Helpful Hints
Use a Stronger Hook Knot
by Kent Hull
Helpful Hints
Use a Stronger Hook Knot
by Kent Hull
Everyone just uses an improved clinch knot, right? Not too long ago, I read a remark that modern leader materials are so much stronger that it doesn't matter as much if weak knots are used. That seems to make some sense until a big fish breaks you off. And if you are in the habit of buying premium (strongest) tippet, you're wasting your money using weak knots. The improved clinch knot is the weakest hook knot in common use. Except with very fine tippet (6X or smaller), the improved clinch knot is significantly weaker than the original clinch knot. Even if you don't want to learn to tie a new hook knot, you should at least use the original clinch knot - just don't tuck the tag end back through the long loop (see illustrations).
The strongest practical hook knot is the Orvis knot. It is similar to the Orvis tippet knot illustrated in last month's column. Just follow the steps in the illustrations. Four points to remember: first, if you can't get the tippet through the hook eye from below, poke it through the top and turn the hook over (hook point up). Second, keep all of the loops above the tippet. Third, each step should be done the same way: in the illustration, the tag end is always brought from behind whatever it will go around. Fourth, close the knot by pulling the tag end and tippet away from the hook, then lubricate it and set it by pulling the tippet only, firmly away from the hook. You should feel a distinct click as the knot sets. If you don't, retie it. (The last goes for the clinch knot, too. It will be much weaker than it already is - and might just pull out - if it isn't set properly.)
Mnemonic for the knot: behind and under the tippet; behind and through the loop you just formed; twice behind and through the next loop you just formed. So: under the tippet from behind. Once through the first loop formed, from behind. Twice through the second loop formed, again from behind. Close, lubricate and set.
I can think of only two conditions when you shouldn't use the Orvis hook knot. The first is if you can't bear to give up a double surgeon's loop for a tippet knot. If you break off, the break will surely be at the tippet knot, not the hook knot unless you use an improved clinch. And even then it's not certain which will go first. The second is if you are using fluorocarbon tippet. In that case, you should use a weaker hook knot only on the end hook. Otherwise you risk breaking off at the tippet knot or the upper hook if you're using a dropper rig, and leave "forever after" fluorocarbon tippet in the water. Note that the Orvis hook knot can also be used to tie a dropper to the hook bend.
Next month: the strongest loop knot.