that it is a knot that you can tie easily in low light conditions. I can even tie it by feel in the dark. That is great when the batteries on your little penlight are bad and you need to tie on a new fly or lure when the fish are going crazy all around you.[/size][/#0000ff]

[#0000ff][size 1]I will include a 3 picture "how to", but the secret of the simplicity and easiness of the knot is based upon being able to make three large loops in the leader, and then to snug them down so you do not waste any leader material. As I mentioned, I developed it as a fumble fingered kid, and it has remained my knot of choice over a lot of years.[/size][/#0000ff]

[#0000ff][size 1]To make it easier to see and understand, I used a large spinnerbait hook and some lead core line in the pics. I suggest practicing with a larger hook and line until you get a feel for it. Once you get your fingers trained, and learn how to make the moves, you can whip out one of these knots in a hurry, and don/t need to worry about the strength.[/size][/#0000ff]

[#0000ff][size 1]One final thought. If you are fishing with a spinner or other lure, with a thin eye to tie the line onto, you may want to run the leader through the eye twice before tieing the loops. This reduces the potential for having your line cut by the thin eye with only one wrap of leader.[/size][/#0000ff]



[signature]

[chayden]

That is a slick knot. Tried it a few times before posting back. Thanks for the information.
[signature]

[TubeDude]

[cool][blue][size 1]Thanks.[/size][/blue]

[#0000ff][size 1]A couple of things I left out that might help. One, it takes a little training of your fingers, but if you use the tip of your thumb and forefinger, on the hook holding hand, like a pair of chopsticks...grasping each loop as you bring it around...it keeps the loops all tidy for you to push the line through. [/size][/#0000ff]

[#0000ff][size 1]Second, you should wet most knots before you pull them tight...with spit or crick water. It helps reduce the friction and heat buildup. Heat breaks down the strength of mono in a hurry.[/size][/#0000ff]
[signature]

[hustler898]

Hey TD who you trying to fool? Back in NY I had an oriental friend who's father used that knot exclusively. Maybe he learned it from you?[shocked]


Wait a sec...now that I look at it tied it doesn't look the same. He made 3 loops then sintched it some how. I used to poke fun at him because he looked like he was turning a reel handle when he formed the loops. Mr. Lee practicing is reeling techniques again[crazy]
[signature]

[TubeDude]

[cool][blue][size 1]Most Asians come from cultures in which fishing is an important part of their lives...both for sport and for subsistence. It is only natural that they would want to learn the best ways of doing things. I can't recall conducting any knot tying classes in New York, however, so it must simply be a case of great minds working in the same direction. Or...perhaps parallel universes.[/size][/blue]

[#0000ff][size 1]You would probably recognize the motions when I tie that knot too. I do three quick wraps followed by a poke and a slide tight. Once your fingers are trained you hardly have to look.[/size][/#0000ff]

[#0000ff][size 1]Another interesting thing is that I have tried adding one or two more loops and have found no appreciable difference in the strength of the knot. Most people can handle three loops without fumbling, and it is plenty strong at three.[/size][/#0000ff]

[#0000ff][size 1]It occurs to me that you may have also witnessed your friend "snelling" a hook. That is done by "whip finishing" the leader around the shank of the hook several times in quick succession, and could look a lot like winding a reel too...or knot.[/size][/#0000ff]
[signature]

[hustler898]

Possibly. I've seen him do it on hooks without eyes. I did test out the knot and it is great. 3 out of 4 times I tied it on 6 lb test and applied pressure till it snapped the line broke above the knot. The knot held good every time except once. Good knot, I think I will use it.
[signature]