ALTHOUGH MULTI-FLY RIGS have been around for centuries and have always remained popular in Europe, fishing more than one pattern was nearly a forgotten science in this country until about 15 years ago.

GENERALITIES ABOUT KNOTS are generally wrong or, at best, true only part of the time. But we can rely on one general statement: There is no single best knot for attaching every hook to every type of line.

NOT ALL line-to-leader knots are created equal. It pays to know which one to use for the line on your reel.

"USING A WIRE SHOCK tippet on your fly rod always feels a bit unnatural, and certain fish do often shy away from the rig. But, if you are after toothy critters, such as mackerel, kingfish, barracudas, or sharks, then you are better off with wire."