I always use a half hitch before the whip finish. I've pulled the thread off many a hackle and hook eye trying to get that #%&% hand whip figured out. I'm still not getting it right so I use a double half hitch (would that make it a whole hitch?)
The best knot I got is the one on my dog's head...

------------------
There's almost nothin' wrong with the first lie, it's the weight of all the others holdin' it up that gets ya'! - Tim