The Improved Clinch Knot
Wondering how to tie an improved clinch knot?
In just a few moments you'll be on your way to tying your first one.
Jim taught me how to tie this variation of the clinch knot. This is a very easy knot to master for a beginner. Like the clinch knot, it is used to tie the tippet to the fly. So here it goes...
Steps in how to tie an improved clinch knot:
1. Thread the end of the tippet through the hooks eye.
2. Next pull some of the tippet through and wrap it around the line five or six times. Tip : Hold the fly in one hand and with the other pinch the free end of the tippet and the tippet line together. Next rotate the hook or fly five or six times and this will make the required wraps or loops.
3. Thread the free end of the tippet through the loop that is just above the hooks eye. It should look something like the diagram below.
4. Next, pass the free end of the tippet through the loop you just formed in the last step. See the diagram below.
WARNING: While cinching the knot tight in this next step be careful of the sharp end of the hook. Believe me, it is no fun having a hook impaled in your finger because the hook slipped in your fingers.
4. Firmly hold the fly or hook and with the other hand. Hold the sharp hook between the thumb and index finger. Don't hold further up the hook as it could possibly slip and embed itself in your finger. Next, pull on the standing end of the line. This will cinch the knot down tightly against the eye of the fly. TIP: Do not hold or pull on the free end while the knot tightens up. Also a little saliva will help the knot cinch into place properly.
5. Clip the free end close to the knot with a pair of nail clippers (now I know why Jim has a pair on his vest). Please discard line in the trash not on the ground or in the water. It should now look like this.
6. Test the knot for strength by pulling on it. Remember that sharp hook while you do this. If the knot slips, no worries just do it again.
There you go. Now you know how to tie an improved clinch knot. Practice until you get it down, that way you'll spend more time fly fishing and less time trying to remember how to tie an improved clinch knot.