I switched over to the pitzen knot a few years ago after using the clinch knot for 50 years. This is because the clinch knot failed when I starting using flourocarbon tippet. Your method of tying the pitzen knot, using forcepts, is the best/fastest method I have seen. Thank you for teaching this old dog a new trick!
I’ve always used the trilene knot to tie hooks, flies, lures, etc. Even with fluorocarbon I’ve never had failure at the knot. I will say I do not trust the clinch nor the triple surgeons knot. I’ll definitely give this knot a try.
I have been tying the clinch knot for 55 years and just came across this 16/20 (Pitzen) knot and tested at my desk here with 4 lb mono and WOW WOW WOW! What a difference in strength! So my question is... Will this knot tied this way also excel with a 100% fluorocarbon tippet from 4x - 6x? I have been using RIO Powerflex Plus and want to use fluorocarbon with a knot I can trust. I hear that fluorocarbon is tricky for some knots. Thanks in advance!!
Totally agree that most videos show a knot being tied using line of much larger diameter than one would fish with. Standing on the river bank with frozen fingers, small diameter line and poor light makes even the easiest knot seem impossible to tie. Most of these inconveniences can be solved using a pair of forceps together with a new, and in this case, easy method. Great video and keep them coming.
I knew there had to be a better way to tie this knot. I've been using the clinch knot, and I knew there had to be a better knot. I found the pitzen but I didn't know how to tie it speedily. Thanks for making this video!
Excellent method to tie this knot. I'm with you regarding the Davy knot for fly to tippet knots. You can't go wrong with fast, small and strong knots when on the water!
I fished 65+ days this past summer in wyoming for cutthroats, mostly euro nymphing. Lost a few flies over time and changed out several. Used this knot exclusively with your technique. really fast. Really secure. thanks much.
Excellent demonstration, with larger diameter lines you can pull the knot away from the hook eye after tying and you now have a looped rig, it slides tight when you hook something.
I have been looking for a way to do this knot with my old brass knot tying tool and this is it. Thank You...The method where you flip the fly is fine but this is fast and easy. I know the forceps work but a 20 dollar investment for the 3-1 tool knot tool make this and many other knots very easy, and very fast with practice. Thanks again you saved me a lot of time.
Cory I was using the Davy knot for ease and also to save on tippet line but after comparing knots t the pull test this the stronger knot. glad for reviewing this again because i know have it down.. I know when it breaks the line and not the knot around the eye of a hook/ring..thanks again Cory.. Also practicing the other knots too, practicing your latest figure eight and the other tandem triple surgeons knot /rigging tips techniques all a must! ty Sir and tight lines!
Excellent, thank you, this is a real game changer for this 65 year old man. Can't tell you the frustration i have been going through. Must be similar to ED, poor fellows, wanting to fish so bad, but unable to tie a simple knot to get started, lol
Hello. Just came across your channel and have enjoyed the videos. Just watched this video and tried the knot. Got it right away and it works awesome!! Thanks for sharing it. Tight lines!!
Very appreciative of this video. Was previously using clinch which often resulted in frustration in tying, and lost fish/gear. The 16/20 (and your method of tying) has totally transformed both my fishing and knot tying for the better.
@@OldDominionTroutBum It has definitely helped A LOT. I actually found your video by searching “easiest way to tie 16/20 knot” (after first discovering the 16/20 knot via youtube after a disastrous day of failed clinch knots and lost fish here in NZ fishing on the Tongiriro river for fish typically quite a bit larger than I normally catch). But just as you have said it just seemed too fiddly to tie in most videos, let alone trying to do it standing in the wind with cold wet hands. It is definitely super easy and quick once you use your method and have done it a few times. I have been back to the same fishery twice since and have been amazed at how much more pressure I can now put on fish (and how few of them now get away!) using the very same tippet material . I’m almost annoyed with myself for not getting onto this sooner, as it is now way quicker and less fiddly for me to tie than any clinch knot, and way stronger. So again, I really appreciate you taking the time to put this up!
Thank you for showing this knot using the forceps Cory. What a time saver, I'm incorporating it this season. When forming the loop at 2:23 does it matter if the tag goes in front or behind to do so? Also when crossing the main line to the center of the loop (2:34) does it matter if this line is placed in front or behind the loop? I hope these 2 questions make sense ...
This is brilliant! Thank you. I have been struggling to tie this one with bare hands (without forceps trick). Question, do you ever need more than 3 twists, say with thinner tippet, like 7x ?
Cory, you hit the nail on the head…..everyone shows tying knots with pieces of fly line, etc and when you go to tie with floro it’s like wait a sec , why is this not happening ….lol
Have training in surgery to use an instrument to create the twists for a knot, either two or three twists depending on the need. Much easier if your thumbs are getting in the way! Thanks very much!!! MNC MD.
Thanks. I usually try to watch several knot videos when I am learning to tie a knot since, like the 16-20, one of them will click. Yours did. It appears that it doesn't make a difference whether the main line that bisects the loop is either above or below the loop. Also, it helps to have smooth hemostats so that the line doesn't get caught when you are withdrawing the tool.
