Tippet to Fly (Duncan Loop Knot)

Use to Tie fly to tippet. Creates a sliding loop that can be left open or tightened against hook eye. The open loop on this knot lets nymphs and other subsurface flies “swim” in the water and bass bugs pop better.

Step 1:

Pass 6″ to 8″ of tag end of tippet through the eye of hook. Form a 1.5″ diameter loop with tag end.

Duncan Loop or Uni-Knot - Step 1

Step 2:

Pass tag through and around loop and tippet five times, moving away from fly.

Duncan Loop or Uni-Knot - Step 2

Step 3:

Lubricate and tighten knot by pulling very tightly on tag end. The degree of tightening determines how knot slides on tippet for keeping loop open or sliding it closed. With heavy tippet materials (over.011″), grasp the tag end with pliers or hemostats and tighten the knot.

Duncan Loop or Uni-Knot - Step 3

Step 4:

Adjust loop between fly and knot as desired. Trim tag end.

Duncan Loop or Uni-Knot - Step 4

Tippet to Fly (Clinch Knot)

Use to tie fly to end of tippet. Sometimes tied as an “improved” clinch knot by passing the tag end back through the loop created at the end of step number 3. Our experience has shown that the improved clinch knot can be stronger only when it is tied perfectly. A well-tied regular clinch knot is stronger than a poorly tied improved clinch knot.

Step 1:

Insert 6″ to 8″ of tippet through eye of hook.

Clinch Knot Tying - Step 1

Step 2:

Hold fly in left hand and with right hand wind the end of the leader around standing part of leader five times, keeping a small loop immediately adjacent to hook eye open. This loop is easy to keep open if you pinch it between thumb and forefinger of left hand.

Clinch Knot Tying - Step 2

Step 3:

Bring tag end of leader back through loop next to the hook eye and grasp with thumb and forefinger of left hand.

Clinch Knot Tying - Step 3

Step 4:

Lubricate and tighten by pulling the standing part of leader and the fly in opposite directions. Do not pull on the tag end of the leader – merely hold it alongside the fly. Trim tag end close to knot.

Clinch Knot Tying - Step 4