Re: Figure 8 Follow Through
The figure 8 follow through, or figure 8 retraced, however you care to call it, is a great knot for a lot of places. But I make it a whole lot easier than tying a single and then keeping track of everything while I thread it and retrace it back through the original knot. Start by threading your line through the hook eye and doubling it back along the tippet. Now holding both lines as one, simply tie a single figure 8 as if your fly was the end of the line. The lines stay together thoughout the knot and it's a whole lot easier to keep track of.
Re: Figure 8 Follow Through
Deeky,
You're a genius!! :D The only thing I could get my brain to think about for a figure 8 on a byte (the knot you described) was to tie it before I threaded the hook on. By threading the hook first, you create the exact same knot in half the time and it is easier to tie than the clinch, improved clinch or just about any other knot besides a basic over hand! This is a knot anyone could tie while blind folded with 7x tippet in 10 degree weather!! Everyone who reads this should know that Deeky is a genius!! :D
Re: Figure 8 Follow Through
Is there a problem with size of loop...getting the fly through...using excessive tippet...etc.?
Re: Figure 8 Follow Through
Quote:
Originally Posted by ducksterman
Is there a problem with size of loop...getting the fly through...using excessive tippet...etc.?
I suppose there could be if you're using big flies, but you can adjust the loop with little coaxing after the knot is formed, but before cinching it down. In fact, if you're using a thicker tippet you may even be able to untie the knot to switch flies without snipping any off. This of course is dependent on the tippet condition at this point. If you've fought some big 'uns or had some snags, the loop may have been weakened.
*Disclaimer: I haven't yet used the figure 8 on a byte, so this might not work-but it looks good on paper. :?
Re: Figure 8 Follow Through
ducksterman -
There is no problem getting fly through as you can make the loop as big as you want. The good thing here is that the loop you need to pass the fly through is closed by pulling on the leader end of the knot, so a lot of the slack goes there and not into the loop.
The knot can be slid around before you adjust it to change the size of your loop. It may use a little more tippet in the tag end that you trim, but for me it's really a non issue - my tippet is loop-connected to my furled leader, so it's easy and fast to change. The speed of tying the knot, for me, also outweighs the small extra amount of tippet. Oh yeah, and I'm kind of cheap, so I'm not using real expensive tippet either. :D
If you aren't wanting an open loop at the fly, I would also recomend a palomar knot. It has the same benefits of the figure eight in that I can tie it a whole lot faster than some of the other fly knots. And I've never had one slip on me, no matter how slick of material.
My recomendation for learning new knots is to get a shorter piece of 1/8" - 1/4" rope and tie a few with that. It's easy to see what the line is doing, keep things in order, and untie to redo. Practice adjusting the size of your loop a few times with the rope before you go to the tippet. It has made knots a lot easier for me in the past.
Deeky