Product Review: Essential Fishing Knots for Saltwater

You might think you’re smooth because you finally perfected a roll cast with your new fly rod. And, don’t get me wrong, that is undoubtedly awesome, but was it you or the salesperson at your local fly shop who connected the backing to your fly reel, backing to your fly line, and fly line to your leader?

The thing you need to ask yourself is, are you adequately prepared if a toothy Spanish mackerel hits your Clouser, fraying the leader and forcing you to re-tie? If the answer is “no,” it’s time to get down to business my fly fishing friends.

Don’t slack off on your fly fishing knot and rig homework. If you need a few knot tying resources, check out the videos on my YouTube channel and buy a pocket-sized knot tying guide. In other words, here’s where a handy little book like “Essential Knots & Rigs for Salt Water“ by Joe Mahler comes to the rescue.

Mahler’s handy fishing knot guide is the perfect carry along reference for old fly fishing salts and rookie roll casters alike. There are easy-to-follow instructions for over 40 knots, leaders, and fly line connections. Oh, and can’t forget to mention the helpful knot tying “glossary of terms” at the beginning of the book.

You’ll probably recognize Mahler’s precise, easy-to-follow illustrations since they also appear in Fly Fishing in Salt Waters magazine and Saltwater Sportsman magazine. Aside from being an accomplished author and illustrator, Mahler is a professional fly-casting instructor with plenty of knowledge on all things knot-related. You can pick up “Essential Knots and Rigs for Salt Water” online or at your local Bass Pro Shops.