A Pitzen knot ties a fly, hook, or lure to a fishing line and is popular for fly and trout fishing. It retains 95% of the line’s breaking strength and is easy to tie once you’ve mastered the skill.
The Pitzen knot is also known as the 16-20 club and Eugene Bend.
Pitzen Knot: Quick Tying Guide
To tie a Pitzen knot, thread the line through the eye of the hook. Next, hook the line on the end of your index finger and wrap the tag around the standing part four times back toward the eye. Pass the tag end through the loop your finger is holding and pull backward. Moisten the line and use your fingers to pull the knot down toward the hook. Finally, pull to tighten.
The Pros and Cons of the Pitzen Knot
The Pitzen knot doesn’t slip and is less bulky than its competitors. It’s solid and allows for micro-movements. It can also be used with nylon of different diameters. However, it won’t work well when using heavy lines such as a 2X or heavier tippet. Another disadvantage is the challenge of mastering it. Practice is crucial before using the Pitzen Knot in the water.
Knots Similar to the Pitzen Knot
Clinch Knot -A Clinch Knot is ideal when using a size 12 or smaller fly and a tippet 4-7x range. It’s a top knot for fishing lures and retains 95% of the original line strength.
Uni Knot -The Uni Knot is a popular choice for sports fishing. It is quick to tie and works with braided or monofilament lines.
Albright Knot – When attaching a mainline to a leader, the Albright Knot is a good choice. You can use it to join lines of various diameters.
Blood knot -The blood knot joins two lines of similar size and works best when using lines of equivalent diameter. Attaching fluorocarbon or monofilament to a braided mainline is optimal.
Surgeon’s Knot—The surgeon’s knot is mainly used in fly fishing to combine two fishing lines of different sizes into a tippet or leader.
Step 1:
Thread the line through the eye of the hook. Wrap the tag under the standing part.
Step 2:
Using your index finger, hold the line and bring the tag back down around the two parallel lines, making four wraps heading back down to the eye.
Step 3:
Bring the tag end back through the small loop held by your finger.
Step 4:
Moisten the line and the knot. Slide the knot down toward the hook eye, but do not pull the standing line. When the knot is in position at the hook, pull tight.
