Tying a Catch and Release Knot

Of all of the fly fishing knots ever tied, the catch and release knot may very well be the easiest. In fact, the catch and release knot may very well be one of the very first knots you learned to tie as a child. If you’re planning on catching a big fish, the catch and release knot probably isn’t a knot you want to use. However, if you just plan on casting a dry fly or giving a fish a good chance of getting away from you, the catch and release knot can come in handy.

Step 1 – Begin the Knot

Most of the knots you learn to tie when you begin fly fishing require a number of steps – each with varying degrees of difficulty. The catch and release knot, on the other hand, really only requires two simple steps. Pictures A through D below will show you how to complete the first step in tying a catch and release knot – the step of beginning the knot.

Catch & Release Knot Pictures A & B

Catch and Release Knot Pictures C & D

Step 2 – Tightening the Knot

By now the catch and release knot should look familiar to you. Some people call it a wind knot, others call it an overhand knot – when you break it down they are all the same exact knot. To complete the catch and release knot, simply grab the ends of the line and begin pulling them to tighten the knot, as shown in pictures E & F below.

Tying a Catch and Release Knot

Catch and Release Knot Pictures E & F

If the catch and release knot doesn’t already come naturally to you, don’t worry. It should literally take just minutes to master and this knot is a great knot to start out on when you’re first learning to tie fly fishing knots.