ORIGINAL: Mr.Slickfish
I can't whip finish either....Cold gave up teachin me that (after an hour). I use what we called the "Slick finish"

Oh god...seeing that one is enough to give any fly tier a twitch.

For my fishing, I only use a few knots:

Fly:

Nail knot...Amnesia to fly line, and PowerPro to Leader
Perfection Loop: In Amnesia and PowerPro, as well as tippet
Improved Clinch: Tippet to fly

Spin/Cast:

Either:

Uni: braid to barrel swivel, and fluoro leader to that barrel swivel

OR

Perfection Loops in both braid mainline and fluoro leader

...palomar on ALL terminal tackle.

You ain't break any line with those little arms... trust me

walmart sells a lil fold up card over by the fly tying section
with fishing knots on it pop it in your box or vest and ya always have a reference

Always use a leader on braid.  Make leader a little lighter than the braid- Makes breaking off easier, at least 6 or 8 feet leader--mono works for bass -- Flurocarb for most others--Bluegills have great eyesight
 
LEARN TO TIE THE ALBRIGHT do not forget to use the locknot on the braid sometimes use a dot of Super Glue for insurance.
 
Properly tied and trimmed the Albright slips thru the guides like it was not there.  Power pro lasts for years.  When the end gets a little scuzzy reverse the line and get a few more years;  Worth the cost. I used to respool mono 2 or 3 times a season at least  Have had the same braid on rods for years