How to Tie a Turle Knot: A 5 Step Guide

Turle Knot

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If you’re an angler with a penchant f or history, you might appreciate the Turle knot. Named after Major William Greer Turle, a 19th-century English angler, this knot has a proud legacy. Although Major Turle didn’t invent it, his frequent use of it made it popular among fly fishermen. Today, the Turle knot is a favorite among modern fly fishing enthusiasts, particularly those angling for steelhead and salmon. Its unique design allows flies to swim freely, making them more enticing to fish.

How to Tie a Turle Knot

how to tie a turle knot

In this post, we’ll focus on the original Turle knot, not to be confused with the double Turle knot or the improved Turle knot. Each of these knots is designed to attach your leader or tippet to a hook or fly.

Tying a Turle knot can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re standing mid-river with your fly fishing gear. Hence, we recommend practicing at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to tying a Turle knot:

Step 1

Thread your line (leader/tippet) through the eye of your hook or fly. Bend the line towards you to form a loop, moving in an anti-clockwise direction.

Step 2

Take the tag end of the line and loop it over the top of the first loop, creating a second loop.

Step 3

Wind the tag end of the line around the second loop twice. Hold the larger loop and pull the tag end to tighten the knot.

Step 4

turle knot step 4

Move the larger loop over and under the fly or hook. Wet the knot and pull the main line to tighten. The knot should sit snugly under and over the eye of the fly tying hook or fly.

Step 5

Trim the tag end of the line, leaving a small portion to prevent the knot from slipping out from under the fly. Test the knot to ensure it’s secure. You’ve just tied your first Turle knot!

Pro Tip

Move the fly or hook away from your workspace after threading the tippet leader through the eye in Step 1. This gives you more room to work on your loops. You can bring the hook or fly back down once the knot is complete.

For a visual guide, check out this video from Rio Lines on how to tie a Turle knot.

FAQs

Is the Turle knot effective?

Yes, the Turle knot is a versatile and robust knot. It’s simple to tie, making it suitable for beginners.

When should I use a Turle knot?

The Turle knot is useful in various scenarios, including securing a rope to a stationary object, creating a fishing net, or anchoring a boat. It’s also handy for recreational activities like camping, boating, and climbing.

How strong is a Turle knot?

The Turle knot is one of the stronger fishing knots, with a strength rating of about 80%. For example, if you’re using a 10lb leader or tippet line, the knot will withstand up to 8lbs of pressure before it breaks.What is the Turle knot used for?

Primarily, the Turle knot is used to connect hooks or flies to your leader line. It’s popular in both fly fishing and non-fly angling. The knot doesn’t sit too snugly against the hook’s eye, allowing the fly to moe freely in the water – a crucial factor in enticing fish like salmon and steelhead.

What is the best knot for fly fishing?

How do you tie a double Turle knot?

If you’ve mastered the original Turle knot, tying a double Turle knot or an improved Turle knot is quite straightforward. The main difference is that you start with two large loops in Step 1, then create another loop to wrap the line around.

What’s the best knot for fly fishing?

There’s no definitive answer to this as it depends on personal preference. However, the improved clinch knot and the Turle knot are two of the most commonly used knots for attaching line to hooks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Turle knot is a versatile and effective tool in any fly fisherman’s arsenal. Its unique design and robustness make it an excellent choice for a variety of situations. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, mastering this knot can greatly enhance your fishing experience.

Want to learn more about fly fishing? Download our fly fishing book series below for more tips, tricks, and techniques!

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