The only three fly-fishing knots you need on the water

[johnhanshe]

Tom I am a big fan of your video’s. Your a good instructor.

[livenhfree]

I think this is just so practical and logical, especially as I'm just starting out as a fly fisherman (I've fished every other method). Will make my life so much easier! Three knots: one for attching flies, one for joining lines, and one for when you might need a loop. Perfect! Thank you!

[Skedawg]

These are the three main knots I use. As you say Tom they're all you need to know.

[wingman]

Good stuff as usually. I like the surgeon’s and the perfection loop. But I’ve learned to love the double Davey. Thank you

[brandonsmith]

The triple surgeons knot was a true lifesaver back when I first learned it. It is super easy and fail safe when properly tied

[patriciamesserschmidt]

I have used your knots from day one for 40 years, the best one is tippet to tippet, its fast and strong and your right back on the water. I found the style for the knots in the orvis leader package.

[jimbronson]

Tom is the best. I would thoroughly enjoy a day being guided by him someplace in Maine or Wyoming.

[jimbigboystoys]

I use all three of these knots. They’re very easy to tie, and they are effective. You can’t go wrong with them.

[John]

Hey, Tom. Thanks for another great video. You are one of the premier fly fishing teachers anywhere! You simplify topics that make fly fishing so much more enjoyable and do it so humbly. Your books are also so wonderful to read. Thank you!!!!

[sxhunlt]

We love Tom! Have almost every book he wrote here! Learned so much! Thank you Tom!

[noelslater]

Need to practice the Perfection. I use the other 2 regularly. Thanks Tom!

[luke]

The Thumbnail for this vid looks like I'm about to get told a ghost story.

[nicolelewis]

Tom thanks for this! I most heartily agree. I would add the non-slip loop knot or Kreh knot - very useful for tying on streamers and articulated flies.

[dtrout]

Nice demo and as always, your presentation style and tone are so soothing and easy to follow.

One of my first trips to a fly shop was for help with knots. Rusty Gates was at the counter of his lodge that day and I remember the somewhat amused look on his face when he saw a couple of my “Better” knots I brought with me. He pulled down a very inexpensive Tie-Fast tool and said “this is all you need. Follow the instructions inside.” Being a bit desperate I took his advice to heart. It’s a single process with very slight variations that does everything I’ve ever needed. I tested my Tie Fast nail knots with a digital scale against my own blood knots and clinch knots and surgeons knots. Only my surgeons knots came close to the breaking strength of the Tie Fast nail knots.

Once in awhile I still use a surgeons knot to save a little time and change a tippet section but 99 pct of my knots are on the Tie Fast. Easier in cold conditions and stronger than other knots I tie.

[dopstjom]

The only 3 knots I know how to tie. What a relief 😌

[SDPBALLCOACH]

This is GREAT advice...I rarely use more than 3 or 4 different knots...

[averageguyadventures]

Great video!
I've found the clinch knot finicky so switched to a pitzen knot for dries. It's visual and audible confirmations are reassuring.
And because the pitzen is stronger I've been forced to learn the triple surgeons as I generally break off somewhere along my length of tippet or leader.
Any wet flies get a non-slip loop knot.
Gonna put the perfection in my to-learn list as I use an albright for leader to line connections.

[andrewhelton]

👍👍👍 Tom is the fly fishing Guru… I’ve learned so much from his videos and podcasts

[tenkaraintheiowadriftless]

Another enthusiastic vote for the pitzen knot for tippet to fly. I also use it for tippet to tippet ring. I can’t understand why they’re not used more universally. They are one of the strongest knots, are easy to tie in the field, and the tactile “pop” they feedback when tied gives you 100% confidence it was tied correctly. That level of assurance isn’t replicated by any other knot.

[myfourbits]

I love your tutorials. Straight forward and simple. Pick your knots,