Fly Fishing Knots

The purpose of this post is to direct you to the knot experts.  In my opinion the videos provided by http://www.animatedknots.com/ are the best of the best.  I have attached a few of their videos, but if I were you, I would bookmark their page, or download their app. The other purpose of this post is to simple say the following:

• In your free time, practice tying knots.  I highly recommend grabbing two pieces of rope, take them to work, on the drive, on the plane, and on the couch. 
• Visit your local fly shop and ask them if they have old backing and fly line.  Use this material to practice.   
• Become the expert...don't rely on the guide/fly shop to set-up your line and tie your knots.  

The following are MUST know for fly fishing

• Arbor: backing line to spool
• Albright: backing line to fly line
• Nail Knot: fly line to monofilament
• Perfection Loop: monofilament to leader
• Double Surgeon Loop: monofilament to monofilament
• Double Surgeons: leader to tippet
• Improved Clinch: tippet to hook

Arbor

Surgeons Loop

Saltwater Knots

A saltwater set-up (backing, fly line, leader) is identical to the set-up posted above. However, as you begin to use larger diameter monofilament fishing line, and as you tie your monofilament leader to a hook, the clinch knot, may not seat and bite properly.  Therefore, the use of the clinch knot is not recommended when fly fishing in saltwater.  When attaching a fly to a leader, the preferred saltwater knots generally are loop knots. Why?  One, they are easier to tie and hold excellent break strength. Two, loop knots are the preferred knot when fishing flies that mimic small and large bait fish.  In other words, when the fly is in the water, the open loop allows the fly to have more natural action. Just be sure to keep your loop size to a minimum.  By doing so, you won't spook wary fish.  
    

Non-Slip Mono Loop