Cory - this is so helpful. As I've aged and returned to fly fishing after a hiatus, knot tying has been a challenge. My question is, after viewing your knot tying discussion in your more recent 5 Tips to improve your fishing away from the stream, for what purpose do you use a Davy knot rather than this 16-20 knot? Thanks!
Glad this is helpful and glad you are back from your hiatus, Jason! That’s a great question…. I love the Davy for it’s simplicity and quickness. Also, when used with smaller size bugs, the knot is very small. And the big one is that you use less tippet when tying one. When you learn to tie it correctly, you can control the tag end to where you barely have to clip any excess off after you tie it. Hope this helps and thanks for watching!
Love your videos. Always informative and to the point. Do you have any videos detailing out your rod/reel/rig combo? I'm curious what type of line you typically use and your leader formula.
Thanks James. Really appreciate it. I don’t have those videos but will in the near future. In the meantime I use a Cortland .22mm level braid euro nymphing line. From there approx 18ft of 18mm (4x) Pezon & Michel mono (or Sempe) to 4ft of 5x Hanak bi-color sighter to a tippet ring. You can also go straight 22ft of 18mm bi-color to a tippet ring. (I also do that sometimes) After the tippet ring, I’ll run 3-5 feet of 6x-7x. Hope this helps.
@@smoothlarryhughes I carry an extra spool with a WF 2wt line. I’ll switch spools to throw dries if I’m just carrying my nymphing rod (it casts great). I use a T&T Contact ll 10ft 2wt and a 10ft 9in 3wt. My reel is a Ross Evolution LTX 4/5.
Thank you. I have been having problems with the clinch knot with small diameter leader. I will be using this not for now on. Your videos are very instructional.
This was super helpful, this knot seems to be really user friendly. Do you happen to have a video on that micro leader loop for your fly line? Hope everyone has a great Easter Sunday!
Thanks so much! Glad it is helpful. I don’t have a video on the micro loop but Devin Olsen has one. Check out his way-it’s super easy. Happy Easter to you as well!
Thanks Cory and like and appreciate all your videos. I have been using the 16/20 for a little while now and your video using the forceps is much better than the one I seen from out west. I am in Pa. as you are like the instruction that you give not only for the knot but on stream fishing and instruction. Thanks Much. Question: What knots do you prefer for tying on tags to fish dropper flies. I have been using the triple surgeons knot using the main line tag. But I have seen some videos on the Orvis tippet knot which others are saying that it is much stronger. Well I just started using it and I had a 19 inch Bow break off right at the (4XTippet) knot. Just curious on your thoughts about the two knots and what you use for dropper tags. Thanks in advance.
I appreciate you watching, Al. I am not a fan of the Orvis Knot. I just don’t think it is as strong as a triple surgeons. I’ve done a video on how I do the triple surgeons. It’s a super easy way. Also, I prefer the Davy when tying my tippet to fly. Hope this helps.
Thanks Cory on your input of the Orvis Tippet knot. I thought it was me but it just seemed to break easier than the triple surgeons knot and I guess you feel the same. I just seen videos and writings even Troutbitten loved it but not for me I guess. I will check out your version of tying the triple surgeons knot. Thanks for getting back.
Just discovered your channel, I’m pleased to say. Can advise as to which video you describe the leader and sighter set up. Lots of information to catch up on. Many thanks.
Glad you found me, Callum. Take a look at this video: th-cam.com/video/_LsHADwel28/w-d-xo.html I talk about it in the video and it's also in the description. Appreciate you watching!
Seems like a great knot for minimizing lost fish due to slippage. Does this knot work equally well when tying a dropper to the business section of the hook as it does when passing the line through the eye?
Cory, just found your channel, great video. I've been tying clinch knots forever. I'll give this a try. BTW, do you have a video on tying the double surgeon's knot for leader to tippet? Maybe there's even a better knot than that to accomplish the same thing. Your point is well taken when you see videos on how to tie it using fly line, it's much harder with tippet material.
Glad you found it, SJ! I don’t have a video on the double surgeon’s, but there are a ton out there. I use a triple surgeon’s to make a dropper loop and for adding tippet. I also like using a blood for making leaders. Hope this helps and thanks for watching.
Thanks for showing. I've never actually had an improved clinch knot fail even with 6X. But I have looked at knots that are as strong as use less tippet material (to save on adding tippet material on as often. I like your demo of the pitzen knot; I have also come across the Davy (and double Davy) knot. Each seem relatively easy to tie. The Davy knot seems to use the least amount of tippet. Are you familiar with the Davy knot? If yes, what are the benefits that have you select tying the pitzen knot instead. Tight lines.
Appreciate you watching. I use the Pitzen to attach my micro leader to my euro line. It is super strong, especially in smaller diameters (6x, 7x) I do use the Davy to tie my tippet to my fly. The Davy is a super easy, strong knot that you can tie lightening fast. I do believe it is as strong or stronger than the clinch. It uses very little tippet and has a really small profile. The reason I use the Pitzen up top and the Davy down below is if I am going to have a break at the knot I want it to be at the fly and not up at the attachment to the leader. Hope this helps.
