Loop Knots?

[RIBill]

This is at least the second winter where I've pledged that I'd practice tying loop knots so that by springtime, they'd be as second nature as an improved clinch knot.

I love the idea of my fly having the additional bit of movement that a loop knot would afford. Do you use them? Any recommendations or insights?

[bonehead123]

Yes I use loop knots to tie the tippet to the fly. If I'm using a heavy shock or stranded wire tippet I use a Homer Rhode loop. For lighter line I use a duncan loop. The Duncan loop has the advantage of cinching down when you hook a fish. I've used no slip mono loops in light tips but it seems to get wrapped around the teeth of bonito and gets bitten off. Never have this problem with the Duncan loop.

[ppatricelli]

The easiest and simplest and arguably the most famous is the Homer Rhodes loop knot. IT IS ALSO THE WEAKEST! It is quick and easy but it was meant for tying heavy shock tippet stuff to the fly, and so what if it's a 50% knot when you're using 80# test and you've got a 12 or 20# tippet behind it somewhere. But tie it with 8# test directly to the fly and you're in real trouble.
I tie a modification of the Rhodes that works well. I make the open overhand knot in the line, feed the tip through the eye of the fly, and back through the overhand loop. So far it's the standard Rhodes. Then instead of another overhand knot incorporating the ingoing (to the fly) line, that's the standard Rhodes, instead I tie a fishermens clinch or better an improved clinch behind that overhand loop. I haven't tested it on a scale, but I have caught a hundred+ steelhead 6 to 16# on 8# test tippet (fluoro) using that knot, and that's good enough for me.
Now that I think about it, I also used it for Alberts to 20# for a week in NC without a failure I couldn't blame elsewhere, standing on the line, line wrap around a reel handle, etc. Also on fluoro, but 20# fluoro!
Peter Patricelli

[CaptWayneFrieden]

I always use a no-slip or "non-slip" loop knot. I use this know with just about all flies and jigs. It never slips, if tied properly, and can be used with light or heavy tippet. You just need to check it and re-tie periodically as it will fray after catching a bunch of stripers, for example.

Tight lines & strong knots,

Capt. Wayne Frieden
Reel Dream Charters

[Ray]

Capt. Wayne

Can you post the instructions for tying this knot?

Thanks

[JoeA]

The Lefty Kreh flats loop is definatly the way to go for me. First tie a loose over hand knot about five inches from the tip of the leader. Next, place the tag end of the line through the eye of the hook. Bring the tag end back through the overhand knot and wrap the line around the top of the overhand knot like a clinch knot(six or seven wraps). Finish it off by bringing the tag end back through the overhand knot. and pull it tight. The loop can be as big or small as you want it. I like it to be less than a 1/4 inch in diameter. Leave a little bit of a tag end and make sure its tight before you clip it off. I think this knot is rated at 98%, but I could be wrong. Regardless of it's rating it is an excellent loop knot and works really well.

[CaptWayneFrieden]

The non-slip loop knot is similar to Lefty's but easier to tie. Start by making a loose overhand knot in your line and leave @ 5-6" at the tage end. Insert the tag end through the eye of the hook while holding the hook and overhand knot with your left hand (assuming you're r-handed). Bring the tag end down through the loop made by the overhand knot (about the size of a dime or smaller), then over your line and back down through the loop again. Before tightening the knot, you can adjust the size of the loop a bit. Pull the tag end and standing line and the knot will tighten forming a loop that is strong and won't slip.
Good luck,
Capt. Wayne

[jagarland]

As a point of information; On both the previous knots be sure to bring the final tag end through the same side of the overhand knot that it originally came through.

Jack

[jagarland]

Meant to include this URL, it has lots of knots. If you want more, just use a search engine and you will find many site that have fishing knots. Here is the site: http://www.realknots.com/.

Jack

[Lofgreen]

Up to 20lb. test there is only one knot for me. That knot being the surgeon's loop knot, it's the only way to fly. Check it out you can tie it at night, without a light.


Lofgreen

[dondkim]

I will be revealing new way of tying loop knots right on the fly or any size lure. it is so simple and easy that one can tie it in less then 10 seconds. I will demonstrate at Orvis 5th Avenue store in Manhattan on March 22 (Orvis Day). This knot will make all the fishermen's life a lot more happier. Orvis is located on 5th Avenue and 44th Street in New York City. Be well.