When I first began fly fishing for bonefish some years ago, I used a simple Clinch Knot, also known as the ubiquitous "fisherman's knot". However, I eventually realized that this simple choice was limiting me. First, it severely limits the fly's movement in the water... and with bonefish natural movement equals bites. Tied to anything heavier than 8-pound tippet my flies looked like they were "wired to a stick". Second, this means that I was limiting the tippet-strength I was using, and believe me, when you first start bonefishing you're not looking for records. You just want to land one of the sneaky buggers. What I needed was a strong, easy to tie loop knot. Lefty Kreh's Non-Slip Loop Knot is it. Properly tied it breaks very close to 100% and it's fairly easy to tie.

After using this knot I came to realize that bonefish aren't leader shy at all. What they're picky about is the way the fly moves in the water. If the fly looks natural and moves naturally, they'll eat it. A loop knot allows for freedom of movement that most other knots can't compete with... and as a plus you can used heavier tippets, which is a good thing.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step #1:   Make a simple over-hand knot and slip the tag-end through the hook eye. Leave yourself about 2 inches of this tag-end when you first start tying this knot.

 

Step #2:   Pass the tag-end back through the knot the way it came. (If the hook were not there you'd be untying the knot.)

 

Step #3:   Now make 5 (repeat, 5) overhand wraps around the standing part of the line. (The number of wraps is dependant on the size of the tippet. For most bonefish tippet of 10-14 pound test, 5 wraps are essential for full strength).

 

Step #4:   Again, pass the tag-end back through the eye of the knot the way it came out. All entrances and exits should be on the same side of the original knot!

 

Step #5:   Finally, hold the standing part of the line and pull on the tag-end after moistening the knot. After the knot is seated, pull on the standing part and then pull firmly on the tag-end again to finish. Clip the tag but leave about ¹/₈th-inch extending. This knot draws up as it is exposed to pressure (say a running bonefish) and a close-cut tag will pull through!

 

Now, use Lefty's Non Slip Loop and tie on your favorite bonefish pattern... but of course with clear fishing line, not a WF-6 salmon pink fly-line. Getting the right sized loop (about ¹/₈th inch) takes some practice, but here's a tip: it depends on how big a loop you make in Step 2. << Back to KNOTS Page