@@OldDominionTroutBum Cory, do you use the Davy knot when tying tippet to the tippet ring? Or the pitzen? Or does it really matter in your opinion? I use the pitzen for the sighter material to the tippet ring. Thank you and enjoy the week.
Hi Cory, this question relates to getting flies to sink faster. I have watched how to tuck cast and the principles involved and how to make the flies dive fast. Do you ever find the need to use leadersink to help get trace line to sink when euro fishing?
George, if you add any weight anywhere other than the end of the tippet, it will create sag and actually hurt the drift. Your drift will actually start “pulling” back toward you. A good tuck and the weight of your bugs is all you need. Hope this helps.
@OldDominionTroutBum I think we may have a different understanding of leadersink, it is a fullers earth mix basically rubbing this on the line helps remove any grease from handling the line and helps sink the line faster 😉. I have not seen leadersink as a recommendation for cleaning euro nymphing traces but I am only a beginner.
@@georgebrocklehurst397 Ah-I got it George. I misunderstood you…There are weighted “leader sink” tips. I haven’t seen the need to put something like that on-Fluorocarbon sinks quick.
This is perfect then I learned a new knot while looking for a knot that would be good with fluorocarbon tippet. Now, hopefully I'll put the two to good use tomorrow morning. Appreciate you and thanks for replying and your channel!
Very cool. I’m gonna give it a try. Do use this for tying on a fly also? If so is there a way to keep the tail short so your only nipping off a small amount each time?
Sometimes I use it to tie on a streamer, but normally I use a Davy to tie to my fly. With practice you can get the tag shorter, but it is one of those knots that you need to use a little more line.
Dang I was excited for a new and easy method of tying this knot, but I really need to tie it with with a super short tag for changing flies on droppers. Any advice? is there a way with your method to control how much tag end there is? Or do you have another knot you would suggest? I can tie a 16/20 with 1/4" of tag, but not very easily; at least not for me. I do love your method here, for sure, and will use it for everything except changing flies on droppers.
Dave, I love the single Davy knot. You can control the length of the tag easily and it is super strong and easy to tie. I use this to attach all my flies. Hope this helps.
@@OldDominionTroutBum It helps a TON and thank you. This is the second time in a week the single Davy has been suggested. If only one person suggested it, I'd be skeptical lol. I'm on it and thanks for all your awesome content and advice
Matthew, I strip the coating to the braid and whip finish a small loop into the fly line. Then 16-20 the leader onto the loop. Thanks for watching! PS: Devin Olsen has a good video on how to do it.
Love the 16/20 knot although I’ve tied it by hand as the forcep “trick” seems to leave an exceptionally long tag - which adds up, especially when using fluorocarbon. Am I missing something, or is there a way to eliminate such a long tag?
Great video ! I've always heard very good things about this knot, but could never figure out how to tie it I'm now using a small pair of curved hemostats for most of my knots. Does this method work well when you have a short amount of main line, like when you are tying your to a dropper tag? And do you use the hemostats when you tier a double surgeon? This is the first time I have seen you channel and I was quick to subscribe. Thanks and please keep up the good work!
Thanks for the sub and kind words! I use this for my leader/sighter connections to the tippet ring and sometimes for my bottom fly. The 16-20 is tougher on shorter lines to work with, like the dropper. So with shorter lines, I use the Davy knot. I don’t use hemostats for the surgeon, just do it by hand.
Thanks very much for the quick response! I must be doing something wrong with my Davy knot because when I'm using 5-6x flouro, the knot really has a tendency to slip, the improved Davy seems to work fine but is harder to use with light tippet. I've actually had to go back to the clinch knot to out of frustration. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated ! Thanks again.
@rjf make sure that your Davy tag end sticks out at a 90 degree angle. That’s when you know it has been properly seated. Tighlinevideo does a great how to TH-cam video on it.
Jack, I like to use a loop to loop for backing to fly line. I make the loop in my backing large enough to slip my reel through. That way it is easy to switch out lines. You can use a simple double or triple surgeons loop in the backing.
@@OldDominionTroutBum No, I mean how do you minimize tippet waste? For example, you're changing flies on the stream, and you don't want to lose an inch or two of tippet with every fly change, or you won't change flies as often. It's one of my criteria for a good tippet-to-fly knot, I guess. I can minimize the waste by hand-tying the 16/20 with my fingers, but it can be very hard to tie in lighter tippet. A hemostat makes it easier, but it seems the trade-off is you end up losing a lot more tippet. That's why I ask.
Got it…I use a Davy knot to tie on my flies. You can easily control the amount used. With practice you can almost get it to where you barely have to clip any off after you finish the knot. Hope this helps.
