Fishing Knots

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Fishing Knots Articles

Improved Clinch Knot

The Clinch Knot is one of the common knots used by anglers to secure a hook, lure or swivel to fishing line. It is one of the basic knots an angler should know when first starting out. The “improved” Clinch Knot is named for the extra step that it has at the end of the tying process. This extra step drastically improves the strength of the Clinch Knot, and is simple to do. An Improved Clinch Knot is easy to tie, but it is not recommended to use with braided line or anything over a 30 pound test.

Snell Knot

The Snell Knot is considered a hitch knot and is primarily used to attach a line to a hook. It attaches itself to the hook by wrapping itself around it, resulting in a strong knot which can be done in seconds. It is one of the older knots that was developed in Great Britain many years ago. It was developed to solve the problem of most hooks not having eyes. Even though hooks nowadays have eyes, the Snell Knot is still useful today, mainly because of its 100% hook strength and reliability.

Rapala Knot

The Rapala Knot was developed by the Rapala Company, and was intended to be used with Rapala lures. This knot doesn’t impede the lure’s action, and allows it to run true and look more realistic during the retrieve. Using other knots to attach lures may restrict the action and decrease its effectiveness. Although it was originally designed to be used with Rapala lures, it is versatile enough to be used for other types of hooks or lures, as well. It can be used to attach monofilament and fluorocarbon leaders.

Palomar Knot

The Palomar Knot is used to join line to a hook, swivel or lure. It is often the knot of choice when using the new braid style lines, and the International Game Fish Association regards it as the strongest fishing knot known. It’s very popular among fishermen and is easy to master. It’s also a knot that you can tie in the darkness of night with a little practice. Tying the knot only takes a few steps. With a few minutes of practice, and you should be able to master it.

Dropper Knot

The Dropper Knot creates an inline loop that can be used to attach leaders, hooks, bait rigs and sinkers. Bottom fishermen choose it because it can be used to attach a lure or rubber worm right above a jig. It’s also great to add several hooks on the same line. A well made Dropper Knot can be quite helpful when you need to add a little something extra to your rig.

Nail Knot

The Nail Knot is commonly used to secure two lines of different diameters. It is closely related to the Albright Knot, although a little more difficult to construct. It works great for attaching a leader to a fly line, and it is actually preferred over the Albright Knot because of its smooth finish once complete. It is slightly difficult to learn because of the addition of a straw or a small tube to the knot tying process, but it’s nothing that can’t be mastered with a little practice. In the end, the Nail Knot’s performance makes it well worth the effort, and can be used in a variety of different situations.

Double Uni Knot

The Double Uni Knot is just a modification of the Single Uni Knot, and a common knot used by most anglers. It is best used when tying two lines of similar or the same diameter, but can also be used for matching two different size lines. The resulting performance may be diminished, so choosing an Albright Knot in that instance may be a better decision. The Double Uni Knot is most commonly used to tie the main line to a leader, or for tying backing to a main line. Most people consider it easier to use than a Blood Knot, and it’s much more versatile.

Arbor Knot

Based on the name alone, it’s easy to see what the Arbor Knot is used for. It’s most practical use is to attach a line or line backing to the spool, or arbor. It’s one of the most basic knots for an angler to learn and not very difficult to learn.

Blood Knot - Fishing Knot

The Blood knot is used to link two lines of the same diameter together. It is often used to make the line on the reel of a fishing rod longer or possibly to add a leader to a line. It is only usable when the two lines are the same size though. If the lines have two different diameters, you should choose the Albright knot as the clinch of the knot is designed so that the smaller line doesn’t slide out of the larger line. The Blood knot is pretty simple to construct, and almost anybody can do it.

Albright Knot - Fishing Knot

The Albright knot is a great solution for tying together two filament lines that are of a different thickness. The thinner line usually slides through the thicker one, so the Albright knot ensures that they remain attached together. It can be used for a variety of different fishing needs, but it is most commonly used to attach a fly reel backing line to a fly line. Other uses of the Albright knot include attaching filament to braided lines. It is easy to assemble, and almost anyone can make an Albright knot after a little practice.