Figure 8 Dropper Tag Knot: Master it in 5 Minutes!

[@garymadison7049]

Great tip. I sometimes struggle with this knot when tying by hand. The hemo method is much easier.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Glad it is helpful, Gary. Appreciate you watching.

[@brettrouse3207]

Cory thanks for simplifying this not. Been using it since I watched Devin’s video. The hemo’s really helped me out. Tight lines brother.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Glad it helps, Brett! It’s a good one. Tight lines to you, as well. Cheers to a great Spring!

[@Edgemoore7]

Thanks Cory, Anytime I can get my fingers out of the process is a good thing!

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Haha. Right on! Appreciate you watching!

[@bstrickler1]

Started tying this knot on a contact nymphing rig with dropper and point flies. This is a superior knot, it does not fail. I am also losing about 75% less dropper nymphs. I purchased a Dr. Slick 4” forceps to tie the knot with while on the water. Thanks again OVTB for another very useful bit of information

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Awesome to hear, Bryan! Glad it is working for you. Thanks for letting me know and tight lines to you!

[@cos_marc]

Like always, high quality tips. Thanks Cory!

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Thanks so much, Marc! Tight lines to you!

[@Tjk186]

Thanks for sharing this stronger dropper tag knot with us Cory...like the way the dropper tag hangs away from the main line compared to the triple surgeon's knot...take care,all the best

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Glad it is helpful, TK! It meets all my qualifications…strong, quick, and easy! Tight lines, my friend.

[@Littlewildtrout]

Great video! This for my tags and 16/20 for my flies, all tied with hemos. So quick and easy, even in tough conditions. You never want to hesitate changing flies or adding tags because of poor knot tying.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Thank you, LWT! And right on....can't beat a good pair of hemos! Tight lines to you.

[@SCYCOFISHINGHUNTING]

Huge thank you Cory! I was never able to do a triple surgeons, so I never used a tag. I always just did the eye to eye method, but that doesn’t allow the top nymph to swing free. This video was super easy to follow, unlike most knot videos

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Glad it is helpful, SCYCO! If you let that tag nymph swing free, it’s going to up your catch rate on it for sure. Thanks for watching and tight lines to you!

[@jp410]

The topography of this knot is the same as the Orvis Tippet Knot. It's not the same as a figure 8. Before cinching this one tight, you can twist one side half a turn and the apparent "figure 8" element opens to reveal the knot's true shape. Try it, you'll see. What you end up with is something that is similar, but different from a figure 8. To make matters worse, there are two versions of the Orvis Tippet Knot out there -- even Orvis doesn't seem to know the difference as it features both methods without any acknowledgement that the two versions are different knots. In the later version, the knot actually does take a figure 8 shape that can't be untwisted. Yet it is still distinct from a proper figure 8 knot. I've argued this with several people to no end. But I've done lots of side-by-side tying with different color monos, comparing the different versions. I'm not a youtube person, so I can't really do a video on it, but there's no doubt about them being different. The figure 8, the original Orvis Tippet, and the second version of the Orvis Tippet are 3 distinct knots. I also did some pretty extensive testing of the comparative breaking strength of each -- I tested every tag of each knot versus each of its other tags, and against every tag of each of the other two versions. The test involved some complicated tying involving 3 sections of tippet where, after the knot, one of the tags leads into a second knot, allowing a head-to-head of which knot (and which tag connection) is strongest, and observation of where the knot breaks. The strongest knot, and the best combination of tags to use for the point and the dropper, is the one you show here. Believe me, I spent countless hours doing this silly research, because it bothered me so much that people (even Orvis, and some influential tightline blog/podcast folks) were talking apples and oranges as if they were the same. I still have the paper on my wall where I taped up the uncinched knots, labeled them, and notated which were the stronger and weaker tabs. OK -- last thing, a bonus fact to add to the confusion. There is a non-hemostat method for the Orvis Tippet Knot, which actually is the original and most widespread version of the knot. It's the same as what you show, except in mirror image. In other words, what you show as the dropper actually becomes the main line, and vice versa, when compared to the hand-tied version. The knot is not a symmetrical one, unlike a double-surgeon's knot, hence this possibility. But the difference in them is that with the hand tied version the break is much more likely to occur just above the knot, leading you to lose two flies instead of one. Long comment.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Appreciate your hard work, JP. You did a lot!! Thanks so much for watching and commenting. Tight lines to you.

