The Clinch Knot is a common knot used throughout all types of fishing and was the first knot I ever learned to tie. It is used to attach the fly to the tippet. With a little practice, it is simple to tie and will serve you well in most trout fishing situations.
FLY FISHING GUIDE IN THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS
Curious when you’d recommend an improved clinch over a standard clinch knot when attaching tippet to a hook?
Funny you should ask, Mike. I’m doing the Improved Clinch next month and explain the difference. Essentially, the Clinch Knot “locks” against the eye of the hook. Usually not a problem but if using a tippet that’s diameter is significantly smaller than the diameter of the hook, the knot has a tendency to slip. The Improved Clinch “locks” on itself so there’s no slippage even when using smaller tippets on bigger hooks – which is when I tend to use it. Some folks just use the Improved all the time which, of course, is fine.