Fishing knot basics

Why knots matter

A fishing line is weakest at its knots. The line bends and squeezes against itself, so the force concentrates there. That is why the same line holds very different loads depending on how it is tied, and why a large share of big fish lost are lost to knots that broke or slipped. Countless knots exist, but a beginner only needs to master one for tying on a hook or swivel and one for joining two lines. This guide explains the principles and steps in words without diagrams, so hold a real line and follow along.

Rules common to every knot

The principles that make a knot strong are the same for every knot. Following these alone greatly reduces knots that slip or snap.

• Keep the wraps neat, without overlapping or crossing
• Wet the knot before tightening to reduce friction heat
• Tighten slowly and evenly, not in one hard jerk
• Leave a short tag end when trimming
• Pull on it by hand to confirm it does not slip

The clinch knot for hooks and swivels

The clinch knot is the most widely used way to tie line to a hook eye or swivel ring. Pass the end through the eye, then wrap it around the main line several times. The number of wraps depends on line thickness and material, and five to seven is the commonly given range. Then pass the end through the first gap just in front of the eye, and in the improved version, back through the large loop that forms in the process. Wet it and pull the main line so the wraps gather neatly against the eye. If the wraps cross or bunch to one side, retie it.

The palomar knot

The palomar knot is simple yet strong, and is often recommended for slippery lines like braid. Double the line into a loop and push the folded end through the hook eye. Tie a loose overhand knot with the doubled line, then pass the loop at the end over the whole hook. Finally pull the main line and the tag end together slowly to tighten. Because the line goes through the eye doubled, it is awkward with small hook eyes, and passing the loop over a large hook or rig can be fiddly.

Knots for joining two lines

The easiest way to join main line and leader is a swivel between them with a clinch knot on each side. To join them directly, the surgeon's knot, which overlaps the two lines and ties two or three overhand knots with both together, is simple, and the double uni knot, where each tag end wraps around the other line to form two knots that are then drawn together, is widely used. Lines of very different thickness or material slip more easily, so add wraps or check with a tackle shop which knot suits that combination.

• Swivel with a clinch each side: the easiest
• Surgeon's knot: overlap and tie overhand knots
• Double uni knot: two knots drawn together

Knots that make a loop

A loop at the end of a rig lets you swap swivels or other rigs quickly. The easiest is the figure-eight loop: double the line, wrap it once in a figure-eight shape, and pass the end through. It tends to be easier to untie and to weaken the line less than an overhand loop, so it is widely used. A loop that is too large tangles easily, so make it only as big as you need. Linking loop to loop lets you change rigs without tools, but make a habit of checking each time that the connection has not tightened with a kink in it.

Practice and tips on site

Learning a knot for the first time at the water is much harder because of wind, cold and bait on your hands. Learn the principle at home with thick cord, then repeat with real fishing line until your hands know it. On site, hold the hook so the point is not facing your fingers while you tie. If you have landed a big fish, pulled hard on a snag, or the line near the knot looks chalky, cut it off and retie it even if it feels wasteful. Biting through line damages your teeth, so use scissors or nail clippers.

Common mistakes and cautions

The most common mistake is cinching a dry knot hard in one go. Friction heat damages the line's surface, so it breaks easily even if it looks fine. Trimming the tag end flush can let the knot slip undone, and leaving it too long tangles with other line. If a hook goes into your skin, pulling it out by force tears the wound because of the barb; if it is in deep, do not force it and get medical help.