This
page is for those persons possessing a deviant angling trait,
you frequently fish with more than one fly. This also means
we tangle the tandem rig into something reminiscent of a
robin’s nest. I risk the tangles because of the fly
fishing efficacy enigma, 1 + 1 = 7. Usually my first step
in untangling is to nip off the offending dropper with its
leader.
Knots,
good knots that approach 100% efficiency and are easy to tie, are one element
of angling
success we can do something
about today. Confidence and tying speed in your knots can
be learned at home or from the passenger seat. I have screwed
up knots changing flies during heavy hatches and spent far
too much time trying to do it with cold Montana numbed fingers.
Practice, practice, practice and some discernment in selecting
the appropriate knot can take away much of the frustration.
Another solution is to retain a full time guide—both
work and I would vote for the latter though it is not always
convenient.
Here’s
how to tie the Palomar Knot to the bend of a hook:
a)
With tag end of the dropper leader make an 180° loop.
For learning, make the tag length about the width of three
fingers.
b) Stroke to bring the tag and standing end together.
c) Form a 360° loop. There are several ways to do this. One
way is to hold the tag and standing end with right thumb and
forefinger. Grasp the end of the 180o loop with thumb and forefinger
of the left hand. Form a 360° loop by rotating my left hand/
wrist 90° counterclockwise and simultaneously bringing
my thumbs together.
d) Tie an Overhand Knot in the doubled leader by pushing
the end of the 180° loop [Fig. 1] through the 360° loop.
e)
Hold the loops in the horizontal plane. Push the hook
point down through the 180° loop.
f) Rotate the hook 90° and guide the point upward through the
360° loop [Fig 2].
g) Moisten the knot and evenly tighten by simultaneously pulling
the tag and standing end.
This knot is a real time saver and stress-relief for the tandem
fly angler. I am grateful to Brian Spear for taking the time
to show a grey-guide a new trick. Thanks Brian.