[@Vanguardw]

Hey jp410, sounds like you did the testing I was just thinking about doing - a complicated setup to be sure. What was the strength of the up-tag between the two orvis knots? I've seen blogs that say the up tag is just as strong and can be used for droppers with less chance of tangle from using that tag which bends out and away. I wonder if the hand-tied version has a strong up-tag even if it still breaks above the knot? Thanks for doing all that work!

[@jp410]

@@Vanguardw I dispensed with the Kutzer (and In The Riffle) version, because it was weaker than the one shown here, so I can't say about the upper tag on that one. Regarding this version, the up-tag was weaker than the down tag. The up-tag theory didn't hold muster in my tests. If you tie the knot according the the Net Knots instruction, but reverse the tippet pieces (i.e. add the main tippet to the dropper tag as opposed to adding the dropper tag to the main tippet), you get what's shown in this video but tied by hand. I don't like using hemostats so that was important to me. That said, most breaks seem to occur nearer to the fly anyway, probably due to rocks and trout teeth.

[@outdoorswithjustin]

been using the figure 8 knot since i was a kid, grandpa made sure we all knew how to tie knots. the figure 8 and the trilene knot are the best for fishing and strongest.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Your Grandpa taught you well. Appreciate you watching.

[@richardjones2129]

I've been using that knot but didn't like trying to tie it riverside when it's cold. That means I didn't change knots often enough. Thank you for the hemostats tip. That makes tying knot n fly changes easier to do riverside. I'm definitely going to master this style and I'll pass it on! My arthritic hands dictate a lot of what I can do in the cold. Thank you for this great tip! God Bless n Fish on!

[@stringtwister7654]

I'll definitely try this. Thanks for sharing! If you get a chance, please go fishing or make another fly tying video. Your jack Daniel's is now My top nymph. I have it in a few different sizes. It flat out catches more trout than anything in my box. It should be in every fly tying book, for me it's better than a pheasant tail. Thanks for all that you do! Nate

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Thank you, Nate! Appreciate you sharing your experience with the Jack Daniel’s. Love to hear it! It is one of my top flies for sure. I’m have some fishing videos coming out soon. Stayed tuned!

[@jonhart-dj7fn]

cool tips as always, especially when the fingers are cold the forceps help alot! going to practice this and thank you Cory also the tag end specifics !

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Thank you, Jon. They will definitely help when your fingers won’t work like you want them to. Appreciate you watching!

[@ERiKOstrander]

This is a Seaguar knot. One of the fastest, easiest knots for attaching line to line.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Right on-Appreciate you watching.

[@blueridgeflyguy9551]

Cory, that is brilliant!

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Appreciate it, Mike!

[@petestevens5816]

Keep it coming, I learned so much from watching your vids. This reminds me of the 16/20 knot that you taught me to use and now I use it all the time. Good stuff? Tight Lines

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Glad they are helpful, Pete. Hemostats can do wonders. Tight lines to you, as well.

[@dalesheehan9404]

Hey Cory! You sure made that look easy. I’ll have to give it a shot. My go to has always been a double surgeons.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Thank you, Dale! I was a surgeon’s guy forever, but this is my go-to now. Continued success this spring to you. Tight lines to you!

[@bobdepradines1773]

Great tip , thank you for sharing this!

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Glad it is helpful, Bob!

[@PeachyFlyFishing]

Thanks Cory, I've experimented with this after Devin's video too. One of the best things about this knot I think is the ability to go from a single fly rig to a double without having to cut the fly off. Because you only need to pull the fly through the loop once instead of 3 times like a triple surgeon, it makes it super easy. :)

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Great idea, Steve. Love any little trick that saves time! Appreciate you watching and commenting. Tight lines, mate!

[@MPete1896]

Wonderful instruction! Going to add this knot to my quiver. The nomenclature threw me off a bit...."just picture the main line coming off the spool as your tippet ring". Did not understand that. Using "leader" and "tippet" terms would make this awesome video even better.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Glad it is helpful, Mike. Appreciate you watching, and glad you figured out what I was saying! Thanks for watching and tight lines!

[@keithelliot3772]

Used the Grinner for years, I now use the Fig 8 knot, I find it is quicker and easier and also beds in better than the Surgeons. Tight lines. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Right on, Keith! Appreciate you watching and tight lines!