I was thinking of going to this knot for tippet to fly, but every time I tied it I wasted too much tippet. Is there any way to remedy that? I’ve be messing around with a Davey knot lately because I can tie with a smaller tag. The clinch has always been my go to, but I’ve had them slip as well. It costed me a few good sized fish last year.
Shawn, you can control the tag end somewhat but not like a Davy. The Davy is my go to for tying tippet to fly when using a 2-fly rig because I can control the amount I use. I have never had it fail on me. I use the 16-20 to my tippet ring, euro line and for single flies.
Nolan, I’m not a big fan of the clinch knot when using light tippet. It just slips too much for me. I think you will like the 16-20. It’s super strong.
Maybe your tippet rings are poor quality and have sharp edges - I had this problem until I changed to Stroft or Varivas rings which are polished smooth.
Thanks Jason. I don’t use the Orvis knot, but I believe both are very close in strength. I really think it comes down to what you are most efficient at and most comfortable with.
I switched over to the pitzen knot a few years ago after using the clinch knot for 50 years. This is because the clinch knot failed when I starting using flourocarbon tippet. Your method of tying the pitzen knot, using forcepts, is the best/fastest method I have seen. Thank you for teaching this old dog a new trick!
The Pitzen never fails me, John. I gave up the clinch long ago, as well. Glad the video helped! Tight lines!
Very informative on the pitzen knot thank you!
Glad it helps, David!
I’ve always used the trilene knot to tie hooks, flies, lures, etc. Even with fluorocarbon I’ve never had failure at the knot. I will say I do not trust the clinch nor the triple surgeons knot. I’ll definitely give this knot a try.
I have been tying the clinch knot for 55 years and just came across this 16/20 (Pitzen) knot and tested at my desk here with 4 lb mono and WOW WOW WOW! What a difference in strength! So my question is... Will this knot tied this way also excel with a 100% fluorocarbon tippet from 4x - 6x? I have been using RIO Powerflex Plus and want to use fluorocarbon with a knot I can trust. I hear that fluorocarbon is tricky for some knots. Thanks in advance!!
Your tie of the 16-20 knot cured my knot tying issues while using 8x tippet. Many thanks!
Awesome Walter! Appreciate you watching!
That is a fantastic demonstration. Thank you!
Glad it is helpful, Philip! Appreciate you watching.
Totally agree that most videos show a knot being tied using line of much larger diameter than one would fish with. Standing on the river bank with frozen fingers, small diameter line and poor light makes even the easiest knot seem impossible to tie. Most of these inconveniences can be solved using a pair of forceps together with a new, and in this case, easy method. Great video and keep them coming.
Thanks so much, Layton. Appreciate you watching and tight lines to you.
I knew there had to be a better way to tie this knot. I've been using the clinch knot, and I knew there had to be a better knot. I found the pitzen but I didn't know how to tie it speedily. Thanks for making this video!
Glad it helped, Bobby. Appreciate you watching. Tight lines!
Thanks so much for the great demonstration Cory. I applaud you for all your videos, very well done.
Glad it was helpful, Robin. Thanks so much. Appreciate you watching.
Excellent method to tie this knot. I'm with you regarding the Davy knot for fly to tippet knots. You can't go wrong with fast, small and strong knots when on the water!
Appreciate it, Mr BlueSky! And yes on the Davy!
I always tied the clinch knot I like the pitzen knot willing to change looks quicker thanks again Cory👍
Give it a shot, Jerome. The Pitzen is a stronger knot, especially on lighter tippet and mono.
Just started using the Pitzen knot and am loving it, BUT your method is WAY easier than what I was doing lol...thanks for the vid!
It’s a great knot Pat….Glad I could help! Thanks for watching!
Best knot! Thank you! I love it because I can tie it fast with cold fingers!
Glad it’s helpful, Bob. Appreciate you watching!
I fished 65+ days this past summer in wyoming for cutthroats, mostly euro nymphing. Lost a few flies over time and changed out several. Used this knot exclusively with your technique. really fast. Really secure. thanks much.
Wow-what a summer! Glad the knot worked for you. Appreciate you watching and continued success to you.
Excellent demonstration, with larger diameter lines you can pull the knot away from the hook eye after tying and you now have a looped rig, it slides tight when you hook something.
Appreciate it, Ted. That’s a great tip to know. Tight lines and thanks for watching.
Also really appreciate your knots, game changer.
Glad it helps, George. Tight lines to you.
I have been looking for a way to do this knot with my old brass knot tying tool and this is it. Thank You...The method where you flip the fly is fine but this is fast and easy. I know the forceps work but a 20 dollar investment for the 3-1 tool knot tool make this and many other knots very easy, and very fast with practice. Thanks again you saved me a lot of time.
Glad it was helpful, CJ. Thanks so much for watching and tight lines to you!
Everyone carries forceps to get the hook out.
Wow !!! Thank you I have always struggled with this Knott !!!
Glad I could help, Jimmy!
Thanks for the knot and your method of tying it Cory. This will be a game changer on the stream. Can’t wait to get out there to try it out.
Glad you like it, Ronald. Good luck out there!
