Davy Knot

The Davy Knot a very strong, very small knot that, with enough practice, can be tied very quickly so that you can get back to fishing. If you already know how to tie a J Knot, you’ll be ahead of the game, since the Davy is tied in the same way as the J, only with fewer passes which makes it quicker to complete.

The Davy Knot is used to connect the tippet to the leader because of its strength, which rates between 85 and 100 percent of line strength, but its small size makes it great for tying on flies, too. You can use the Davy knot for small fly sizes 18 to 22. Learn how to tie the Davy Knot following the 8 steps below.

Davy knot step 1

Step 1: Pass the tag end of the line through the eye of the hook.

Davy knot step 2

Step 2: Double back with the tag end.

Davy knot step 3

Step 3: Wrap the tag end over and around the standing line.

Davy knot step 4

Step 4: Pass the tag end through the newly formed loop to make a half hitch.

Davy knot step 5

Step 5: Continue around and back through the loop a second time.

Davy knot step 6

Step 6: Tighten the loop by pulling tag end down and toward the hook.

Davy knot step 7

Step 7: Carefully tighten so the knot is against the eye hook.

Davy knot step 8

Step 8: Trim the end.