My grandpa told me to always use a proper knot when tying flies, and I finally get why.

I ignored him for years, using simple overhand knots to save time. Last month, a big rainbow trout in the Madison River snapped my line because my fly came undone. Anyone else have a piece of old-school advice that saved you from a mess?

3 comments

3 Comments

alicehernandez2mo ago

Doubt it was just the knot. Could have been bad line or a sharp rock. Old guys love making things sound more important than they are.

the_anthony2mo ago

Ever had a line snap right at the knot? Seen it a bunch with cheap mono. The knot crushes the line if you don't wet it before you pull it tight. A sharp rock usually frays it first, but a dry clinch knot just pops clean. Always spit on it before you cinch it down.

jana_hart182mo ago

My grandpa would call me a lazy bum for that. Maybe @alicehernandez is right, but I'm still wetting my knots now.