Excellent demonstration and one I will try to perfect. Thanks from down-under in NZ.
Munch appreciated John! Cheers!
Wow, great simple demonstration, very well explained and easy to remember…adding it to my applied knot toolbox.
Glad it helped Mike. Appreciate you watching and commenting!
Just switched and it’s a gem. Really strong and easy to tie with Cory’s recommendation on using your forceps
It is a good one for sure, Pete. Thanks for watching and tight lines!
Excellent video , done with your usual clear explanation and practical tips !
Thank you …and thank your parents for making you!
Haha...Thank you, Brian! I'll make sure I tell my parents!
Cory I was using the Davy knot for ease and also to save on tippet line but after comparing knots t the pull test this the stronger knot. glad for reviewing this again because i know have it down.. I know when it breaks the line and not the knot around the eye of a hook/ring..thanks again Cory.. Also practicing the other knots too, practicing your latest figure eight and the other tandem triple surgeons knot /rigging tips techniques all a must! ty Sir and tight lines!
Right on, Jon. The Davy is a good one and I use it. Practice makes perfect!
Excellent, thank you, this is a real game changer for this 65 year old man. Can't tell you the frustration i have been going through. Must be similar to ED, poor fellows, wanting to fish so bad, but unable to tie a simple knot to get started, lol
Glad it's a game changer, Mark! Good luck to you and tight lines!
Hello. Just came across your channel and have enjoyed the videos. Just watched this video and tried the knot. Got it right away and it works awesome!! Thanks for sharing it. Tight lines!!
Glad it helped, Brian. It’s an awesome knot to have in your tool bag. Tight lines and thanks for watching!
pitzen 16/20 penny knot ,,yes great knot for night time and poor vision.. i like the forcep method too when needed thumbs up!
Great for anytime, Jon!
@@OldDominionTroutBum yeah man ty Cory
I got it! Great method and easy to remember and execute. I use my cinch tie tool which works well. Thanks Cory!
Glad the video helped, Bill!
Very appreciative of this video. Was previously using clinch which often resulted in frustration in tying, and lost fish/gear. The 16/20 (and your method of tying) has totally transformed both my fishing and knot tying for the better.
Glad it helps, Gavin. I’m not a big fan of the clinch, especially when using thin tippet. Thanks so much for watching!
@@OldDominionTroutBum It has definitely helped A LOT. I actually found your video by searching “easiest way to tie 16/20 knot” (after first discovering the 16/20 knot via youtube after a disastrous day of failed clinch knots and lost fish here in NZ fishing on the Tongiriro river for fish typically quite a bit larger than I normally catch). But just as you have said it just seemed too fiddly to tie in most videos, let alone trying to do it standing in the wind with cold wet hands. It is definitely super easy and quick once you use your method and have done it a few times. I have been back to the same fishery twice since and have been amazed at how much more pressure I can now put on fish (and how few of them now get away!) using the very same tippet material . I’m almost annoyed with myself for not getting onto this sooner, as it is now way quicker and less fiddly for me to tie than any clinch knot, and way stronger. So again, I really appreciate you taking the time to put this up!
Thank you for showing this knot using the forceps Cory. What a time saver, I'm incorporating it this season. When forming the loop at 2:23 does it matter if the tag goes in front or behind to do so? Also when crossing the main line to the center of the loop (2:34) does it matter if this line is placed in front or behind the loop? I hope these 2 questions make sense ...
Dan....makes sense and great question. Make sure the tag goes in front and the main line behind the loop. Good luck with it and thanks for watching.
@@OldDominionTroutBum Great Cory thanks for responding to your old posts! Appreciate it.
Excellent video, thanks Cory! 👍🏼
Thank you, Nick!
Excellent tying demonstration Cory and one I will try to perfect...looks like a strong, reliable knot...thanks from the UK
Thanks T K! Good luck with it, mate! It's a great knot. Cheers.
Been using this knot for a year now Cory...very reliable...no more clinch knots on thin tippets for me...thanks for your advice a while back
@Tjk186 glad it’s been working for you, TK. Hope the season has been good to you. Cheers!
Loving this knot. Thanks
Glad it’s helpful. Tight lines to you.
This is brilliant! Thank you. I have been struggling to tie this one with bare hands (without forceps trick). Question, do you ever need more than 3 twists, say with thinner tippet, like 7x ?
Appreciate it Brian! You can use 3 or 4 twists. It works on all diameters. There really isn’t any need to put more than 4.
Great demo
Appreciate it, Matt!
Cory, you hit the nail on the head…..everyone shows tying knots with pieces of fly line, etc and when you go to tie with floro it’s like wait a sec , why is this not happening ….lol
Haha-you are right, Berks. Appreciate you watching!
Have training in surgery to use an instrument to create the twists for a knot, either two or three twists depending on the need. Much easier if your thumbs are getting in the way! Thanks very much!!! MNC MD.
Glad you liked it Doctor. Appreciate you watching and commenting. Tight lines to you!
