Trails » Fishing » Fishing Reels & Line » Fishing Knots » How to Tie Fishing Knots

How to Tie Fishing Knots

How to Tie Fishing Knots
A fisherman needs to know how to tie different knots. At some point, you'll have to tie lures, swivels and hooks onto the fishing line, and the clinch and Palomar knots are excellent options. When you're changing the line on a reel, use an Arbor knot to attach it to begin the process.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:
  • Rod and reel Hooks Lures Swivels New fishing line Nail clippers
  • Rod and reel
  • Hooks
  • Lures
  • Swivels
  • New fishing line
  • Nail clippers
Step 1
Start the clinch knot by passing your line through the eye of your hook, swivel or lure. Double-back with your line and wrap it five complete turns around the line heading into the eye.
Step 2
Finish the clinch knot by bringing the line back through the opening that was created when you first doubled back and began your five turns around the line. You will see it right next to the eye; pass the line through, pull the knot tight as you bring the five loops down the line snug to the eye, and trim the line with your clippers.
Step 3
Start the Palomar knot by making a loop with your line and putting it through the eye of your hook, swivel or lure. Once it is through, tie an overhand knot in this loop. An overhand knot is the same type that you utilize when beginning to tie your shoelaces.
Step 4
Finish the Palomar knot by taking the loop that comes out of your overhand knot and bringing it up and over the entire hook so it winds up on the other side of the hook. Pull on the line that is running back into your pole and the other free end of the line to tighten your Palomar knot, and trim it close with the clippers.
Step 5
Start an Arbor knot by putting the line all the way around your reel and tying an overhand knot in it. Tie another overhand knot in the free end of the line coming out of the initial overhand knot, pull it tight and trim it .

Tips & Warnings

 
Meticulously practice these knots until you can tie them without thinking about the steps, and you will be able to fulfill most of your knot-tying needs as an angler.

Article Written By John Lindell

John Lindell has written articles for "The Greyhound Review" and various other online publications. A Connecticut native, his work specializes in sports, fishing and nature. Lindell worked in greyhound racing for 25 years.

Write for Trails.com

  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

    More Backcountry Camping...

  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

    More Beach Camping...

  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

    More Camping Basics...

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword