I tried the 16-20 knot for a while. It was very strong when I got it right, but difficult to tie and very difficult to tie repeatedly. I would either get a very very strong knot or a disaster. I then tried the Double Davy Knot for a bit. It was much easier to tie and once again tested very favorably in head to head strength competitions with the clinch, but I had similar issues with repeat-ability. Neither knot managed to overcome my clinch comfort zone.
In all my research the Non-Slip Mono Loop kept popping up as an intriguing alternative. Not only is it one of, and possibly even THE strongest fly connection knots, it has several other advantages because it is a loop knot. I first learned of this knot from Captain Brian Horsely on the Outer Banks in North Carolina on one of the few guided trips I have ever taken and from Lefty Kreh's knot book. It is yet another example of a knot that grew in popularity with saltwater guys that should be embraced in freshwater whenever you need light line for big fish. In other words carp!
This time I have managed to get on the wagon and stay there. The loop knot has been my go-to knot for carp for the past 6 months and I am extremely pleased with it's performance. I am absolutely positive that this knot has saved me a carp or two or more. Here is an instructional video in how to tie the Non-Slip Mono loop knot.
Great knot. It's about all I ever use now. I think we have been banned from boarding Capt Brian's boat after trying to smuggle bananas on board.
ReplyDeletei remember just about soiling myself in shock at how violent the reaction was to that banana. Who knew?
ReplyDeleteI've been using that knot for two years now and I can honestly say that it has never failed me. I have never had the knot break.
ReplyDeleteI had it fail once this summer. Not too shabby - i think I caught over a hundred carp on it.
DeleteI use both knots but I use the mono only for big flies.
ReplyDeleteI think it might be worth considering it for smaller flies as well Bill. I know that some Trout guys are using it for itty bitty trout flies to good effect.
DeleteTrevor, 2 years after my initial knot tests, it's still my go-to knot. Less simple to tie than the Double Davy, but familiar to anyone who knows the clinch. The only stronger knot I have found is the Bimini twist, which is less than practical in most situations. The NonSlip loop is excellent in both mono and fluoro for me, and I use it from 20 b. test down to about size 16 flies and 6x tippet. Glad it's working well for you too.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Matt
Yup, works great. I just couldn't get the Double Davy to work consistently - otherwise I loved it.
DeleteP.S. If I'm tying this knot in light line, I use more turns. I use 8-9 turns in 6x down to 5 turns in anything from 0X and heavier, and adjust accordingly in between. I also add an extra turn if I'm using fluorocarbon.
ReplyDeleteSounds about right Matt
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