Fishing Knots 101

fishing reel image by Brett Mulcahy from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

A basic part of fishing is learning to attach fishing line to a reel and a hook to the line. No matter if you are using a baitcast, spinning or spincast reel, there are two basic knots that will allow you to spool line on the reel and attach a hook or lure. Whether novice or expert, every angler should have these knots as part of their fishing arsenal.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Attach Line: Arbor Knot

Things You’ll Need:

Fishing rod and matched reel
Monofilament fishing line
Scissors

Step 1

Feed 6 inches of line around and past the spool of the reel. Open the bail of a spinning reel or feed the line through the line guide of a baitcast reel first depending on what you are using. Remove the front cover of a spincast reel and feed the line through the small hole before pulling it around the spool.

Step 2

Form an overhand knot with the free, or tag, end of the line that extends from around the spool. Form the knot so the loop goes around the main line from the feeder spool.

Step 3

Tie a second overhand knot using only the free, or tag, end of the monofilament line. Form this second knot below the first one.

Step 4

Moisten the knots with saliva or water and pull them tightly against each other and down against the spool. Trim the excess line extending from the free end of the knot to within 1/8 inch of the knot with a sharp pair of scissors.

Step 5

Close the bail of the spinning reel or place the cover on the front of the spincast reel. Grasp the line with your hand to apply tension to the line between the reel and the first line guide and turn the handle to begin spooling line onto the reel.

Attach Lures and Hooks: Palomar Knot

Step 1

Hold a hook in one hand and the free, or tag, end of the line in the other. Thread the line through the eye of the hook or lure so several inches of the line extend past the eye.

Step 2

Turn the line back toward the eye of the hook or lure, forming a loop. Feed the line through the eye the same way it passed through, but do not pull it completely through. Pull the free end of the line alongside the main line. Adjust the line so there is a loop on one side of the hook or lure and a double line on the other.

Step 3

Form a simple overhand knot with the loop and double line. Pull the loop through the overhand knot and down along the shank of the hook.

Step 4

Pull the loop around the bend of the hook and begin to slowly pull it tight. Moisten the knot with saliva or water and continue pulling tight.

Step 5

Trim the free end of the line extending from the knot to within 1/8 inch with a sharp pair of scissors.

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.

Editor's Pick

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

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

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...