Saltwater Fly Fishing Knots

Question:
I'm really struggling with the knot tying thing and I'm just getting myself frustrated and confused. I'm not even sure of the purpose of a tippet. All I have been doing up to this point is ---trying--- to get the flies out with a leader and my bulky messy knots. Is there an easy way to do this? I need a good basic how-to-fly fishing knots 101 site. Will this leader even hold onto a modest striper? How is this done usually?

Answer:
There are many sources on-line for common knots. Use a nail-knot to ties the tippet to your leader. Use a surgeon’s loop to attach the leader to your fly line. The tippet is the last 3 feet of your leader. As you changes flies and break off on fish the leader gets short. You tie on an extension (the tippet). Finally, when you get a strike, DON'T lift the rod tip to set the hook. Your fly rod will snap immediately. Set the hook by making a sharp pull on the fly line (just like stripping the line during retrieval) with the fly rod pointed toward the fish.