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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.

You will probably be aware that a lot of lines now come with formed loops at the business end. I don't like the formed loop because often they are simply made by overlapping the line at the tip and then putting a poly coat over the top and because using the "open loop" method of attaching leaders as I do the manufactured loops just don't lock down tight enough to secure the leader to the fly line.

A	Nail knot tool and prepared fly line.

B	Take around 30 cm of monofilament line of the required breaking strain. Bend the line in half and place the loop in the trench in the nail knot tool so that the loop extends past the thumb recess.

C	Place your thumb on the thumb recess holding the loop in place. Take one of the two tag ends (the active tag) and wind 8 wraps along the nail knot tool toward the thumb rest.

D	Take the end of the active tag poke it down the trench and back out next to the passive tag end.

E	Push the fly line between the two tag ends and up the trench in the nail knot tool toward the thumb rest. Without releasing the loop raise your thumb just enough to put the tag end of the fly line between the thumb and thumb rest.

F	Whilst holding the fly line and the loop firmly in place on the thumb rest with your left hand pull firmly on the active tag end so as to slide the loops of the nail knot toll. By pulling or pushing on the active tag you can make the loop the desired length.

G	Slide the fly line back to very close to its final position. Whilst holding the loop in place apply pressure to both tag ends so as to lock the loop into position. Trim off both the tag ends and any excess fly line. Squeeze the loop down so that it is flat not round. Paint the nail knot with a drop of super glue. Once the super glue is dry paint the knot with a coat of clear or colored varnish.

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