No need to spend all Summer learning to tie knots, these five types will quickly prepare you before you hit the water.
Different situations call for different knots. The knots needed for tying fishing line to a hook are different from the knots needed to join two sections of line together.
LINE TO HOOK:
Improved Clinch Knot
It’s one of the most important knots in all of fishing, used by most anglers to secure their hooks, lures, or swivels to the fishing line. The knot is strong and firm and has become a reliable standby for fisherman of all stripes because it can hold up in battles against big fish. If you learn to tie one knot, this is the one you need to know.
- Thread the line through the eye of the hook, then make 5 to 7 wraps around the line with the loose end.
- Thread the loose end of the line through the loop closest to the eye, then back around inside the loose section of the line.
- Pull both ends of the line until tight.
- Trim the loose end of the line if necessary.
Palomar Knot
If you learn to tie a particular knot – especially if you fish with a braided line of any kind – make it the Palomar knot. Regarded by anglers as one of the strongest knots, the Palomar serves a similar function to the improved clinch knot, securing a hook or swivel to one end of your fishing line, or fastening a fly to a leader.
- Double your line to make a loop, then push the loop through the eye of your hook.
- Tie a loose overhand knot.
- Pass the loop around the end of the hook.
- Pull on the line to tighten.
- Trim the loose end of the line if necessary.
Uni knot - Snelling A Hook
Dependable knot for tying monofilament to terminal tackle. The Uni Knot is versatile and can be used in a variety of fishing situations. Hooks tied with a Snell Knot provide an even, straight-line pull to the fish.
- Pass the end of the line through the eye of the hook twice, creating a loop that hangs alongside the hook.
- Wrap the loop around the hook, forming tight coils, 5 to 10 times.
- Holding the coils in place with one finger, pull the line up until the loop is snug under the coils.
LINE TO LINE:
Blood Knot
The blood knot is utilized for tying two pieces of fishing line together. Used often for fly fishing or for making use of broken or odd length fishing lines, the blood knot is an easy-to-learn and valuable skill to have on any fishing boat. It is best for tying two pieces of similar fishing line together (i.e. comparable diameter, etc.), but can come in handy for any makeshift fishing line situation if you find yourself in a pinch.
- Line up the ends of each line together for several inches, then wrap the first line around the second at least five times.
- Wrap the second around the first at least five times, and bring both loose ends back to the middle between the two lines.
- Pull tight on each line until the knot is snug.
Double Surgeon's Loop
Like the blood knot, the surgeon’s knot comes in handy when you need to attach two different pieces of fishing line. Unlike the blood knot, the surgeon’s knot is optimal for fastening together two fishing lines of different diameters. It’s easy to tie and is essential for any angler, especially if you’re the kind of fisherman who keeps bits and pieces of old fishing line lying around for future use.
- Fold over the end of the line to make a double line, then tie a single overhand knot.
- Pass the loop through the hole in the overhand knot one more time.
- Moisten the knot and tighten.