How Many Knots Are In Your Arsenal?

All the usual suspects—Improved Clinch, Perfection Loop, Non-slip Loop pretty much covers my needs. However whenever I venture down to Florida for some inshore saltwater work, I carry, in addition to the fly gear, a spinning outfit using 10# Power Pro braid and a 6-8’ 15# fluoro leader to chuck topwater lures for speckled trout. Attaching the fluorocarbon to the braid had always been problematic as the most recommended connection was an Abertro knot, FG knot or Double Uni knot, none of which was a simple tie. Two seasons ago I stumbled on an interesting alternative to the above knots for connecting Fluorocarbon to Braid. A large loop (3-4”) is created in the braid using a double overhand knot. Then the length of Fluorocarbon leader is attached to the end of the loop with an Improved Clinch knot (just like a hook eye). It is a simple approach that is even very simple on the water if need be. After a least 10 consecutive days on the water two years running, the connection never failed. No future need to master those difficult knots.
 
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Long_Rod_Silvers said:
Is there a reason you like the pitzen over the improved clinch? Or circumstance you use it instead of the improved clinch? I see you use them both frequently - they're fairly similar, right?
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Improved Clinch: Retains roughly 75% to 85% of line strength depending on the material (mono vs. fluorocarbon). It can sometimes slip or suffer from lower relative break strength in smaller-diameter lines or slick fluorocarbon if not lubricated and pulled down
Forceps version easier to tie.

16-20 Knot: The name supposedly was derived from "16# test for 20# fish". Generally retains a higher percentage of the line's baseline breaking strength and grips tightly without slipping.
More compact when using small flies because not as many wraps required. I can be all thumbs, but fewer wraps also means less heat, and less chance for the wraps to seat improperly within the knot when tightening.
Works great with fluorocarbon
And the BIG confidence builder: It provides physical feedback—making an audible or tactile "pop/click" when properly tied and cinched down confirming it is correctly tied and seated.
A forceps variation is even easier to tie.
 
My old sailing knots:

Reef Knot
Sheep Knot
Bowline
Figure 8
Round turn and 2 half hitches

... Oh, you meant fishing knots, seems I don't get out to fish anymore - maybe this fall ...
 
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Palomar Knot whenever possible.This knot uses two pieces of line to be used inside the hook eye. This is why is stands above all others in regards to strength. Most of the time a knot will fail at the hook eye, the Palomar knot essentially doubles the strength at that very critical point. This knot is responsible for "the big one" NOT getting away more than any other fishing knot (IMHO).
 
I've seen contest where they test the knot strength. Very educational, but also done under ideal conditions. In the real world, that tiny piece of line that is connected to the inside of a hook eye is taking a beating while you are fishing. By doubling up on that tiny piece of line, using a Palomar, you have essentially negated this problem.
 
I am a big fan of frequent "re-ties". After landing a big fish it is hard to not just keep fishing. But over the years I have surmised that this has been the cause of many of my biggest fish being lost. I will reluctantly snip the knot and re-tie quite often. Losing a fish to a worn out knot is (IMHO) what they used to call an "unacceptable loss".
 
For fishing leeches and such on a sinking line, I like to use the Double Surgeon Knot. A quick easy to tie loop knot. The loop helps with the action of the fly, and because it is so quick and easy I tend to re-tie more often.
 
The Matt B Special: use whatever knot you want to start, the important part is to finish with a patented 7-half hitch stack.
 
Long ago I dabbled in "marlinspike seamanship". Turks heads, Monkey fists, decorative knots etc.. It's a fun hobby, especially if you have a boat. With some "seiners twine" you can turn a boring ships wheel, railing or even a bell rope into a work of art. My favorite book was entitled "Ashleys book of knots".
 
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