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Just behind poor fishing technique and inept netting technique the most prolific reason for fish being lost is a problem with a knot. There are more knots than you can poke a stick at that can be used in fly fishing and over time you will settle on a few that you tie well and have confidence in. Over the years I have tried a lot of different knots and currently I have settled on the following 5 knots. I say currently because all aspects of my fly fishing are constantly evolving and if a find a better knot for any of the applications described below I will have no hesitation in swapping over to that knot.

I like to tie all my wet flies on using a loop knot because you get a much better swimming action with the fly. The loop knot I use is based on Lefty Kreh's Loop knot and seldom lets me down.

A	Tie a simple standing knot in your tippet.

B	Pass the tag end through the eye of the hook. Then pass the tag end through the standing knot from the same side that the tag end originally left the standing knot.

C	Twist the tag end round the standing line four times. Then take the tag end into the standing knot from the same side that the tag end originally left the standing knot.

D	Wet the knot. Pull the knot tight and trim the tag end.

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