Thanks. I usually try to watch several knot videos when I am learning to tie a knot since, like the 16-20, one of them will click. Yours did. It appears that it doesn't make a difference whether the main line that bisects the loop is either above or below the loop. Also, it helps to have smooth hemostats so that the line doesn't get caught when you are withdrawing the tool.
Glad it helped, Bill. You are correct about the placement of the main line. Whatever is the easiest way for you works best. Tight lines!
Amazon has hackle pliers with a loop through the base you can add that to your zinger on your fly vest.
I use a double Davy no bulk. But I'll try it your way so much more easy as other videos
The Davy is a great one as well. I use that for tippet to flies.
Cory - this is so helpful. As I've aged and returned to fly fishing after a hiatus, knot tying has been a challenge. My question is, after viewing your knot tying discussion in your more recent 5 Tips to improve your fishing away from the stream, for what purpose do you use a Davy knot rather than this 16-20 knot? Thanks!
Glad this is helpful and glad you are back from your hiatus, Jason! That’s a great question….
I love the Davy for it’s simplicity and quickness. Also, when used with smaller size bugs, the knot is very small. And the big one is that you use less tippet when tying one. When you learn to tie it correctly, you can control the tag end to where you barely have to clip any excess off after you tie it.
Hope this helps and thanks for watching!
I’ve practiced tying this, I like it a lot….the line breaks instead of knot slipping…..next is to catch a few and prove it out in my case…..🎉
It’s a great knot, Berks. Let me know how it works for you. Good luck!
@@OldDominionTroutBum will do!, if it holds a big Tully rainbow I'm in!
Love your videos. Always informative and to the point. Do you have any videos detailing out your rod/reel/rig combo? I'm curious what type of line you typically use and your leader formula.
Thanks James. Really appreciate it. I don’t have those videos but will in the near future. In the meantime I use a Cortland .22mm level braid euro nymphing line. From there approx 18ft of 18mm (4x) Pezon & Michel mono (or Sempe) to 4ft of 5x Hanak bi-color sighter to a tippet ring. You can also go straight 22ft of 18mm bi-color to a tippet ring. (I also do that sometimes) After the tippet ring, I’ll run 3-5 feet of 6x-7x. Hope this helps.
@@OldDominionTroutBum Do you use this same rig to throw dries?
@@OldDominionTroutBum What kind of rod/reel are you using?
@@smoothlarryhughes I carry an extra spool with a WF 2wt line. I’ll switch spools to throw dries if I’m just carrying my nymphing rod (it casts great). I use a T&T Contact ll 10ft 2wt and a 10ft 9in 3wt. My reel is a Ross Evolution LTX 4/5.
Great tip have to try it.
Thanks Scott. Appreciate you watching!
Great video!! Very good info like all your videos
Thanks Mike!
Thank you. I have been having problems with the clinch knot with small diameter leader. I will be using this not for now on. Your videos are very instructional.
Appreciate it, Tom. I think you are going to like this knot. It's a good one. Tight lines.
This was super helpful, this knot seems to be really user friendly. Do you happen to have a video on that micro leader loop for your fly line? Hope everyone has a great Easter Sunday!
Thanks so much! Glad it is helpful. I don’t have a video on the micro loop but Devin Olsen has one. Check out his way-it’s super easy. Happy Easter to you as well!
Thanks Cory and like and appreciate all your videos. I have been using the 16/20 for a little while now and your video using the forceps is much better than the one I seen from out west. I am in Pa. as you are like the instruction that you give not only for the knot but on stream fishing and instruction. Thanks Much. Question: What knots do you prefer for tying on tags to fish dropper flies. I have been using the triple surgeons knot using the main line tag. But I have seen some videos on the Orvis tippet knot which others are saying that it is much stronger. Well I just started using it and I had a 19 inch Bow break off right at the (4XTippet) knot. Just curious on your thoughts about the two knots and what you use for dropper tags. Thanks in advance.
I appreciate you watching, Al. I am not a fan of the Orvis Knot. I just don’t think it is as strong as a triple surgeons. I’ve done a video on how I do the triple surgeons. It’s a super easy way. Also, I prefer the Davy when tying my tippet to fly. Hope this helps.
Thanks Cory on your input of the Orvis Tippet knot. I thought it was me but it just seemed to break easier than the triple surgeons knot and I guess you feel the same. I just seen videos and writings even Troutbitten loved it but not for me I guess. I will check out your version of tying the triple surgeons knot. Thanks for getting back.
Just discovered your channel, I’m pleased to say. Can advise as to which video you describe the leader and sighter set up. Lots of information to catch up on. Many thanks.
Glad you found me, Callum. Take a look at this video:
th-cam.com/video/_LsHADwel28/w-d-xo.html
I talk about it in the video and it's also in the description.
Appreciate you watching!
I tried the Rio video style For this knot. Your technique is better.
Appreciate it. Thanks for watching!
Seems like a great knot for minimizing lost fish due to slippage. Does this knot work equally well when tying a dropper to the business section of the hook as it does when passing the line through the eye?
