J Knot for Joining and Splicing Line

Posted Sat, 11/14/2009 - 15:53 by jmaslar
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Class Code: 
Class 204
Syllabus: 

You have completed Class 104 Basic Knots and now you can improve your knot tying ability.  According to a recent article in Field & Stream who tested knots, the J Knot was found to have superior strength.  Also, as additional assignment (below)  the student can learn how to tie the Davy Knot.  After completion of this course, the student will have a greater selectiion of knots in his or her arsnel.

Skill Level: 
Intermediate
Professor: 
Jerry
Course Content: 
When splicing two fishing lines of similar diameter together, the little known J Knot proved to be stronger than either the Blood Knot or the surgeon's Knot. In fact the J Knot beat all other knots for that purpose according to the Feburary 2009 Issue of Field & Stream.
 
In the J Knot, unlike the Blood Knot or the Surgeon Knot, the standing line goes straight thru the knot’s initial turns. This feature prevents the monofilament from wrapping tightly around a small radius which may cause heat build up resulting in fracturing. Because of this, it is the best knot for attaching fly fishing leaders to fly lines.
  
In the illustration below in order to facilitate photographing the knot tying process, I have used blue cord to represent fly line and brown cord to represent the leader.
  
Tying the J Knot:
 
Step #1 – Overlap the main line and the leader by at least 12 inches.
 
Step#2 – Tie a large overhand loop, pulling the leader all the way through.
 
Step#3 - Hold the loop of the overhand open as you pass the two lines under the bottom and up through the loop.
 
Step #4 - Then pass the two lines over the top of the loop and back through the loop in a downward direction. 
 

Step #5 – Then take one more turn under the bottom part of the loop and upward through the loop again (Not illustrated) and pull all four lines to tighten the loop.  

 
Step #6 – As with all knots, do not forget to lubricate the line with water or saliva prior to pulling tight and be sure to cut the tag ends correctly. 
 
To learn more about more about the most popular fishing knots go to Trout University Class 104 Basic Knots.
Assignments: 

The Davy Knot is also used for joining and splicing line.  It is reported to be a very strong knot, but it is relatively simple to tie.  The student can determine what best suites his or her needs.  Davy Knot video #1 and video #2.

Extra Credit: 

Recommended Instructional DVDs:

Knots and Rigging Techniques by James Marsh.

Getting Started Fly Fishing Basics by James Marsh

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