Practice? Practice? We talking about Practice?

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- November 3, 2023 at 10:08 am #28313
  
  Sensei
  Participant
  
  “I don’t need practice – I know what I am doing!”
  
  “I have fished the Woolybugger for years – I don’t need to fish any other fly!”
  
  “This is my spot, and I don’t need to fish anywhere else – there are always three trout behind that rock!”
  
  “Observe first – you crazy – I have to get to my spot before that guy does!”
  
  Is this you? Or have you heard this before from some of our guys?
  
  In the famous interview given by the basketball player Allen Iverson, “we talking about practice, not a game but practice, we talking about practice!”. Sorry Allen, but practice IS IMPORTANT! And that means in fly fishing too! Practicing all techniques can turn you into the ultimate fly fisher – streamers. Euro-Style fly fishing, swinging flies, nymphing, Spey fishing and more. Even more than that it will prepare you for those special situations when you have to work at figuring out what will work and what will not.
  
  To challenge yourselves will make you a better fly fisher. To practice different techniques will make you a better fly fisher. To understand why you are doing something rather than just doing something will make you a better fly fisher. Go out there and “practice your sport!” Do not limit yourself.
  
  Then grasshoppers, you will be able to take the fly out of my hand!
  
  Your comments???
- November 3, 2023 at 10:54 am #28314
  
  Ken Welter
  Participant
  
  Kenny, As this email hit my computer, I was literally sitting at my desk practicing my knot tying. I’d been having trouble with knots the last trip and wasn’t 100% sure I was tying them correctly. Off to the the FATC website to refresh myself on the Double Surgeons and Double Davy. While I had been tying both correctly, I realized my technique needed some work. By the way do you recommend the double version of these knots in most instances? I’ve even seen some suggestions for a triple surgeon knot.
- November 3, 2023 at 2:42 pm #28315
  
  Kenny Klimes
  Keymaster
  
  Ken
  
  I know that the Sensei is a busy man so maybe I can answer your question or dilemma.
  
  Here are some tips I can give you:
  
  1. Make sure you are tying your knots correctly.
  
  2. Don’t skimp on tippet when tying your knots. make sure you have more tippet/leader material than you need to tie the knot correctly.
  
  3. Always, always moisten your knot before pulling your knot tight. Whether you use your saliva, the stream water, chap stick that is on your lips, or whatever – definitely moisten the knot before pulling tight.
  
  4. Test your knot strength after you have tied it by pulling on it with a little force – do not “yank” it but pull with a “steady” pull. Also make sure you are pulling tight all leads – to include the tag ends coming off the knot when tightening your knot.
  
  The knots should not break when you have consistent force on the fish. Remember with light tippet (7x or 6x) a stiff or fast action rod may be putting too much force on the knot. So it’s not the knot but could be the rod you are using. Light tippet you may need a more flexible rod like a medium fast or medium rod. Also when setting the hook it is a “lift” and not a Bass set.
  
  I use a Double Davy when I am tying to a tippet ring and if you get good at tying it, try it from tippet to hook. A double surgeons knot is plenty good and strong if tied correctly so no need for a triple surgeons knot. I use a clinch knot and not a improved clinch knot when tying from tippet to hook. It is super easy to do when using my “precious” or Ty-Rite tool.
  
  Hope this helps and I hope the Sensei doesn’t mind me answer his post!
  
  Kenny
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