How to Tie Thick Monofilament Fishing Lines

Thick monofilament lines are often used in saltwater fishing. The larger species of fish found in open saltwater require the use of 50-pound-test and heavier lines. Tying knots in heavy lines requires a knot which is simple in design yet holds under stress. The clinch knot is ideal. This is also a good knot to teach beginning anglers because it may also be used on smaller-diameter monofilament lines

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Thick monofilament line (30-pound or heavier)
Scissors

Step 1

Insert the free, or tag, end of the line through the eye of a hook or other terminal tackle. Pull 4 to 5 inches of line through the eye.

Step 2

Wrap the tag end of the fishing line around the main line. Make six to seven turns around the main line so that there are 2 to 3 inches of tag end still available.

Step 3

Feed the tag end back down and through the small loop formed just above the eye of the hook or terminal tackle.

Step 4

Moisten the knot with a small amount of water. Slowly pull the tag end of the line to tighten the knot. Make sure the wraps of the line remain concentric.

Step 5

Pull firmly on the tag end of the knot one more time and trim the excess tag end from the knot with scissors.

Tips & Warnings

Slightly stretch the line before tying to remove any memory coil from the line, which may interfere with tying.

Use caution when working with mono-filament lines. You can be cut by tightly stretched lines.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

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