Double Davy Knot
Double Davy Knot
An improved version of the Davy knot with an extra pass for added security. Nearly as fast as the original Davy Knot but significantly stronger — the best fast terminal knot in fly fishing.
Video by Sportfishing Report on YouTube
About the Double Davy Knot
The Double Davy Knot adds a single extra pass to the standard Davy Knot, increasing its breaking strength from approximately 85% to over 90%. It's still one of the fastest terminal knots available — adding only 2-3 seconds to the standard Davy — while eliminating the knot's tendency to slip under hard strikes.
Many competition fly anglers have switched from the Davy to the Double Davy as their go-to quick-change knot because the strength increase more than justifies the tiny additional time.
Best Used For
Ideal applications
- ✓ Competition and sport fly fishing
- ✓ Situations where speed matters but strength can't be sacrificed
- ✓ Light to medium tippet
Not ideal for
- ✗ Heavy mono over 20 lb
- ✗ Braided line
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these 5 steps to tie the Double Davy Knot. Watch the video above while following along.
Step 1: Thread through the eye
Pass 5 inches of tippet through the hook eye from back to front.
Step 2: Form a loop
Bring the tag end behind the standing line and back to form a small loop near the eye.
Step 3: Pass through the loop twice
Pass the tag end through the loop from front to back — then pass it through a second time. This is the 'double' that differentiates it from the standard Davy.
Step 4: Pull over the knot
Bring the tag end back over the entire knot.
Step 5: Wet and seat
Wet the knot. Pull the standing line firmly to seat. Trim the tag end very close.
Pro Tips
- Two passes through the loop — not one — is what makes it 'double'
- Keep the loop open during both passes
- Pull the standing line firmly — the double wrap needs more force to seat fully
- Trim tag end extremely close for best security
Common Mistakes
- Only one pass through the loop (that's just the Davy Knot)
- Not seating fully — pull hard on the standing line
- Leaving a long tag end