[@leighs522]

King of the hacks! I've been doing this since Devin showed his video. One challenge I've found is trying to do this with a doubled over segment to mimic your hack of creating a tag and point fly from a single piece of tippet. You showed this a few years back using a triple surgeons knot. I find it sometimes works with the figure of eight knot,but sometimes the tippet cuts into itself and the knot breaks. Have you tried this? Also, Devin showed a hack for the 16-20 knot sometime back, and says he can tie this leaving only a few mm of tippet wasted. However, he achieves this using a callous on his finger, something I'm not prepared to do! Your 16-20 trick with hemostats is great, but does waste some tippet, which doesn't matter when attaching tippet to a tippet ring, but doesn't fly when trying to attach a dropper fly to 3 inches of dropper tag. Your hacking genius is needed to solve this dilemma. Til then it's the Davy knot for me.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Haha! Amazing what some hemos can do for you, Leighs. I haven't tried the Figure 8 as I have with the surgeons, just because this is pretty darn quick and you can tie it perfectly every time. With some practice, you can get that 16-20 tag shorter, but you are correct, unless I am jigging streamers, I pretty much am all Davy knot (which is an awesome knot). I'm not for purposely sticking hooks in my fingers! The 16-20 is what I use for sighter and tippet to tippet ring. Appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@JedandJen]

Thanks for this great video. The explanation was great. With my dropper tags, I always then do an overhand knot with it around the tippet line to help it stick out 90deg.. I’ve never had issues with it, like line breakage, and it seems to minimize the tag from wrapping around the line, but wondering your thoughts on that method. thanks so much!

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Thank you, Jed. Appreciate it! I don't use the overhand knot. I never have a problem with it tangling. Most that do are leaving it too long. 3-4" is the sweet spot. Hope this helps and thanks for watching. Tight lines!

[@georgebanker2669]

Great knot and explanation. In the future, would you consider using two different color lines when demonstrating knots?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Thank you, George. Appreciate the suggestion. Tight lines to you.

[@maryellenbilenki6038]

Cory, tried it this winter. Hemostats will help old fingers. Otherwise a plus. Tony

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Hemos are amazing aid, Tony! Tight lines to you. Hope your Spring is a great one.

[@mikemastropietro9482]

All your videos are so helpful I’d love to spend a day on the stream with you !!! Do you guide?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Thank you, Mike! At this time, I’m not guiding, but sometime in the future I will be.

[@Tjk186]

@@OldDominionTroutBum Looking forward to that day !

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Thanks, TK!

[@kingfisher6802]

Pretty clutch! Thanks

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Thanks so much, KF! Tight lines to you.

[@Steelman-h8i]

Definitely a good knot. Been using it for years. 20inchers won't break it like the surgeons.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

It is a great one, Steelman. Appreciate you watching. Tight lines.

[@caihlen]

Strong work.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Thank you, Ken!

[@RickHurst]

This was a great suggestion on how to do this. I saw Devin's video, but this is easier to do as my age is starting to make my fingers less nimble. My question is what you do when the tag is used up and you have no need to add more tippet for your point fly? I know that I can just tie a clinch knot above the knot left from this knot. That's what I have preferred over the perfection loop as I don't trust perfection loops tied with smaller tippet. Anyway, Cory, or anyone who reads this, what do you do when you just need to add another tag?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Glad it is helpful, Rick. The hemos are a great tool to have. I like using a 5-turn uni knot instead of the clinch. Use the tag that points down to the water. The clinch "pinches" down and can weaken your tippet. The uni is more gentle on your tippet and slips right down to your knot easily. Hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@RickHurst]

@@OldDominionTroutBum Thanks. That's a great suggestion. I will do it that way. I was concerned about that issue on the clinch. The uni knot sounds great. Thanks for the reply.

[@Rossco-o9c]

Great demo 🔥🔥👌🏽

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Appreciate it!

[@davidlloyd7109]

Wow what a great tip amazing thank you Dave Lloyd UK

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Glad it is helpful, David. Cheers mate!

[@alastairirving7483]

ny thanks, I've always used the figure of eight knot as its very tidy and strong, but never using haemostats.👋

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

It’s a good one! Appreciate you watching!

