Tippet Knot Failure

[Addicted to Creeks]

my problem is i tend to break off on the hook up and its also almost always at the leader/ tippet connection. im assuming i just am setting the hook too hard?

[Nortrad]

Learned this trick here on OA from Gavin: 3' of leader butt, mono, 6-?" of Seaguar flouro, 12 lb., then fluoro tippet. No breaks or knot failures. I use Perfection loop from butt to leader, triple surgeon's for tippet. This is a nymph rig of course, you go mono with dry. I also break off with snags--trees, rocks etc., not fish.

FYI: http://www.flyfishingfrenzy.com/2012/05/16/trouthunter-tippet-fly-fishing/

[ness]

I've never had the patience for fancy knots. Now my eyesight and dexterity work against me more than before.

Stoneroller has some good thoughts. Saliva lube is important, and if you slowly seat the knot, minimizing the friction, you'll be better off. Triple surgeon is a good enough knot. Start with plenty of excess, make sure you really tie it right, and snug it down without overdoing it.

A lot of leader problems end up being things other than knot problems. Fresh tippet and leader are important. If you've been fishing a lot and tie on a new tippet, make sure the leader is good too. If it's getting dinged up, bite the bullet and put on a new leader. If your leader butt is too large, bite the bullet. If you're tapering down more than a size or two, bite the bullet. If your tippet spools are old, bite the bullet.