Fishing Basics: How to Put a Hook on the Line

Different knots exist that are suitable for securing a hook to your fishing line. Among them are the Trilene knot and the Palomar knot, both of which work very well. However, one of the easiest knots to learn is the Improved Clinch knot. A more secure variation of the Clinch knot, you can quickly master tying this fishing knot. The clinch knot will attach a hook to line and keep it there, enabling you to have confidence that your line will be up to the challenges presented by big fish.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Fishing pole and reel
Line clippers
Fishing hooks

Step 1

Take the loose end of your line coming out of your fishing pole and pass it through the eye of the hook. Use as much line as you need to practice with when beginning to attempt the Clinch knot. You will require less once you feel at ease tying the knot.

Step 2

Wrap the loose end of your fishing line around the end going into the eye of the hook, or the standing end in knot-tying terms. Make wraps resembling the letter S around the standing end. Make at least five wraps. Do not overlap any of these wraps.

Step 3

Look back toward the eye and find the small loop that you just formed when you began to make these five wraps. It will occur right near the eye. Thread the loose end of the line, now coming out of the formation of the five wraps, back into and through the loop next to the eye of the hook.

Step 4

Bring the loose end of the line all the way through so you can grab it easily on the other side. When you do this, you will make a much bigger loop with your line, one that extends from the end of the five wraps to the eye of the hook.

Step 5

Pass the loose end of the line through this much larger loop. Wet the knot using saliva to allow you to tighten it more easily. Pull on the loose end of the line as you slide the wraps toward the eye of the hook, with your thumb on the hand with which you grasp the hook.

Make the knot as snug as you can. The tightened knot will have some line projecting from it. Snip it down with your line clippers, but leave about 1/8 inch sticking out so the Improved Clinch knot will not slip.

Tips & Warnings

A Clinch Knot lacks the final step of bringing the loose end of the line through the larger loop. You can practice this knot first, and then move onto the improved version.

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.

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