On 5 Nov, 03:00, Sprattoo wrote:

I use an improved clinch, but was still having slipping problems. The
only time i don't have that isue is when i put a double loop through
the eye, then tie the improved clinch.
This is only possible when the eye is big enough though.
I was finding 5 twists on an improved clinch slipping regularly and
incredibly frustrating. I was however, using a relatively light tippet
(2-3lb test) something like a 4x I think. So maybe I should just suck
it up and fish my streamers with more like a 3x or 2x at 6-8 lb test.
Perhaps the heavier line would tie more securely.

I was having to twist my improved clinches as many as 8 times to get a
solid hold.

I will try to us some thicker hackles, I found myself trying lighter
and sparser hackles thinking they would work better, but if, as you
say, the heavier hackles have more hollow fibers to make them more
buoyant, that would make sense.

If you TWIST the clinch knot, it will fail, or slip. You have to
WRAP the end of the line five times around the standing line ( on fine
lines). I have never had such a knot slip. Lubricating the knot
( spit) is also important, as is drawing it slowly tight.

If you use less than five turns on fine lines, up to about 8 lb
breaking strain nylon, or twist the knot, instead of wrapping it, it
will slip. If you use more turns, it weakens the knot.

Also, if the diameter of the hook eye wire is a lot larger than the
nylon diameter, ( as on some streamers when using fine tippet! )
then the improved clinch is not a good knot!

I use the improved clinch more or less exclusively for attaching most
of my flies and have done for over 45 years, but only with appropriate
wire and nylon diameters. I have never had a problem with it. If you
are not happy with it, there are some good alternatives, like this
one;

http://www.pechetruite.com/Noeuds/Davy-knot.htm

Fishing streamers on fine tippet requires special tactics, a different
knot to the clinch, and the right rod, as otherwise the tippet will
break regularly, often at the knot itself. It is often better to use
a loop to attach streamers. Like this one;

http://www.pechetruite.com/Noeuds/Duncan-knot.htm

The hackle stem on non-genetic hackles is much thicker and usually
quite buoyant. The hackle fibres themselves have more barbules as well
which are fairly buoyant. This varies a lot though.

TL
MC