MidCurrent Tested and Trusted: Tie-Fast Knot Tyer

The Tie-Fast allows you to attach fly line to butt section quickly and securely. Photos: Rick Mikesell

A nail knot tool remains one of the most useful pieces of gear an angler can carry. Years ago, welded loops were often a weak point in fly lines, prone to breaking at the worst times. Today’s welded loops are much stronger and generally stronger than the line itself, but there are still good reasons to cut them off and tie the leader directly with a nail knot.

As Brian Flechsig of Mad River Outfitters and the late legend Flip Pallot explain in the video below, eliminating the loop improves energy transfer in the cast and reduces hinging. For my own fishing, particularly when guiding for carp, the nail knot provides another advantage. Shots are often close, and the angler must strip the leader into the guides. If a fish eats and takes off, a welded loop can catch in the tip section, blowing off the tip, creating a challenging fight, and the potential for a lost section if there is a breakoff. By cutting off loops on my carp rigs and attaching the butt section with a nail knot, I can avoid all these pitfalls.

The most important reason to always carry a nail knot tool is for field repairs. With full sinking lines especially, it is easy to snag bottom, pull too hard, and break the line just below the leader attachment. A nail knot tool allows a quick, clean repair in minutes. Without it, the options are usually a weak, makeshift knot or heading home with a broken line.

The Tool for the Job

I have tried a range of knot tools, from simple tubes to overly complicated gadgets that promise to tie everything. In most cases, practice is the best tool for knot tying, and outside of assistance in dexterity, most knot gadgets actually make the process harder. The nail-knot tool is the exception, and among the many available, the Tie-Fast Knot Tyer is the standard. It hangs in nearly every fly shop and has earned anglers’ trust because it is simple, reliable, and easy to use.

The Tie-Fast comes in two sizes, standard and magnum, and has several clear advantages over other designs. First is its overall size. It fits securely in hand, making it easier to grip while cinching knots. Tube-style tools can be small, slippery, and easy to lose. The second is the knot channel. Wider than most tube tools, with a deeper scallop for the tag end, it handles fly lines and heavy butt sections more easily. For big-game applications, 10-weights and above, or butt sections in the 80- to 100-pound range, the magnum model is ideal.

The Tie-Fast is available in two sizes, depending on line and butt sizes.

The third advantage is construction. Made of stainless steel, the Tie-Fast is built to last. It will not rust or corrode in saltwater and should outlive most anglers, provided it is not misplaced. The included split ring makes it easy to attach to a zinger or lanyard, and for those who prefer a less shiny finish, it now comes in black.

The Tie-Fast Knot Tyer is the rare gadget that should have a permanent place on the vest or kit bag. Simple, durable, and effective, it remains the best choice for anglers who need quick repairs and clean leader connection.

Check Out the Tie-Fast Knot Tyer Here