Fishing can be very difficult, especially if you aren’t familiar with common fishing knots.
Luckily, while there more knots out there than you could ever hope to learn to tie, the best ones can be boiled down to a list of essentials.
Curious what fishing knots you definitely need to know? We’ve got a list of the top ones right here.
Palomar Knot
The Palomar knot is the ultimate in fishing knots. It’s one of the strongest knots out there. It does perform similarly to the improved clinch knot (see below) in that it secures a hook to the end of your fishing line.
It’s also great for attaching a fly to a leader.
To tie the Palomar knot, you’ll want to make a loop by doubling up your line. Push the loop through your hook’s eye.
Afterward, make a loose overhand knot and pass the loop around the hook’s end.
Pull on the end of the line to tighten it.
Improved Clinch Knot
Image credit: http://www.101knots.com/improved-clinch-knot.html
Another great option for tying a line to a hook is the improved clinch knot.
While it’s one of the strongest and most important knots in the fishing world, it’s also one of the easiest. This is a great knot for beginners!
Improved clinch knots are fantastic for securing anything to the fishing line, whether it’s a hook, lure, or a swivel.
To tie this knot, thread your line through the hook’s eye, then wrap the loose end of the line around the taut end 5 to 7 times.
Thread the loose line through the loop that’s closest to the eye of the hook, and then threaded it again back inside the loose line section.
Pull on both of the ends of the line until it’s taut, and trim if necessary.
Turle Knot
A turle knot is best used to attach a hook to a leader, especially if the line is thin and the hook is small.
It’s also a very easy knot to create. You’ll want to run your line through the hook’s eye.
Tie a loose overhand knot at the end of your line, and then pass the hook into the loop.
Tighten your whole knot and make sure your loop tightens around the eye of the hook.
Double Surgeon’s Loop
The easiest way to describe the double surgeon’s loop is as a double overhand knot.
It’s best used to create loop to loop connections, or you can create a fixed loop. If you have an artificial lure or fly, this knot can be used to help it move more naturally.
This knot is easy to learn and one of the strongest and most reliable knots available to you.
To tie the double surgeon’s loop, fold over the end of your line. This will create a double line, and then tie a single overhand knot.
Move your loop through the hole created by the overhand knot.
Afterward, moisten the knot and tighten the whole thing.
Blood Knot
A blood line is used to attach two pieces of fishing line together. It’s most likely useful in fly fishing situations, or if your line is broken or at an odd length.
The great thing about the blood knot is that it’s very easy to learn, meaning that it can provide you with great skills in a pinch!
To tie this fishing knot, make sure the ends of the two lines line up for several inches. Wrap one around the other about 5 times.
Wrap the second pieces of line around the first the same amount of times. Take the loose ends of both lines and loop them through the middle of the two lines.
Pull on each part of the line until the knot is secure.
Wire Line to Mono Knot
If you need to attach your wire line to a monofilament, the wire line to mono knot may be just the knot you’re looking for.
To start, fold about 4 inches of wire back over itself. This will make a bend toward the end of the line.
Run your monofilament line into that bend. Wrap the monofilament once around the bend’s bottom.
Take the monofilament and make about 5-7 turns around both lines, then move the monofilament’s loose end above the center of the monofilament. Make sure it’s below the wireline, and then pull until taut.
Tucked Sheet Bend
The tucked sheet bend is a variation on the regular sheet bend. This can also be referred to as the becket bend or the weaver’s hitch. The tucked sheet bend can join two lines together easily.
This knot is also great for attaching a line to a different loop. You can even use it to attach a snelled hook to a line.
To tie one of these expert fishing knots, move the end of the line through the loop. This makes a simple sheet bend.
Pass the end of your line through the loop of the sheet bend knot again, and then tighten until snug.
Snelling a Hook
If you need to attach your monofilament to a hook, you’ll want to take a look at the snelling a hook.
This is one of the fishing knots that looks more complicated than it really is.
To tie, move the end of your line through the hook’s eye two times. This will make a loop that hangs next to your hook.
Wrap the loop around the hook about 10 times, making sure that it coils tightly.
Hold the coils in place and pull the line until it’s nice and snug.
Spider Hitch Knot
The spider hitch knot is a great knot that can help boost your line’s strength. Never heard of it? No problem!
The spider hitch knot works by creating a double line. This means it can handle heavier hooks and leaders.
It also gives you extra security. If your line breaks, you’ll still be able to keep fishing.
Conclusion: the best fishing knots
Fishing knots are indisposable to you and your practice.
If you’re unfamiliar with any of these, we’d advise you to get out there and start practicing. You never know which one will enhance your sport the most!
Any great knots we may have missed? Let us know!