Knots is crucial to the fly fishing process.  It is important not only to select the right knot for a particular job but to tie it properly. Use the wrong one or the right one badly tied, and you can loose the  fish, your fly or worse.

The fewer knots / joints in the connection between the fish and the fly fisherman the better. Any joint should be:

• Strong, not introducing any weakness.
• Compact, a bulky transition is undesirable, as it could jam in the rod rings and cause irregularities in the reel storage.
• Regular, so there are no protruberances to catch things.
• Long lasting.
• Capable of withstanding shock loading as well as a constant strain, so that it can easily cope with a fighting fish.
• Simple to produce, so that it can easily be produced in difficult circumstances (e.g. at night).
• Consistent, so that the same joint can readily be produced, time after time.
• Compatible with the material, as different materials require a different approach.

There is a few basic steps to follow when tying knots and should be followed to achieve the above.  The steps are as follows:

Lubricate knots: Before you tighten a knot, lubricate it with saliva or by dipping it in the water. This will help the knot slide and seat properly. Lubrication also decreases excessive heat which dramatically weakens monofilament. Heat is generated by the friction created when knots are drawn up tight.

Seat the knot: Tighten knots with a steady, continuous pull. Make sure the knot is tight and secure. After it is tied, pull on the line and leader to make sure it holds. It is better to test it now than when a fish is on. If the knot does not look right, retie it

Trim neatly: Use nippers to trim the material as close as possible without nicking or damaging the knot.