07-29-2007, 07:38 PM
I've used the blood knot for 35 years, and have never had one break unless I did it. Angler error can break any knot, but it won't ever break or "fail" unless too much pressure is applied. A knot is only as good (and strong) as the line it's tied with. I like them because they cinch up nice and small, and they're as strong as anything else. I can also tie one in under 15 seconds.
With all due respect, fly fishing for trout that are seldom over a few pounds, line strength is NEVER an issue. Just don't pull too hard, and know the breaking strength of your tippet. When I do make a mistake and break off a fish, its usually at the fly, or just above the fly where the tippet has become nicked or worn. My blood knots don't fail or slip. the tippet will break at the weakest point, which is usually not the blood knot.
When connecting leaders for tarpon and other fish where strength is vital, I use a uni-to-uni connection, which is stronger than the blood knot.
Any fish, that breaks any line, at any point, is always angler error. You must know your line's breaking strength and not exceed it. Fish don't break lines, fishermen do! The old line, "he broke me off" is bull. "I broke him off!"
And so you know, I've never used a surgeon's knot in my life. I've had friends that did, and hence, had no desire to even try one.
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With all due respect, fly fishing for trout that are seldom over a few pounds, line strength is NEVER an issue. Just don't pull too hard, and know the breaking strength of your tippet. When I do make a mistake and break off a fish, its usually at the fly, or just above the fly where the tippet has become nicked or worn. My blood knots don't fail or slip. the tippet will break at the weakest point, which is usually not the blood knot.
When connecting leaders for tarpon and other fish where strength is vital, I use a uni-to-uni connection, which is stronger than the blood knot.
Any fish, that breaks any line, at any point, is always angler error. You must know your line's breaking strength and not exceed it. Fish don't break lines, fishermen do! The old line, "he broke me off" is bull. "I broke him off!"
And so you know, I've never used a surgeon's knot in my life. I've had friends that did, and hence, had no desire to even try one.
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