Fly fishing demands precision, and nothing is more crucial than a reliable knot connecting your fly to the tippet. Among the myriad of fishing knots, the Pitzen Knot stands out as a top choice for its exceptional strength and surprising simplicity. Known also as the Eugene Bend, Pitzen, or the 16-20 knot, this knot has earned its reputation amongst anglers for decades. Legendary fly fisherman Lefty Kreh himself championed it as the “Fisherman’s knot,” recognizing its enduring effectiveness since the 1950s. Credit for its formal invention goes to Mr. Edward Pitzenbauer of Germany. The moniker “16-20 Knot” arose from the impressive feat of the 16-20 club members landing a 16-pound salmon using this very knot with a tiny size #20 fly, showcasing its incredible holding power even with delicate tackle.
While related to the San Diego Jam Knot, the Pitzen Knot distinguishes itself by its directness and efficiency. Unlike weaker alternatives like the clinch knot, the Pitzen Knot is engineered for strength, retaining an impressive 95% of the line’s breaking strength. This robust performance, combined with its ease of tying, makes it an indispensable skill for any fly angler, from novice to expert. Whether you are facing cold fingers, a rocking boat, or the adrenaline rush of spotting your target fish, the Pitzen Knot remains a dependable solution. The subtle “pop” as it cinches tight provides tactile feedback, ensuring you’ve tied it correctly every time.
Here are the key advantages of using the Pitzen Knot when you need to tie a fly to your tippet:
- Exceptional Strength: Retains over 95% of your line’s breaking strength, giving you confidence in your connection.
- Simplicity: Quick to learn and easy to tie, even in challenging conditions.
- Versatility: Reliable in all fly fishing scenarios, from delicate dry flies to larger streamers.
- Positive Feedback: The distinct “pop” when tightening confirms a properly tied knot.
Step-by-Step Guide: Tying the Pitzen Knot to Your Tippet
Follow these straightforward instructions to master the Pitzen Knot and ensure a secure connection between your fly and tippet.
Step 1: Thread the end of your tippet through the eye of the fly hook, then bring the tag end back to create a loop by running it under the standing line.
Step 1: Thread tippet through fly eye and create a loop for tying the Pitzen knot.
Step 2: Wrap the tag end around your index finger and then wind it downwards, making three wraps around both the standing line and the loop you created, moving towards the hook eye.
Step 2: Wrap the tippet around your finger and the main line to form the Pitzen knot.
Step 3: Pass the tag end of the tippet back through the small loop that is being held by your index finger.
Step 3: Pass the tippet end through the loop held by your finger in the Pitzen knot.
Step 4: Moisten the knot with saliva or water to lubricate it. Gently slide the knot down towards the hook eye using your fingertips. Avoid pulling on the standing line at this stage. Once the knot is positioned close to the eye, then tighten it firmly by pulling the standing line.
Step 4: Lubricate and tighten the Pitzen knot by sliding it down to the fly eye.
Step 5: A properly tied Pitzen Knot will produce a distinct ‘click’ sound as it cinches, and the tag end should exit the front of the knot, running almost parallel to the standing line. If you don’t experience the click or the tag end isn’t positioned correctly, it’s best to cut the knot and retie it to ensure maximum strength.
Step 5: Completed Pitzen knot on a fly, showing tag end exiting correctly.
With a little practice, the Pitzen Knot will become second nature, providing you with a strong and dependable connection to your fly, boosting your confidence on the water.
Here’s a helpful video tutorial on tying the Pitzen Knot from netknots.com
