The blood knot is one of those fishing knots that many anglers struggle with, and over the years we’ve published videos to help. (Perhaps most popular has been the toothpick method.) Here, my fried Ross Purnell–editor of Fly Fisherman–demonstrates a “speed” version that solves the problem of controlling the tag ends. As he notes, this isn’t a “true” blood knot because the tag ends go through the central loop in the same direction, rather than in opposite directions. But I know few people who fish as often and as hard as Ross, and if he says the knot doesn’t fail, I believe him. So give it a try.
Warning: this video looks like it was shot on a potato, but it’s easy to follow.
Phil, Does Ross make salt water leaders with his speed blood knot, say from 40 lb down to 12 lb? Do they hold as well with fluorocarbon? Thanks
Aw, this was a really nice post. Finding the time and actual effort to generate a very
good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a whole lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything
done.
Since viewing the video I have been using this knot routinely. Easy to tie; very compact; and it has not failed once.
Thanks for thinking outside the box and sharing.
This knot has never failed me in the 25 (or so) years I’ve been using it. It’s also great for shortening your leader without snipping off the fly!
Thank you!!!!!! So simple. A GREAT tip!
Great, helpful post! I would like to know what he does when he cuts the tag ends. I mean how close to the knot does he cut them? I’ve always been of the mind to cut the tags flush with the knots. The idea being any excess makes the knot bigger and increases the chance of spooking trout. But I’m afraid clipping the tags so close might allow the tag to come undone when tension is applied. Also, I feel when clipping the tags flush with the knot, you risk knicking the line thereby weakening the knot. I see plenty of other fisherman with 2-3 mm tags on their knots. What do you think?
So, a dropper loop knot…
I suppose this is easier to tie than a double uni, or even a J knot or surgeons knot?
Thanks for sharing this tips! I like the way to tie the knot. You could visit this website for more details.
The Infinity Tippet knot is easier, faster, stronger, and more reliable than any traditional splicing knot. Its a figure 8 knot that prohibits slippage when tied properly. And its just as fast and easy when using very fine tippet material. Best on stream knot ever!
Regardless of knot type, it is essential to maintain steady tension for about 15 seconds immediately after tying in order to properly seat the knot. Equally important is giving the tippet a few sharp tugs to simulate the impact force of a fish surge or a hard hookset. Re-tying a poorly formed knot before you hook the big one can save a lot of heartache. The Fish Gods love to punish us whenever we get lazy.
That potato comment had me rolling. Well done.