How to Make a Fishing Pole Knot

Photos and illustrations by Daniel Ray

No matter what type of fishing pole an angler uses, tying a strong and reliable knot is essential if he wants to be a successful fisherman. The Uni-Knot stands apart from many other knots because of its ease of tying. When tied correctly, the Uni-Knot provides high breaking strength. Once you know how to tie a Uni-Knot, it is important to practice tying it at home until it can be done quickly and proficiently while on the water.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Fishing pole Lure or hook Nail clippers
Fishing pole
Lure or hook
Nail clippers

Step 1

Carefully grasp the lure or hook to be tied to the fishing pole. Thread the fishing line through the lure or hook's eyelet. Pull the tag end until 8 to 10 inches of line has passed through the eyelet.

Step 2

Step 2 illustration

Grab the tag end and run the line back towards the eyelet. Reverse direction with the line until a loop has been formed, like in the illustration. Grasp the knot with your thumb and forefinger where the lines cross to hold the loop in place.

Step 3

Step 3 illustration

Grasp the tag end and make six turns around the doubled line. Making the six full turns is critical if you want the knot to have its maximum breaking strength. Moisten the knot with saliva to help it tighten smoothly.

Step 4

Step 4 illustration

Grasp the tag end in one hand and the standing line in the other. Slowly start pulling on the ends to tighten the knot. Snug the knot down until it is tight and all the coils of line are tight against each other. Hold the lure or hook and pull against the standing line so that the knot is tight against the eyelet. Trim the tag end flush with the knot using the nail clippers.

Tips & Warnings

Use caution when working with hooks. Use gloves if needed to prevent cutting yourself with monofilament line.

Use caution when working with hooks.

Use gloves if needed to prevent cutting yourself with monofilament line.

Resources

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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