Marc Petitjean Petitjean Hand Saver

Marc Petitjean Hand Saver is a specialist braided-line knot-tightening tool that holds braid or a fishing hook securely while the angler tightens a knot, with an adjustable knee strap providing a stable third point of control.

Designed for leader building and bankside rigging, the Hand Saver straps around the knee and works as a third hand. This leaves both hands available to manage the standing line, tag end and knot while the tool anchors the braid or hook.
Its main advantage is a controlled grip on braided line without needing to wind high-strength braid around the fingers or rely on an improvised object. It can also provide safer control of the hook while a knot is tightened using monofilament.
This is a specialised tool for anglers working with stronger connections rather than an everyday trout-tippet accessory. Predator, salmon and saltwater anglers are most likely to appreciate it, although anyone learning to construct heavier leaders can benefit from the additional control.

Marc Petitjean Hand Saver key features and benefits

• Securely holds braided fishing line while a knot is tightened.
• Holds a hook while the angler tightens a knot using monofilament.
• Adjustable strap fastens the tool around the knee.
• Acts as a third hand, leaving both hands free to manage the knot.
• Helps apply smooth, progressive tension when preparing heavier leaders.
• Avoids the need to wrap high-strength braid directly around the fingers.
• Useful for predator, salmon and saltwater leader systems.
• Suitable for use at a rigging bench, on the bank or from a stable seated position in a boat.
• Available now at troutcatchers.

Marc Petitjean Hand Saver top tips

• Fasten the strap securely around your knee without making it uncomfortably tight.
• Work from a stable seated position when tightening high-strength connections.
• Practise with spare line before using the tool on a finished leader.
• Keep the hook point directed away from your hands, legs and body.
• Apply pressure smoothly rather than tightening with sharp pulls.
• Moisten monofilament or fluorocarbon knots when required by the chosen knot.
• Inspect the line beside the completed knot for flattening, discolouration or damage.
• Do not apply more tension than the hook, line or other tackle can withstand.
• Rinse and dry the tool after saltwater exposure.

Best fishing situations for the Marc Petitjean Hand Saver

• Pike and predator leader construction using strong line and larger fly patterns.
• Saltwater and tropical fly-leader preparation.
• Salmon leaders involving heavier monofilament, hooks or braided connections.
• Leader repairs made from a stable seated position in a boat.
• Bankside preparation before fishing.
• Heavy leader construction at a home rigging bench.
• It is generally unnecessary for routine dry-fly and nymph fishing with fine trout tippet.

Marc Petitjean Hand Saver FAQ

What is the Marc Petitjean Hand Saver used for?
It grips braided line while a knot is tightened. It can also hold a fishing hook while the angler tightens a knot using monofilament.

Does the Hand Saver tighten knots automatically?
No. It provides a stable anchor while the angler applies the required tension and completes the knot.

Is it suitable for fine trout tippet?
It is primarily intended for stronger line and leader connections. It is unlikely to offer much advantage with fine trout tippet and could make it easier to apply excessive pressure.

Can it be used for pike and saltwater leaders?
Its braid-holding and hook-holding functions are relevant to the stronger leader systems commonly used for pike, predator and saltwater fly fishing. Applied tension must still be matched to the leader and hook.

Does it work with braid and monofilament?
The manufacturer states that the tool holds braided line while a knot is tightened. It can also hold the hook while a knot is tightened using monofilament.