The How-To Knot Library

Lesson #1: The Non-Slip Loop Knot

(The names listed here are debatable and, in some cases, doubtful.... Author assumes no liability, fault nor is subject to legal action.)

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, though it can be a fairly strong knot, 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 (to quote one of my favorite fly-fishing authors). This means that I was also limiting the strength tippet 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, and the Non-Slip Loop is it.

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 just allows for freedom of movement that the venerable Fisherman's Knot can't compete with... and as a plus you can used heavier tippets, which is a good thing.

Step 1:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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, go tie on your favorite bonefish pattern... but of course with clear fishing line, not a WF-6 salmon pink fly-line. Getting the size of the 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.

If you have questions or comments on knots or these knot instructions, or to book your own Cayman bonefishing trip please use our Inquiries page or email guide Davin Ebanks directly at davin@fish-bones.com.