August Feature
(from the 8/24 meeting)
Knots for Fishing
Contrary to the thinking
of many novice fishermen, a simple overhand knot will not do in most fishing
situations. Although a knot may seem insignificant and hardly noticeable to
the observer, it can be, and quite often is, the crucial factor between
success and failure.
Improved Clinch Knot
This is the universal knot
for tying monofilament to a hook or for tying hooks and swivels—any object
having an eye—to the line. Because monofilament is slippery, it takes a knot
that will jam against itself and hold tight, yet not cut itself. Run the end
of the line through the eye,
double the
line back, and make five
twists around the line through the eye, leaving a loop. Run the end of the
line through
the loop where
the
line joins the eye
and
then pass the
line through
the
large loop. Partially
close the knot and moisten
it a little (not with
saliva) before securing it against
the eye.
Palomar Knot
This is another basic knot
that serves the same purpose as the improved clinch knot. Double the
line
to make a
3-
to 4-inch loop, then pass
the
end of the
loop
through the eye, Hold the
standing part
between thumb and forefinger and tie a loose overhand knot in the double line
with the other
hand. Then pass
the
hook through
the loop and pull on the
doubled line to tighten the knot, guiding the loop over the top of the
eyelet. Clip the tag end.
Turle Knot
This knot
is popular with Atlantic
salmon fishermen, The
turle knot makes a straight
connection between the hook shank and leader. Since the knot is small and
simple, it’s good for tying a fine leader to a small hook, such as that of a
fly. Begin by passing the end of the leader through the hook’s eye from the
front; then slide the fly up the leader so that it will be out of the way. Make
a slipknot in the end of the leader by bringing the free end around twice, like
a double overhand knot. Draw the knot tight and pass the loop over the fly, Pull
the leader and manipulate the loop so that it tightens around the back of the
hook’s eye and not in the eye or on the leader itself.
Blood Loop or Barrel Knot
This knot
is
usually used to join two
sections of line or leader together, even if they are of slightly different
diameters. Lap
the
ends
of the lines or leaders
several inches. Then twist one around the other, making at
least five turns.
Place the end between the strands and hold them together between thumb and
forefinger.
Wind the same number of turns (five) in the opposite
direction,
using the end of the other
line. Then pull
on
the two ends to draw the
turns closer
together. When
they
have closed up snugly, pull
tight
on the ends to
make the knot
as small as possible. Clip the ends.
Surgeon’s Loop
This is
an easy
way to form a loop in the end of
a line or leader. Double the end of the line and make a
single over-hand knot.
Then pass the loop around and through the overhand knot again. Hold the loop in
one hand and the standing part and tag end in the other hand. Moisten the knot
(not with saliva) and pull
to tighten. Clip off the tag end.
(data
source: Fishing Merit Badge Book)
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