Fishing Knots
Do you want to know something that might shock you about fishing knots?
After testing hundreds of fishing knots over the past couple of years, I’ve learned one very important lesson…
The “100% fishing knot” is a myth.
Physics :
Simple physics is the reason why. Pretty much all knots will create a weak point on the line given that it creates a point on the line where a max load is hitting it from more than just one direction.
And although there are some instances where the main line (or leader) will break before the knot fails, there is no single knot that can always do that with all types of lines.
So in using the strongest possible knots for your fishing needs is to understand that there is no such thing as a 100% knot.
And if you hear someone say that their knot is 100% without any exclusions, then they likely have never tested it out in a controlled test with multiple lines, so I be wary of their recommendation.
Your favorite fishing knot is weak, and so is mine…
This is simply due to the fact the contorting line and creating hard turns that get put under tension will always create a weak point in the line making it the weakest point in the system (assuming that the main line is not compromised).
Note: This weak point is almost always at the first hard turn in the top section of the knot coming from the main line, so it most often leaves a clean break which looks like the mainline simply snapped when an angler examines the line after a break-off.
Now that we’re past the first hurdle (acceptance) is to actually test our knots to make sure that you don’t lose the fish of a lifetime due using a knot that isn’t the absolute best for each connection in your line system.
Palomar Knot
This is one of the most popular knots, the Palomar Knot is strong and relatively easy to tie. The Palomar knot is best for use with braided fishing line.
Method :
1. Thread the line through the eye of the hook, then make 5 to 7 wraps around the line with the loose end.
2. Thread the loose end of the line through the loop closest to the eye, then back around inside the loose section of line.
3. Pull both ends of the line until tight.
4. Trim the loose end of the line if necessary.
Improved Clinch Knot
This is one of the most widely used fishing knots. The Improved Clinch Knot provides a good method of securing a fishing line to a hook, lure, or swivel.
Method :
1. Double your line to make a loop, then push the loop through the eye of your hook.
2. Tie a loose overhand knot.
3. Pass the loop around the end of the hook.
4. Pull on the line to tighten.
5. Trim the loose end of the line if necessary.
Turtle Knot
Not a very common knot, but a very quick tie knot when needed.
Method :
1. Run the line through the eye of the hook, then tie a loose double overhand knot in the end of the line.
2. Pass the open loop over the hook and tighten the whole thing so that the loop tightens around the eye.
Blood Knot
This is a common knot when needing to tie two lines together that dont take must strain.
Method :
1. Line up the ends of each line together for several inches, then wrap the first line around the second at least five times.
2. Wrap the second around the first at least five times, and bring both loose ends back to the middle between the two lines.
3. Pull tight on each line until the knot is snug.
Double Surgeons Loop
The Surgeon’s Loop is essentially a Double Overhand Knot. It can be tied quickly and easily in the end of a line. It is often used to make a “Loop to Loop” connection in the same way that two elastic bands can be hooked into each other. It can also create a fixed loop that allows the artificial lure or fly to move naturally.
Method :
1. Fold over the end of the line to make a double line, then tie a single overhand knot.
2. Pass the loop through the hole in the overhand knot one more time.
3. Moisten the knot and tighten.
Wire Line to Mono Knot
A common strong knot used mainly for trawling purposes.
Method :
1. Fold four inches of wire line back over itself to form a bend at the end of the line.
2. Run your monofilament line through the middle of the bend, then wrap it once around the bottom of the bend.
3. With the monofilament, make seven close turns around both lines.
4. Pass the loose end of the monofilament above the center strand of monofilament and below the wire line, then pull snug.
Tucked Sheet Bend
Used mainly for attaching line to a leader loop, or snelled hook to the line
Method :
1. Pass the end of the line through the loop, then make a simple sheet bend knot.
2. Pass the end of the line back through the loop of the sheet bend.
3. Tighten until snug.
Snell Knot
Used for connecting the line to the hook, Can be used for Braid, Monofilament or Wire.
Method :
1. Pass the end of the line through the eye of the hook twice, creating a loop that hangs alongside the hook.
2. Wrap the loop around the hook, forming tight coils, 5 to 10 times.
3. Holding the coils in place with one finger, pull the line up until the loop is snug under the coils.
FG Knot
Personally my favorite and preferred knot when tying a leader to braid as it is thin, easy to tie (Once you have the knack) and lasts under extreme pressure.
UNI Knot
A strong versatile knot for either tying to a hook or two lines together.
PR Bobbin Knot
One of the hardest knots to tie, but with much practice it will pay off if you have the time and prepare your fishing gear long before the trip like I do. One of the most top knots in the sport today and has a great resistance to breaking unlike other knots.
Bimini Twist Knot
The Bimini twist is a fishing knot used for offshore trolling and sportsfishing and the creation of double-line leaders. A Bimini twist creates a loop at the end of the line in which it is tied. The loop secured at the top with a long barrel of coiled line created by the tying process.
Albright Special Knot
The Albright special or Albright knot is a bend used in angling. It is a strong knot used to tie two different diameters of line together, for instance to tie monofilament to braid. The Albright is relatively smooth and passes through guides when required.