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. So, if you want your bait to move more naturally next time you go fishing, here is how to tie a Rapala knot:

1. Tie a simple overhand knot but don’t tighten it.  Make sure you maintain a small loop and a fairly long tag end, long enough to work with and complete the knot.

Step #1
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2. Insert the tag end of the line through the eye of the lure, and back through the overhand knot created in Step 1.

Step #2
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3. Wrap the tag line around the main line three times, trying not to overlap them, and go back through the overhand knot made in Step 1.  From here, a loop should have been formed from the end of the 3 wraps to the overhand knot.

Step #3
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4. Insert the tag end through the formed loop, lubricate the knot, and pull the main line and the tag line together.

Step #4
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Step #5
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This knot is similar to the non-slip mono loop.  However, the Rapala Knot took it a step further by adding an additional step to the process.  Some say that this makes for a more secured knot.  You will notice that the lure can move around the loop freely.  This will make the lure more realistic, allow it to perform as designed, and make it more effective.  It’s up to you on how big you want the loop to be, although making it too small would defeat the purpose of the knot.  If you are a lure fisherman, learning and using this knot may help you increase your success while out on the water.