How to Fly Fish Series DVD - Fishing Knots One of the most important elements of fishing enjoyment is the skill at tying knots. Knots are elementary to fishing whether it's fly fishing, spinning, or bait, and you can learn every know you will need to know, in this DVD. Learn from the vast experience of Outdoor Life Network and ESPN's Fly Fishing Video Magazine hosts, Jim and Kelly Watt along with the expert instruction from author Dick Talleur, guide Lenny Moffo, casting expert Steve Rajeff and the Hooker's first mate Randy Baker. Learn to tie all these knots: Backing to Reel/ Nail-less Nail Knot w/ Steve Rajeff/ Nail Knot Braided Mono Loop/ Surgeon's Loop/ Uni Knot / Albright Knot Leader to Fly Line/ Knots for Leaders/ Blood Knot/ Double Overhand/ Surgeon's Knot/ Nested Nail Knot/ Nested Uni Knot/ Knot Strength test/ Clinch Knot/ Improved Clinch Knot/ Turl Knot w/Dick Talleur/ Mono Loop/ Slip Knot/ Wire Leader Knots/ Haywire Twist/ Albright Combo w/ Lenny Moffo/ Plastic Coated Wire Leaders/ Big Game Fishing Knots w/Randy Baker/ Class Tippet/ Bimini Twist/ Spider Hitch/ Huffnagle/ Double Hook Set with Snell Knot/ Lines for Billfish. See also $32.95 DVD

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When I was younger I fished with a gentleman who consistently caught bigger fish than I did. I would proudly boast of a string of 3 pound fish but he would have a string of 6 pound fish. Later, my friend and his wife had a child and I called to see how everything was. My friend said "Everyone is healthy, especially the baby, who was born 24 pounds 19 ounces". At this point I began to wonder if my friend sometimes over estimated fish size and weight. A quick, accurate, rule of thumb on estimated fish weight is good to have. With catch and release fishing it may be required for the health of the fish.

It is tough to estimate fish size. This is especially true if you are trying to return fish to the water and you do not want to waste precious seconds. Below are a few tips on getting a fish's size.

• Boga Tool

  I think the best solution is getting a tool. As an example, the Boga Grip (shown to the left) is a combination fish landing, handling, and weighing tool. By encompassing the lower jawbone of most fresh and saltwater fish, including toothy pike and barracuda, the simple one-handed operation will land and accurately weigh fish up to 15 or 30 lbs. This tool is compact enough for wade or surf fishermen and is perfect for catch and release photos. This is a very good tool, quality made, and good for the fish.

• If you don't have a scale handy there is still a way to get the approximate weight after you are home. Get the length and use the "Fisheries Information Network --- Fish Length-to-Weight Calculator" and estimate weight. I have not verified it but I hear it is very accurate. Another estimator I hear recommended is the RodnReel Fishchart.

Knowing a fish's weight will help keep you honest. Getting the fish's weight quickly will help the fish survive if you are putting back.