[@holyworrier]

I've been using a trick you taught me... Tying a tiny perfection loop on a short bit of tippet and affixing it to the leader so it slides up and down. For me, it's a great help not to have to tie tag knots with 7X on the stream. This DOES look like a very stout knot, how-so-ever.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Glad you like the tiny loop, Larry. This is a super easy, strong knot. I think you’ll like this one as well. Thanks for watching!

[@davidcarr1325]

I prefer using a tippet ring,once it's too short,just replace ,just as easy cory 👌🎣

[@richardgarbarino6736]

I get the ease of replacing the tag when it gets too short but now you are dealing with 3 separate knots on the tippet ring, main line, tag and bottom fly.

[@davidcarr1325]

I've never had a problem,each to there own,takes seconds ,even on the water😊

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

David, I don't like another hinge point and the added weight (albeit light). It can create some more sag, especially when going light. But as you said, to each is own. If it works for you and you are happy, that's all that matters.

[@davidcarr1325]

@@OldDominionTroutBum so the tippet ring I use doesn't register on scales,it's that small and light but when you change the dropper on the figure 8 knot,I assume that you are adding another figure 8 knot next to your original knot,unless you are renewing point fly length as well at same time,you will end up with a clump of knots which would cause sag also if I'm not mistaking?,if not,then you are renewing both lengths which is slightly more work,if you catch my drift(no pun intended)👍

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

@davidcarr1325 I don’t add another knot. I’ll re-tie. Knots are always the weakest point in your rig. I like one knot as opposed to 3 knots. And it is another hinge point that I don’t prefer. But as long as it works for you-that’s all that matters.

[@expiney4648]

I agree that the 3"-4" dropper tag is ideal, but I sometimes struggle to effectively attach flies to these short dropper tags. Do you have a video that offers insight/tips/tricks for attaching flies onto short dropper tags? What is your preferred knot these days?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

I prefer the Davy Knot. You can tie it with little line. Hope this helps.

[@jerryg957]

Nice demo, thanks

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Thanks, Jerry. Appreciate you watching.

[@MrJTime]

Thanks for clearly explaining this great knot. I would encourage people to at least try it with their fingers first. If it works for you, it’s faster than using a tool.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Appreciate it, Mr. J. I am definitely a big believer in whatever works for you that's what you go with. Thanks so much for watching and tight lines.

[@denniskatayama]

I learned this knot years ago as the Orvis knot.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

It goes by that as well. Pretty sure this is a nautical knot from long ago and fishermen (and climbers) adopted it.

[@GrooveColo]

thanks for the multi-view aspect of the vid! super helpful! what's your school of though on dry dropper in this config? dry on your tag followed by a heavier nymph on the longer section? how about double nymph? heavier on the longer bottom section? thx again!

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

I do this all of the time. I always fish my dry off the tag in a dry-dropper setup. And on a double nymph, the heavier fly is on the bottom. Appreciate you watching. Tight lines!

[@pike9443]

That is a great knot! Does this also work with braided line to mono or fluoro?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

I can’t tell you that for certain, as I haven’t tried it. I’ve always like a uni knot for that. Double over your braid, then do a uni.

[@MrVezzuto]

What if you tied a half hitch on the dropper. TO extend it out 90 degrees would that weaken the line

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

There is no need to do that. Tags tangle because they are too long. Keep it at 4 inches or less, and it will not tangle.

[@danhall7568]

Thanks Cory for continuing with your informative videos! They are much appreciated! Last year I had great success straightening my dropper line if it starts to wind around the main tippet. I'm curious, what knot do you use above this "figure 8 stop knot" once the initial tag gets too short? I use double davy sometimes improved clinch and haven't determined any winners yet....

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Happy they are helpful, Dan! I use a 5 turn Uni knot when the tag gets too short. I use the tag going to the water for the dropper. Appreciate you watching and tight lines!

[@danhall7568]

@@OldDominionTroutBum Thank you Cory. I'll give that knot a try.

[@holyworrier]

In several of the cobbled sandstone shoals in the Little Red River, a growth that I believe to be didymo has taken over, almost, re: the native stringy green algae. Do you have any experience with this diatom-gone-berzerk? Photographed it, perhaps?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

The Didymo is problematic for sure. Thats all I have ever seen. The Little Red is a gem, btw.

[@paulsilverman6794]

If this knot is stronger for a dropper is it also a good method for adding tippet?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Paul, this is a super strong knot. You can use it for adding tippet as well. Tight lines to you.