I haven't used it for that, Fred. But if you can make the knot on the hook-it should certainly work. Appreciate you watching.
Cory, just found your channel, great video. I've been tying clinch knots forever. I'll give this a try. BTW, do you have a video on tying the double surgeon's knot for leader to tippet? Maybe there's even a better knot than that to accomplish the same thing. Your point is well taken when you see videos on how to tie it using fly line, it's much harder with tippet material.
Glad you found it, SJ! I don’t have a video on the double surgeon’s, but there are a ton out there. I use a triple surgeon’s to make a dropper loop and for adding tippet. I also like using a blood for making leaders. Hope this helps and thanks for watching.
Thank you 😊
Glad it helps, James.
Nice tip.
Thank you Sung!
Thanks for showing. I've never actually had an improved clinch knot fail even with 6X. But I have looked at knots that are as strong as use less tippet material (to save on adding tippet material on as often. I like your demo of the pitzen knot; I have also come across the Davy (and double Davy) knot. Each seem relatively easy to tie. The Davy knot seems to use the least amount of tippet. Are you familiar with the Davy knot? If yes, what are the benefits that have you select tying the pitzen knot instead. Tight lines.
Appreciate you watching. I use the Pitzen to attach my micro leader to my euro line. It is super strong, especially in smaller diameters (6x, 7x) I do use the Davy to tie my tippet to my fly. The Davy is a super easy, strong knot that you can tie lightening fast. I do believe it is as strong or stronger than the clinch. It uses very little tippet and has a really small profile. The reason I use the Pitzen up top and the Davy down below is if I am going to have a break at the knot I want it to be at the fly and not up at the attachment to the leader. Hope this helps.
@@OldDominionTroutBum Thanks. Very helpful.
@@OldDominionTroutBum Cory, do you use the Davy knot when tying tippet to the tippet ring? Or the pitzen? Or does it really matter in your opinion? I use the pitzen for the sighter material to the tippet ring. Thank you and enjoy the week.
@@justaman3333 I like using the Pitzen for tying tippet to the ring. I use the Davy for tying my flies.
@@OldDominionTroutBum Thank you.
Hi Cory, this question relates to getting flies to sink faster. I have watched how to tuck cast and the principles involved and how to make the flies dive fast.
Do you ever find the need to use leadersink to help get trace line to sink when euro fishing?
George, if you add any weight anywhere other than the end of the tippet, it will create sag and actually hurt the drift. Your drift will actually start “pulling” back toward you. A good tuck and the weight of your bugs is all you need. Hope this helps.
@OldDominionTroutBum
I think we may have a different understanding of leadersink, it is a fullers earth mix basically rubbing this on the line helps remove any grease from handling the line and helps sink the line faster 😉. I have not seen leadersink as a recommendation for cleaning euro nymphing traces but I am only a beginner.
@@georgebrocklehurst397 Ah-I got it George. I misunderstood you…There are weighted “leader sink” tips.
I haven’t seen the need to put something like that on-Fluorocarbon sinks quick.
Hi and thanks for the great tutorial! Do you trust this knot using fluorocarbon tippet from 4x - 6x? Thanks in advance!
Most definitely, Freddy. It is stronger than both the clinch or the Davy. Appreciate you watching and tight lines.
This is perfect then I learned a new knot while looking for a knot that would be good with fluorocarbon tippet. Now, hopefully I'll put the two to good use tomorrow morning. Appreciate you and thanks for replying and your channel!
Very cool. I’m gonna give it a try. Do use this for tying on a fly also? If so is there a way to keep the tail short so your only nipping off a small amount each time?
Sometimes I use it to tie on a streamer, but normally I use a Davy to tie to my fly. With practice you can get the tag shorter, but it is one of those knots that you need to use a little more line.
Dang I was excited for a new and easy method of tying this knot, but I really need to tie it with with a super short tag for changing flies on droppers. Any advice? is there a way with your method to control how much tag end there is? Or do you have another knot you would suggest? I can tie a 16/20 with 1/4" of tag, but not very easily; at least not for me. I do love your method here, for sure, and will use it for everything except changing flies on droppers.
Dave, I love the single Davy knot. You can control the length of the tag easily and it is super strong and easy to tie. I use this to attach all my flies. Hope this helps.
@@OldDominionTroutBum It helps a TON and thank you. This is the second time in a week the single Davy has been suggested. If only one person suggested it, I'd be skeptical lol. I'm on it and thanks for all your awesome content and advice
@@decoydavesmith happy to help, Dave. Tight lines to you.
How do you connect the 16-20 knot to the braided core line that has been striped at the Pezo euro fly line junction? Thank you!
Matthew, I strip the coating to the braid and whip finish a small loop into the fly line. Then 16-20 the leader onto the loop. Thanks for watching!
PS: Devin Olsen has a good video on how to do it.
You should try a Jack's Knot. See what you thank. Be sure it is tied the correct way.
I have tied the Jack. Great knot-but I do prefer the 16-20. Appreciate you watching.
