Another Spectra Knot - Anchor Bend?

[Brent Williams]

I have effectively used Phil Cartier's figure-8 type knot on my 1/2a stuff with very good results.

I have looked at the rulebook approved 5-turn uni-knot, and the palomar knots but haven't used them yet.

I have wondered why the Anchor Bend, or Anchor knot hasn't been mentioned for use.  It seems like it would be a very good knot to use when tying off to a steel ring, thus eliminating the possible wear point on the spectra.  The Anchor (fisherman's) bend is Two half hitches in which the first half hitch is locked by a round turn.  Knot breaking strength is reportedly 70% of rated line strength.   It is also pretty easy to tie this knot to an accurate length.

Discuss.

http://www.animatedknots.com/anchor/index.php?Categ=typehitches&LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com#ScrollPoint

[Mark Scarborough]

My guess is that the Spectra is to slippery and would slip out. THats why the not that is approved is used, it resists the slipping.

I do NOT fly on SPectra, but i have fished with it a fair amount. No other knot I used would hold reliably with Spectra.

[Steve Helmick]

The 70% rated strength isn't very good, compared to some other knots. Also, some lines work better with one knot than others do. This past summer, I changed brands of fluorocarbon line for one fishing rod (baitcaster, for "Shaky Head" application). I'd been using a Palomar knot with zero issues, but immediately had two knot failures. I could tell because of the curly end on the line. I changed to a Trilene knot...or maybe it was an "Improved Clinch" knot. Pretty similar. Anyway, no more problems.

Major problems with knots are 1) the knot itself cutting the line and 2) scorching the line while tightening the knot. Different knots do different things better...or worse...making them more or less wonderful for each type of fishing line. The Anchor Bend looks to me like it would tend to cut the line. Google "fishing knots" if you want to experiment!  Steve

[Jim Svitko]

Regarding scorching the line while tightening the knot:  This may be why it is recommended to wet the line before pulling tight to make the knot.