"Halfordian Golfer" wrote in message
...
On Apr 16, 7:09 am, "Wolfgang" wrote:


Forget you ever heard of blood knots.

Wolfgang

I respectfully disagree and consider the blood knot as one of the
[only] 4 you need for a clean rig.

Line - needle knot - flourescent butt section - blood knot -
tapered leader - surgeons knot - tippet- choice (clinch) - fly

Within certain broad limits, the knots one chooses and uses are pretty much
irrelevant. Personal choices among the few suitable for any particular use
are determined by factors other than which is "best" because in most
instances there is no clear best. The blood knot, while it can be tied
quickly and easily after a great deal of practice, is inherently more
difficult than the surgeon's. At the same time, it is not inherently
superior in any regard. If you prefer it, fine, go ahead and use it. But
neither the blood knot nor any other is a must use.

We tend to think of casting as the primary skill we need as flyfishers
but, really, being able to tie knots quickly and without fuss is what
really puts fish in the bag.

No. What puts "fish in the bag" is the result of a complex set of
circumstances and skills. Tying appropriate knots correctly is merely one
of those skills. It need not be done "quickly and without fuss."

As they say, you can't catch fish with
your flies in the air.

Non sequitur. A fly in the air has nothing to do with an inability to tie
knots quickly and without fuss.

Wolfgang