Love the 16/20 knot although I’ve tied it by hand as the forcep “trick” seems to leave an exceptionally long tag - which adds up, especially when using fluorocarbon. Am I missing something, or is there a way to eliminate such a long tag?
Stephen, I would just suggest playing around with the lengths/loop sizes so you can make it smaller. You can definitely make the tag shorter.
Would this be a good knot to use on flies too? Or should I stick to an improved clinch
It's a great knot for flies, however, I use a davy knot. I really like it for the fly connection.
Great video ! I've always heard very good things about this knot, but could never figure out how to tie it I'm now using a small pair of curved hemostats for most of my knots. Does this method work well when you have a short amount of main line, like when you are tying your to a dropper tag? And do you use the hemostats when you tier a double surgeon?
This is the first time I have seen you channel and I was quick to subscribe. Thanks and please keep up the good work!
Thanks for the sub and kind words!
I use this for my leader/sighter connections to the tippet ring and sometimes for my bottom fly. The 16-20 is tougher on shorter lines to work with, like the dropper. So with shorter lines, I use the Davy knot.
I don’t use hemostats for the surgeon, just do it by hand.
Thanks very much for the quick response! I must be doing something wrong with my Davy knot because when I'm using 5-6x flouro, the knot really has a tendency to slip, the improved Davy seems to work fine but is harder to use with light tippet. I've actually had to go back to the clinch knot to out of frustration. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated ! Thanks again.
@rjf make sure that your Davy tag end sticks out at a 90 degree angle. That’s when you know it has been properly seated. Tighlinevideo does a great how to TH-cam video on it.
Cory, is it ok to use a 16-20 knot to tie fly line to backing? Or, would you have a suggestion?
Jack, I like to use a loop to loop for backing to fly line. I make the loop in my backing large enough to slip my reel through. That way it is easy to switch out lines. You can use a simple double or triple surgeons loop in the backing.
Nice!!
Thanks, Chris!
What do you in this process to minimize the amount of tag you cut off at the end? Thanks.
JP, not one hundred percent sure of your question. Do you mean how do I keep the point end the correct length?
@@OldDominionTroutBum No, I mean how do you minimize tippet waste? For example, you're changing flies on the stream, and you don't want to lose an inch or two of tippet with every fly change, or you won't change flies as often. It's one of my criteria for a good tippet-to-fly knot, I guess. I can minimize the waste by hand-tying the 16/20 with my fingers, but it can be very hard to tie in lighter tippet. A hemostat makes it easier, but it seems the trade-off is you end up losing a lot more tippet. That's why I ask.
Got it…I use a Davy knot to tie on my flies. You can easily control the amount used. With practice you can almost get it to where you barely have to clip any off after you finish the knot. Hope this helps.
I was thinking of going to this knot for tippet to fly, but every time I tied it I wasted too much tippet. Is there any way to remedy that? I’ve be messing around with a Davey knot lately because I can tie with a smaller tag. The clinch has always been my go to, but I’ve had them slip as well. It costed me a few good sized fish last year.
Shawn, you can control the tag end somewhat but not like a Davy. The Davy is my go to for tying tippet to fly when using a 2-fly rig because I can control the amount I use. I have never had it fail on me. I use the 16-20 to my tippet ring, euro line and for single flies.
Hi Cory, do use the 16/20 to tie 6x leader to flys?
Sometimes I'll use it when jigging streamers, but 99% of the time I use a Davy knot to my fly.
Does it matter if the main line sits in front or behind the loop?
You want it to sit behind the loop as you are looking at it. Hope this helps. Tight lines.
@@OldDominionTroutBum cheers. This knot is a game changer. I have been practicing it a bunch.
My clinch knot keeps breaking at the tipet ring when fighting fish… why do you think that is?? I’m probably going to use this knot instead…
Nolan, I’m not a big fan of the clinch knot when using light tippet. It just slips too much for me. I think you will like the 16-20. It’s super strong.
Maybe your tippet rings are poor quality and have sharp edges - I had this problem until I changed to Stroft or Varivas rings which are polished smooth.
A clinch knot is only rated at 65% of straight line strength ( Lefty Kreh / Mark Sosin Knot Book).
I’d swear that looks like a Eugene knot. Nonetheless, great video!
Thanks, SH! It is similar-the Eugene knot is doubled. Appreciate you watching!
Simple is good when your hands are wet and cold and it's getting dark.
Agreed Steve. Thanks for watching!
orvis knot is all i use
Great knot but that is a different video.
This is better than the stab-yourself-in-finger method
Haha. Yes, it is a little more forgiving.
Nice. Any data on how it compares to an Orvis knot for strength.? Honestly, your demo looks quicker than when I tie the Orvis
Thanks Jason. I don’t use the Orvis knot, but I believe both are very close in strength. I really think it comes down to what you are most efficient at and most comfortable with.
I'm a big fan of the Orvis knot
It's rated 95% of straight line strength. It can be pulled away from the hook eye to create a loop that slides tight when you hook up a fish.