QUESTION: In using the matchman, can anyone put forward any tips that might make things easier, please?
I cannot tell you how frustrating it is to lose the capability to tie ones own hooks ........................I now use ready tied, but they are not the same, even if they catch me plenty of fish!
Thanks
I've used one of these for decades, so I'll try - but the danger is that I'll make it sound harder than it is, just as a set of instructions for tying your shoelaces - or breathing - would make it seem a big job!
I've had to tie a hook just now, to remind myself what to do - it becomes just a matter of habit once you start.
There are videos on youtube that demo the process.
Anchor your spool of line about 1m away - that gives you a nice length to get the right tension.
Clamp your hook in the jaws - point to the left, for me. If the proportions of the hook allow it, ie the shank is long enough, set the hook so the point is just inside the jaws. If not, no problem - just avoid hitting the point when whipping.
Moisten the last few inches of line before you start.
Give yourself a "tag end" of 3 or 4 inches to work with.
With a bit of tension - you'll work out what it needs - between tier and spool, and between tag end and tier, twist the tier so as to whip around the shank+line, from the bend towards the spade. A bit of an angle on the tag-end line you are holding will make sure the turns sit next to each other and don't bunch or cross each other. I aim for 10/11 turns; others differ.
That done, put the tag end under the open-ended wire loop and press the wire loop down with the thumb of the hand holding the tier.
Next set about drawing the knot tight. Moisten it again and using a bit of "feel", pull the line to tighten it down. I've found that backing the line off half a turn, in the direction I've been twisting the tier, stops any slight tendency for the knot to "stick" as you begin to pull it down tight. Getting a feel for this bit will stop any possible pig-tailing to the line above the hook.
Undo the clamp and pull the hook away and the tag-end through the knot.
Like any gadget or gizmo, it feels alien at first, but you soon get it. I've used one for decades, and whilst I've made every cock-up an angler can, I can say I've never had a knot tied with one of these fail, and I can use it with cold hands or even in the dark.