Tippet to Leader Knots
From reader, Chris McCall:
Gary, Which leader-to-tippet knot is the strongest, the Blood Knot or the Surgeon’s Knot (double or triple)? Are either of these knots as strong as the tippet-to-fly knot (I typically use the Clinch Knot)? It seems like whenever I get into a situation where I have to break off due to a hang up, I am losing not only my fly but also my tippet. I’m using same-sized mono for the leader and tippet. I’ve had this happen with different leaders and tippet so I have ruled out that the material is old and in need of replacement. I know the easiest solution would be to not get hung up but unfortunately, I’m not that good yet. Also I obviously want to be using the strongest system in the event that I hook a heavy fish, not just a tree limb or rock. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you, Chris McCall.
Both a properly tied Blood Knot and a Double Surgeon’s are strong knots–in the 90-95% of material strength range. When tying them, be certain to lubricate them with a drop of spit and pull them smoooooothly tight. Never jerk them tight. Once you’ve pulled them tight, pull all the stretch out of the leader/tippet material and hold the material stretched for a few seconds. The stretching will assure that the knot is as tight as it can get. With this technique, I seldom get breakage at the leader tippet juncture. I typically use a clinch knot to attach the fly (unless we’re talking small tippet diameters connecting to large hooks). It’s very strong and won’t let go if it too is lubed and pulled tight, then stretched.
I might note that if you are typing your tippets to a commercially tapered leader, then I can understand why the knot breaks at the leader/tippet juncture. A commercial leader may not as strong size for size as tippet material. When using a commercial tapered leader, cut it back a foot or two before attaching the tippet.