Spit on the 4-turn half-blood knot before tying

They say Jesus was a fisher of men.

Good Friday religious observances come in rainbow variety. Here your intrepid reporter has gained foot-hold in Reid's Reserve out past Caves Beach, where the Swansea Channel heralds the entry into Lake Macquarie.

The chat is of lures and lines, of swivels and sinkers, of wire tracers and bait jigs. The quarry perhaps flathead or flounder, bream or whiting, luderick or tailor, jewfish or kingfish. The mood a focussed contentment.

So, to the post title. You need to spit on the 4-turn half-blood knot before tying. Or any knot really. Wet it with saliva before pulling it tight. Tying a dry knot can halve its breaking strain. You need to know this.