Fishing Knots

Fishing knots are one of the most important skills that every angler needs to know. They are essential for tying hooks and other terminal tackle items onto the ends of lines and leaders, and they can also be used to tie down lures and flies.

There are a lot of knots that you can tie, and you need to know what type of line to use, the size of the fish you want to catch, and the conditions in which you will be fishing. Choosing the right fishing knot can make the difference between a successful trip and a frustrating one.

The best fishing knots are strong, easy to tie, and have good versatility. They should work with the kind of line you are using, and they should be able to handle the pressure of fighting a fish.

Palomar Knot

The Palomar knot, also called a clinch knot, is a popular choice for attaching hooks, swivels, and lures to monofilament or braided line. Tied properly, it maintains around 95 percent of the line’s rated strength, which is especially useful for hooking and reeling in larger species.

Improved Clinch Knot

The improved clinch knot, or the San Diego jam, is a great option for attaching hooks, swivels, lures, and other tackle to monofilament and braided lines of all types and sizes. Tied well, it maintains about 95 percent of the line’s rated break strength.

This knot is especially effective with fluorocarbon or other brittle line, but it is possible to tie it wrong and break your line.

Double Loop Knot

This loop knot is a favorite for monofilament and terminal tackle because it’s quick, strong, and can be tied with just one hand. To tie this knot, thread the end of your line through the eye of your hook or swivel, then make five turns around the line. Pull tight, then trim the extra line to leave a small loop behind.

Hangman Knot

The Hangman knot is another versatile knot that can be tied with just one hand. This knot is primarily used for monofilament and terminal tackle, but it can also be tied with braided line and is great for tying hooks to the end of a leader.

Tie the tag end of your line through the loop you just formed, then back through the large loop to create a doubled-up ring. To tie this knot, moisten the line with water and pull on both sides of the ring to tighten it down.

Uni Knot

The uni knot is one of the most common fishing knots that a novice angler will learn, and it’s probably the most commonly used knot in the world. It’s also a good option for attaching hooks, swivels, or lures to heavier monofilament or braided lines, since it can be tied with just one hand.

Regardless of the knot you choose, it’s critical that you practice it and tie it as often as possible. It’s a shame to waste time and energy trying to tie a knot that will fail under the pressure of a big catch.