Grinner knot, Homer Rhode loop knot, J knot, the Haywire twisT, The list goes on...
When it comes to tying directly to lures or hooks, there are few fishing line knots that can hold a candle to the Palomar Knot. It can be used in almost any application with braid, fluorocarbon, and monofilament line. The Palomar Knot is known for being easy to tie and exceedingly strong, so even a novice can quickly tie a strong connection every time.
Step 1: Take around 6 inches of line, double it, and run it through the eye of the hook
Step 2: Tie an overhand knot in the doubled line
Step 3: Pull the loop down and around the entire hook
Step 4: Make sure to moisten the line and then pull tight on both ends of the line
If you are looking for maximum strength with light line, the Trilene Knot is an excellent choice. Developed for use with monofilament lines, the Trilene Knot is an impressive upgrade to the classic clinch knot with improved resistance against slippage and failures. With a little practice this Knot will become a go-to, especially for lighter test lines under 10lbs.
Step 1: Pass the tag end of the line through the eye of the hook twice creating a small loop
Step 2: Use your thumb and forefinger to hold the loop in place, wrap the tag end of the line around the standing line five or six times and pass the end back through the loops
Step 3: Moisten the knot and pull tight steadily
If you need a braided fishing line knot, the Berkley braid Knot is hard to beat. This knot was developed for use with braided superlines. Braided lines are ultra-strong and tough, but their zero stretch and slick finish can lead to breakages with some standard knots. The Berkley braid knot spreads force across several wraps of line, reducing stress to any single point. To make your braided lines truly “super”, give it a try.
Step 1: Double the main line and insert the loop through the eye of the hook
Step 2: Pull a few inches of double line up alongside the main line
Step 3: Moving from the top down, make 8 wraps around both lines
Step 4: Thread the loop end between the eye of the hook and the last wrap
Step 5: Moisten the line and pull tightly on the main line, tag end and loop
Step 6: Trim the loop and tag end
Time to add a leader. The Uni to Uni Knot is a classic when joining a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader to braided line. Combinations like this will provide lower visibility near the lure while also delivering superb strength and sensitivity. The Unit to Uni knot retains around 90% of line strength while producing a stronger connection than either the Blood Knot or the Surgeon Knot, yet is easy enough to tie on the water with cold fingers on a windy day. Now, let's tie the Uni to Uni Knot.
Step 1: Overlap the tag end of the main line and leader line several inches
Step 2: Create a loop with the tag end of the main line
Step 3: wrap the same tag end through the loop you created about 6 times and use the tag end to pull the main line tight
Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 with the leader line
Step 5: Moisten the knot and pull the standing lines in opposite directions
To wrap things up we have the Eugene Bend Knot, a terrific option for fluorocarbon. Fluorocarbon line has become the favorite for many anglers, but for all its advantages, it is easier than mono or braid to burn the line or tie a poor knot and have a breakoff. Employing a double line as a loop, this knot reduces pinch points and evenly distributes pressure on the line. Follow the instructions to get reliable connections with your fluorocarbon line.
Step 1: Pass the tag end of through the eye of the hook forming a long loop
Step 2: Wrap the loop around the main line about 4 times
Step 3: Pass the tag end through the loop
Step 4: Moisten the know and pull tight
As always, do your part to be a good steward of the fisheries we enjoy. Please dispose of used fishing line properly and abide by all local laws and regulations that have been put in place to ensure we can all continue to enjoy this amazing lifestyle for generations to come.
Shawn Smith is a native of Northwest Georgia and a graduate of the University of Georgia. An avid outdoorsman, he was introduced to fishing as a child and has spent the better part of the last 25 years with a rod in hand while venturing throughout the United States. As the Ecommerce Marketing Manager for Pure Fishing, Shawn is able to put his passion into practice while sharing his knowledge and love for the sport with others.
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