'Most common', that would be a good description
of this knot. It is used by every fly-fisher at least
some time in their career. Those new to the sport often
use it most frequently, actually without even being
aware they are.
The 'True Sportsman,' however mostly uses it on breezy
days when casting a dry fly into the wind, or fishing a
nymph on an unbalanced leader. The 'C&R' knot is a
sure-fire method of giving a fish a better than
even chance of disconnecting before the game is over.
One-hundred percent of fly-fishers also call it the 'Wind
Knot,' but this is incorrect as it is found by many
on dead calm days. Ergo, a poor name, although the wind
can be a factor at times.
This simple knot has the singular ability to reduce the
strength of any given piece of leader or tippet by
fifty-percent, quite a remarkable feat. Few, if any
can claim that quality.
When the grizzled old-timer, having enjoyed all he can
stand of fish after fish, is weary of bending
over to remove the things, he will delicately apply
this knot to his tippet instead of changing down
a few sizes, thereby giving him the immediate 'Catch
and Release Knot' leader. Guaranteed to save the time
and tedium of fiddling with exhausted fishes.
This does result in the lose of many flies, but at the
end of the day, what the heck, they are a mess anyhow.
And besides, tying new ones is fun, and the fish seems
to enjoy the event.
I have heard it referred to as an over-hand knot. These
are offhanded comments and I feel are an underhanded way
of re-naming a well known knot. As it is tied
'by-hand, that may be more in line for a new name, if
any need be.
So, my fellow tyros and tyretts, all seriousness aside,
you now have all the knots you will ever really need,
except the few I left out, such as the nail-knot,
bolt-knot, screw-knot etc. There are many who would
attempt to have you believe other knots are
worth the time and effort to learn, remember
and use. "Balderdash," Take those little gadgets you
bought for tying obscure knots like the blood-knot,
turle-knot, pal-o-mine knot, and such. If the little
gadget will not open a beverage can, fling it
out (not in a stream or lake) and rejoice, you are
in control, liberated, in charge of your destiny.
Now you too can tie one on! ~ J. Castwell
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