[@Rob-Erto]

Hey Cory, is this knot stronger than your other dropper knot video? Looks easier and less complicated.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Rob,this is stronger. And this is easier as well. Win-win! Tight lines to you and thanks for watching.

[@PJCatch]

Wondering if you can/should use the tag pointing up to right instead so comes off at more of a right angle?

[@duckmanco04]

Wondering the same, especially when the troutbitten crew shows and recommends using the upward tag for its “less likely” to tangle properties.

[@jtahoe5672]

Another way to approach the issues here is to create a dropper knot (you can use Cory's example), then when it's cut down, you go to a "slip knot" above which can be any number of knots. This allows the new dropper tippet to position at 90 degrees to the main tippet line. George Daniels describes it in detail here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2ekkJR6a9B7mKs

[@leighs522]

The upward tag cuts into the knot and has significantly less strength. Not recommended.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

I don't like using the top tag, because as Leighs says, it can cut into the knot and weaken it. You don't have to worry about your tag sticking out at 90 degrees. Keep it 4 inches or less and you will always be fine. I have never had a problem. As Jtahoe says, you can always do a one turn overhead knot under the knot and it will stick out more-but once again, I don't think it is necessary.

[@taylorutah]

Another great video and a new knot to try! Where can i get the neck lanyard you are wearing with the hemostats?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Thanks, Taylor! The Lanyard is from Simms. I love it, because how you can adjust the length. Appreciate you watching!

[@jesseaskew957]

I like the idea of the sighter still ending in a tippet ring. It seem obvious, but I wanted ask this question. I assume you are attaching your tippet to the tippet ring with about 24 inches of tippet and then tying in the figure 8 knot at that point with the rest of the tippet leader. That was my interpretation.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Hey Jesse. Yes, you are correct. Use that main tippet off the ring for your tag. The added piece will make it longer and lead to your bottom fly.

[@jesseaskew957]

@@OldDominionTroutBum Thanks, I have been using your triple surgeon’s dropper method, but I’m very familiar with the figure 8 knot and I like the knot. As always, appreciate your quality tips and simplicity.

[@michaeladornetto9066]

Cory, Thanks for the videos. Very helpful. Whar line to you use? I am trying to replicate your setup. Airflo Euro? You mentioned "braided", but I can only find Airflo Euro Nymphing line. Many thanks.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Glad it is helpful, Michael. I use the Airflo braided nymphing line. .60mm with an orange tip. I like to cut the orange tip off and whip finish a small loop at the end, then 16-20 my leader to it.

[@matzefinesse]

This is brilliant 🤝

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Appreciate it! Tight lines to you.

[@justaguy111]

With 3 turns, this is the Seaguar/Lefty Kreh knot used by saltwater anglers to connect fluorocarbon to a running line.

[@Wendygaechter]

This is what I use. Although I use my fingers so I have to be sure the loop is big enough! 😊

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Yes it is-if Lefty is using it in Salt, it tells you how strong it is.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Wendy, now you can do it with gloves on!

[@JohnLauber]

I use this knot and this method as well, but I was told by someone to keep the top tag and lose the bottom piece. Not 100% convinced either tag is stronger, but I do like the top tag as it helps keep the fly away from the main line, or so it seems.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

John-using the top tag puts stress on the knot when you hook a fish. Eventually, it will weaken. You really don’t have to be concerned keeping your tag sticking out, if you keep the tag at 3-4 inches, it won’t tangle. It’s the weight of the fly that keeps it separated from your line. Appreciate you watching and tight lines to you.

[@Popcornbeetle]

Troutbitten swears by the upper tag. Any noticeable difference? I like the upper for less tangles. But is it weaker?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

The lower tag is 100% strong. You will not have any issues. There is a ton of talk about tangles, etc…with tags. It is caused by simply having your tag too long. No need for a half hitch or special knot. You need to keep your tag 3-4in. It will not tangle. The longer you go, the more your invite tangles. Hope this helps.

[@Popcornbeetle]

@@OldDominionTroutBum thanks. Happen to see your QA after posting! Def going to try the bottom tag now.

[@phallberg2650]

Very nice!

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Appreciate it!

