Here are ten different uses for the Uni-Knot. This universal knot is a problem solver, and it opens up opportunities . . .

Continue reading (VIDEO) The Universal Uni-Knot — One Knot to Rule Them All at Troutbitten.

Being a versatile angler comes down to changing things. And on the river, that means tying knots. Good anglers need the facility to tie knots, with ease. This is my best advice for tying quick, clean, strong knots.

Continue reading 15 Knot Tying Tips (with VIDEO) at Troutbitten.

With three good solutions for creating tag droppers, there’s a method for every moment. And by getting each of these under your fingers, by practicing them and being comfortable, you’ll find uses for all of these methods as you work up a river.

Continue reading (VIDEO) Three Great Ways to Create Tag Droppers at Troutbitten.

Knots are personal. I don’t believe in any of the knot strength tests because there are too many variables. And what I know about the performance of my favorite Davy, for example, conflicts with the (I’ll say it) myth of its inferior breaking strength. My Davy’s are strong. But I don’t know about yours. That’s for you to find out . . .

Continue reading The Knot Strength Thing — Can knot strength be calculated? Does it matter? at Troutbitten.

One simple thing can change an angler’s enjoyment and success on the water, maybe more than any other — knot tying skill. But I meet too many otherwise excellent fly anglers who complain about knots or lament the amount of time it takes to make tactical transitions on the river.

You need six knots. Two, really -- and then four more to fill in some technical stuff . . .

Continue reading Six Knots to Know for Trout Anglers on the Fly at Troutbitten.

It shocks me how many good fishermen think they’re saving time by untangling a maze of monofilament and flies. They use forceps and fingernails. Some even carry needles specifically for the job of picking out would-be knots.

Most guys see their options as a pair of choices: either cut off the whole thing and re-rig with new lengths of tippet, or try to salvage it all by spending enough time working the messy knots and tangles free.

But I promise you, there’s a third option. And it’s much better than the other two . . .

Continue reading Fly Fishing Tips — Clip It, Unravel It, Retie It at Troutbitten.

Every new condition required another adjustment, another approach, and sometimes new tactics. And every change yielded results.

Here are the seven ways . . .

Continue reading Seven Different Ways On A Mono Rig at Troutbitten.

There are precious few situations where one leader setup does the trick all day long. And taking the middle of the road approach leaves you average at both ends.

Take the time to make the changes.

Use the moments while tying knots for breathing a little deeper — for reflecting a little on where you are. Because trout take us into some amazing places. Look up at the swaying hemlock boughs as you make those five turns in a blood knot. See things and enjoy them. That kind of time is not wasted . . .

Continue reading Learn to Love Rigging at Troutbitten.

Fishing dropper rigs should be easy. But judging from the amount of questions I field about knots, dropper types and tangles, fishing two or more flies causes a lot of angst out there.

Last week, I wrote about fishing tangle-free tandem rigs, and a popular question repeated itself in my inbox: “Tippet rings would be great for droppers, right?” My short is answer, no. My long answer is . . . usually not. Tippet rings for tags can work, but I don’t think it’s worth it.

Continue reading Fly Fishing Strategies: Tippet Rings For Tag Droppers? No Thanks at Troutbitten.

Multi-fly rigs allow for more chances to screw things up, and that’s undeniable. In an early article, I brushed off the tangles problem like it’s not a big deal. With experience (and some resignation to the inevitable errors), it really isn't a big deal. Here are some ideas to keep the tandem rig tangles to an acceptable minimum.

Keep in mind, that I've grown into these strategies. I’ve done a lot of fiddling and wiggling with rats’ nests out there. And remember, the thing they don’t tell you about trial and error is how much the errors suck the life out of your will to keep trying . . .

Continue reading Fly Fishing Strategies: Tangle-Free Tandem Rigs at Troutbitten.