Jack’s Knot
If you are looking for a terminal fishing knot that is easy to learn, simple to tie, strong, and small in profile — you may want to investigate Jack’s Knot. Even if you are not currently looking for a new “go-to” terminal fishing knot, you may still want to investigate Jack’s Knot simply to compare and contrast it against whatever knot you are currently using most often.
Jack’s Knot is named for and attributed to our very own talented fly tier and fly fisherman — DCFF club member, Jack Miller. Jack first presented the knot for use as a terminal fishing knot in a letter to Fly Fisherman magazine in the summer of 2012 from a hand-drawn sketch with notes he put together in November of 2011. Jack Miller’s knot has since been adopted by, tinkered with, and updated by fly fishermen across the globe.
Sometime after the knot’s public introduction, a similar knot pattern was found documented in the Ashley Book of Knots (published in 1944) as knot #1118 with a notation as being an “excellent knot for snares” — so a knot for rope or twine rather than a terminal fishing knot. I may be missing something with my untrained eyes, but the knot depicted as #1118 is not the same as Jack’s Knot (you tell me if you see it differently).
While others may dispute the claim, I think it is safe to say Jack Miller invented Jack’s Knot. Someone decades or centuries ago may have twisted and turned a strand of rope or twine into the same (or a similar) pattern — but Jack Miller documented and presented his knot specifically for use in fishing as outline above. Jack’s Knot is truly Jack Miller’s baby!
What makes Jack’s Knot a great terminal fishing knot? The list is long, but here are the three main advantages of Jack’s Knot:
1.) STRONG: A 100% knot is defined as a knot that will break only at or above the rated breaking strength of the line it is tied with. If Jack’s Knot is not a 100% strength knot, then it is damned close and much stronger than many other popular terminal tackle fishing knots.
2.) SMALL: Typical strong terminal tackle knots (such as the San Diego Jam, Palomar, or even the Improved Clinch) are large profile knots when tied correctly with the line coiling over itself multiple times. Jack’s Knot, on the other hand, provides similar knot strength in a much slimmer “figure-8” finished knot profile.
3.) SIMPLE: Once you incorporate all of Jack Miller’s tips and tricks for tying the knot, it is one you will be able to tie correctly without even looking (or by feel only). The simplicity of Jack’s Knot makes it easy to tie correctly every time.
Other advantages only become apparent once you start using Jack’s Knot. You can tie the knot quickly, so you will waste less time on the water changing fly patterns. Tied correctly, the knot has a very short tag end to cut off, so your tippet will last longer. Jack’s Knot works equally well with monofilament or fluorocarbon line. It can also be tied “in the air” or without a hook, so it can quickly and easily be used as a dropper knot. Jack has also tinkered with variations on the knot that you may find useful in different situations.
You can find step-by-step instructions for tying Jack’s Knot with photos and diagrams on any number of helpful web sites. You can also find many videos on YouTube (and other media sites). Be advised, however, some of the material readily available on the internet profiling Jack’s Knot contain errors or depict the knot being tied incorrectly. Much of the online media may be a good introduction to the pattern and layout, but watching Jack Miller tie the knot with tips and hints is a much better method.
You can find an excellent video from Jack at the YouTube link: HERE
Even better, ask Jack to demonstrate the knot for you at the next DCFF club meeting. Pay close attention to how he manipulates the line with his fingers and try your best to mimic that same technique. Jack Miller is a true gentleman, and a very patient instructor. We are all privileged to have Jack as a DCFF club member!
EDITORS NOTE: The only photo I include in this article is that of the figure-8 pattern you should see before cinching the knot tight. When learning to tie Jack’s Knot, if you do not see the figure-8 pattern depicted in the photo — you have not tied the knot correctly, so start over!
Reference Links:
Fly Fisherman magazine letter reference: HERE
Copy of Jack’s original knot sketch: HERE
Ashley Book of Knots #1118: HERE
YouTube Video – How to Tie Jack’s Knot: HERE
YouTube Video – Jack’s Knot Variations: HERE
Jack’s Knot on NetKnots: HERE
Jack’s Knot on Orvis website: HERE