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THE RULES OF TYING FISHING KNOTSThere are basic rules that apply to the tying of all fishing knots in nylon monofilament, copolymer and cofilament lines. These rules apply in differing degrees to most of the knots, splices and hitches formed in multi-strand materials, such as Dacron, Micron, braided nylon and wire or cable leaders. Knowing and adhering to these rules will reduce the incidence of knot failure in your fishing endeavors. TRIMMING TAGS Tags should be trimmed to an appropriate length and trimmed with a pair of clippers or a knife as opposed to teeth. WHY KNOTS FAIL Fishing knots fail for a number of reasons. Slippage is the most common and is usually due to insufficient wraps in the knot or trimming the tag end too short. Slippage is also a major factor in the second common cause of knot failure – heat damage due to friction. Insufficiently tightened knots often fail when sudden pressure is applied to them, such as the strike of a fish. Lastly, knots can also fail when one strand of line cuts another. This is most common when lighter lines are joined to heavier, thicker lines. In knots where one line cuts across another, the strength of the knot is reduced by as much as 50%. In all knot tying the aim should be to reduce the chance of failure and retain as much line strength as possible. TYING KNOTS IN LIGHT LINE Knots in light lines pose unique problems. Small errors in technique will cost you more when tying these knots as opposed to in heavier line. Extra care should be taken with light line knots and any knot modification or improvement should be utilized. Using an extra wrap or two in a specific knot is a good idea in light line. Doubling the line is also recommended to strengthen the knot. Always leave a sizable tag end when tying a light line knot. TYING KNOTS IN HEAVY LINE Heavy line knots have their own associated problems. Most problems are related to the physical difficulties of twisting or wrapping thick line. First, twists and wraps in knots need to be reduced. Heavy line knots also need to be tightened with care and up to 50% of the lines breaking strain in pressure needs to be applied. Pulling the tag end of the line is also advisable. Finally, melting the tag end to a stopping blob using a flame is worth doing, while taking care not to damage the main line. DISCARDING LINE It must be remembered that line cutoffs are a marine hazard and stay in aquatic ecosystems for a long time posing a series of threats. Line cutoffs should always be collected and disposed of or recycled. There is no excuse for tossing away used or broken fishing line. KNOTS FOR ATTACHING TERMINALS Terminal tackle is the name given to all fishing essentials such as hooks, swivels, sinkers, floats, rings, lures and flies. Basically anything attached to lines to catch fish. Knots joining terminal to line are the most important an angler needs to master. Anglers should become proficient in at least three knots for attaching line to terminal that suit their particular style of fishing. KNOTS FOR JOINING LINES Knots for joining line are useful when assembling leaders or when a tangle needs to be removed from the middle of a line.
Return from Fishing Knots to Alabama Bass Fishing
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