[@brooktroutangler5917]

do you have the specifics on how much better/stronger etc. the 8 is vs triple surgeons?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

I can’t tell you how much stronger it is other than I have all the confidence in the world in it. There have been tests and it always wins out. Also, it is pretty darn quick and easy.

[@petemalelis3037]

I've watched you switch flys in seconds , which knot do you use on your flys

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Pete, I use a single Davy knot. Super simple and strong.

[@petemalelis3037]

@@OldDominionTroutBum damn , I just learned it...mind blown 🤯

[@mikemastropietro9482]

Thanks that was great!

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Glad it was helpful, Mike!

[@tomt5176]

Excellent! What else can you say? Thank you.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Appreciate it, Tom! Thanks for watching.

[@camosurfer1]

Thanks Cory, love it! DVB

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Glad it helps, David!

[@docfishingsrq]

I have seen some people add a half hitch to the bottom portion to help the dropper tag stick out a little bit more. Do you do that as well?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

I don’t, Doc. You can do it, but it really isn’t necessary if you keep that tag between 3-4 inches. When you keep it there-you really have no problems. Every person I speak with that had problems, ultimately I find out that their tag is too long. Appreciate you watching.

[@docfishingsrq]

Thanks! Love the channel! I have been Euronymphing for only 2 years and I have learned a lot from your content.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

@@docfishingsrq Good to hear! Glad it helps and good luck to you!

[@BACON850]

What do you think of using the tag pointing up instead as the dropper?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

You don’t want your tag pulling against your knot-it will weaken it. Appreciate you watching.

[@theLEFTY15]

What hemostats are those? They look solid and quality ones. I’ve had bad luck with the ones I’ve bought.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

The hemos are from Orvis (probably 15 years old). Not sure they make them anymore, but you can find them from other companies. They are micro forceps with scissors. Smooth jaws (no grooves). Hope this helps. Thanks for watching.

[@williamlee2335]

Great video, do you plan on making a hat with the new patch available for sale?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Thank you. William. The hats are coming soon!

[@williamlee2335]

@@OldDominionTroutBum Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience with us. I take you out to the river with me in my head when I fish. I have a fat head, I hope you will consider making a XXL available. I have found the flex fit product line to offer a wide variety of colors and sizes. 🎣

[@mdishner]

Okay, this may be a silly question: I like your short hemostats with scissors. Who makes them??

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Not silly at all. These are old Orvis hemos (at least 15 years old). Not sure they make them anymore. But they are considered "micro" scissor forceps with smooth jaws (not grooved). I believe Loon makes some and I'm sure some others do as well.

[@mdishner]

@@OldDominionTroutBum thanks so much for your quality content and for getting back to me so quickly!!

[@mikestrate1468]

Does this replace surgeons knot when adding tippet?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Yes, Mike. The surgeons is still a good one, but this tests stronger.

[@charlesgilbert8691]

Just wondering the strength of the figure 8 knot Cory? Could it be used to tie a fluorocarbon leader like an FG knot?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Charles, I can't tell you the strength, other than it is stronger than the double or triple surgeon's. This certainly can be used for tying leaders, just like a blood knot or a surgeon's.

[@travisrothfortune8203]

Do you use this knot to knot your sighter to your tippet, or do you still use a tippet ring?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Travis, I use a tipper ring at the end of my sighter. This is strictly for a dropper tag.

[@travisrothfortune8203]

@@OldDominionTroutBumThank you for the quick reply! I’ve noticed some people have switched to knotting their tippet directly to the sighter, and I was curious about what you did. I can’t seem to get a solid knot tied when I’ve forgone with the tippet ring.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

@travisrothfortune8203 I’m not a fan of that unless I am catching cookie cutter fish. I also don’t like it because when you change/add tippet, it cuts into your sighter. I do use the smaller tippet rings you can find. 1mm or less. No need for 2mm.

[@travisrothfortune8203]

@@OldDominionTroutBumGlad to hear I’m not the only one not a fan. Thanks my friend!

