How to Knot a Fishing Hook

hook image by Zbigniew Nowak from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Dependable, strong knots are the foundation of fishing. Poorly tied knots can and will fail, causing the loss of fish and tackle. It is important for the beginning angler to be confident when tying the hook to the line. Knots should be chosen for their strength and ease of tying. Correctly tied knots can provide close to the breaking strength of the line itself. The Improved Clinch knot is widely used because it meets the above requirements.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Hook
Nail clippers

Step 1

Insert fishing line through the hook eyelet. Pull through 5 to 6 inches of line.

Step 2

Pinch the hook eyelet and line with thumb and forefinger. Make at least five turns around the standing line with the tag end. Run the tag end through the loop formed between the first turn of line and the hook eyelet, making a large loop.

Step 3

Double-back the line through the large loop formed by the previous step. Moisten the knot. Pull the standing line and hook in opposite directions to tighten the knot.

Step 4

Keep pressure on the hook and standing line while also pulling on the tag end. Snug down the knot until coils are tight against each other. Cut the tag end to within 1/8 inch of the knot.

Tips & Warnings

Be very cautious when tying knots with hooks.

Resources

Eagle Claw Hooks: Fishing Knots

Article Written By Daniel Ray

Daniel Ray has been writing for over 15 years. He has been published in "Florida Sportsman" magazine. He holds an FAA airframe and powerplant license and FCC radiotelephone license, and is also a licensed private pilot. He attended the University of South Florida.

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