If you regularly use a clinch knot to attach a fly to your leader / tippet set up, then the Davy knot is a quick and easy alternative that you should know. In this video, Anglers All crewmember Collin Heyerdahl demonstrates the Davy knot.
When To Use The Davy Knot
Like the clinch knot, the Davy knot is used to attach a fly to leader or tippet. The Davy knot is strong and reliable. So what’s the advantage of a Davy knot over a standard clinch knot? It has two distinct advantages. First, the Davy knot is extremely fast and easy to tie. The Davy knot requires fewer twists and turns than a clinch knot. This is especially helpful when working with fine tippet materials and cold hands.
Second, the Davy knot has a small profile. Again, this is helpful when using small flies or when casting to finicky trout. When compared to a clinch knot, the Davy knot has a much smaller profile as it seats against the hook eye. An additional benefit of its size is that the Davy knot uses less tippet or leader material to complete the knot.
It’s safe to say that most anglers learn first, and use a clinch knot to attach a fly to their leader. But considering the ease, speed, slim profile and reliability of the Davy knot, we think this one is underrated. The next time you’re fishing, give the Davy knot a try.
How to Tie the Davy Knot
If you have questions or if you need help, please visit us at the fly shop in Littleton. We’d be happy to show you the double surgeon’s knot or answer any of your other rigging questions.