[@JoshEthanJohnson]

I def want to try this since it's so fast and always have the hemostats on the vest. One question... a tad hard to explain maybe but let me try. So... off of your sighter material, you'd have a tippet ring. Below that is a stretch of tippet which you're calling here the 'main line' correct? Is the main line and the 24" section for the bottom fly both the same strength tippet? Like would the main line be 5X and the bottom fly be 6X ever? Or keep the same? This leads me to one more question. Do you ever make this whole section (from the tippet ring down) out of one long piece of tippet vs two as seen here? I've been making it from one by tying a triple surgeons and leaving enough for a tag. Seems to be ok but curious if this technique in your video is really to patch things up on the water when needing a freshen upper on the tag and 24" bottom fly section. Thx and hope that's all clear.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Hey Josh. 1. Yes, The tippet coming off the ring is your "main line". The 24" piece will be the piece added to your other piece of tippet attached to your tippet ring. The piece that is attached to the ring will give you your tag. If you want 4 feet to the bottom fly. Put 2ft or so to the tippet ring, then cut another 2ft or so (a smidge more to give you extra for the knot) and tie that in with the figure 8. I always use the same size tippet. I don't mix and match. 2. I always tie it this way. Once you practice this, you will tie this in seconds. Sit at home and just keep doing it. You will master it right away. Hope this helps.

[@JoshEthanJohnson]

@@OldDominionTroutBum Thank you. super helpful.

[@JoshEthanJohnson]

@@OldDominionTroutBum one follow up question to this. If your tag or dropper sections ever get too short form normal cutting and retying, do you ever just tie on just a new tag or dropper section or are you always rebuilding this whole 2 section unit?

[@mattritch56]

I use the upper tag - heard that’s the stronger of the two… never tested it. Any truth to that?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Matt, it’s going to out too much stress on the knot, because it’s pulling down on it. Smaller fish is OK, but I don’t trust it with a larger ones. Hope this helps.

[@anton_gavrilov]

I combine figure 8 knot with your approach from another video when you don't cut a separate piece of tippet for a dropper tag. I don't use forceps.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Excellent, Anton! Whatever approach works and makes it easy for you is the best way to go. Thanks for sharing. Tight line to you!

[@timapple6586]

The Figure 8 is the exact same thing as a Double Surgeon's Knot; the difference is only how most people tie it. I don't like this for a dropper because both terminal ends are parallel. There are good t-knots that are just as simple. They form a loop to the side, then you just cut one leg off it to make a 'boom'. I use an Alpine Butterfly, but so far I've only used it on small trout. Maybe you lose a tiny bit of sensitivity, but that's preferable to lining the fish or tangling your cast, IMO.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Tim, this video was to show people how easy it is to tie this particular knot. You shouldn’t worry about the dropper hanging straight down. Like I said, if it is 3-4 inches, you have zero problems.

[@markschafer2843]

An additional over hand knot will make it stick out from the main line

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Yes it will, Mark-but I don’t find it necessary if you keep it 3-4 in.. Thanks for watching.

[@markschafer2843]

@@OldDominionTroutBum I'll have to try without it just force of habit, the forceps knots are probably the reason I can still fish light tippet.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

@@markschafer2843 forceps are a huge aid for sure. Tight lines to you.

[@neomacchio4692]

What’s the point of the tag??

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

The tag is to tie your dropper fly to it.

[@andyyun1162]

I’ve used this all this time thinking I was doing a hemostat version of a double surgeons knot.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Haha. All that matters is it was working, Andy! Appreciate you watching.

[@3runjosh]

I am making this video my screensaver

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Nice!

[@terrypikaart4394]

Seems to me its just a double square, i tie that all the time for drop shot.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Appreciate you watching.

[@CHI-ts2dk]

Use the top end, and it will never twist around the leader!

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

It never twists this way. The only reason it twists is for one reason-the tag is too long.

[@andrewmorke]

If you add one more twist it becomes the Sea guar knot.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Love a good variation, Andrew.

[@jrcll7856]

isn`t that sorta like a ORVIS knot..... i don`t like how the tag lays against the line.... needs to come out at a 90deg to help prevent tangles

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

This knot has been around since Nautical times. Fishermen and Climbers adopted it. Orvis just re-named it. Like I said in the video-tangles happen if it is too long regardless if it sticks out at 90 degrees. It doesn’t tangle if you keep it 3-4 inches. When it is in the water, both lines separate because of the weight of your flies. Thanks for watching.

[@jrcll7856]

@@OldDominionTroutBum ....also just do an over hand knot with the tag and it will stand away from the main line

[@MrTomomahony]

great jod

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Appreciate it, Tomo!

[@IOSARBX]

Old Dominion Trout Bum, You're awesome! Let's be friends, okay?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Haha! Appreciate it!