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.  Here’s how to tie an Improved Clinch Knot:

1. Take the end of the line and thread it through the eye of the hook, lure or swivel just as you would with any other knot.

Step #1
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2.  Then take the tag end and wrap it around the mainline 5 times, working your way up away from the eye of the hook.

Step #2
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3.  Thread the tag end through the loop that was made right next to the eye of the hook.

Step #3
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4. Then move the tag and through the bigger loop formed by going through the small loop. Be sure to lubricate the knot before tightening it, and pull on both ends until the knot constricts.  Then cut off the excess.

Step #4
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The extra step described in step four was the “improved” part.  As stated before, this gave the knot extra strength and lessened the likelihood of it slipping.  This is beneficial during the catching of a heavy or more aggressive fighting fish when the knot is more likely slip.  The five turns recommended in step two are standard for most lines, though heavier lines can often hold with less.  Some light lines may require six, but chances are they would be better suited for a different knot.

When tying the Improved Clinch Knot, you need to remember to make the spiral as neat as possible.  Any kinks or overlapping pieces will only make it weaker.  As long as you follow each step accordingly and make sure that the knot is as neat as it can be, you should have a strong and reliable way to keep a hook secured to a line.