How to Make Fishing Knots

Daniel Ray

Making a strong connection between line and lure is one of the basic and most important rules of fishing. Though an incorrectly tied knot may hold when catching small fish, it could fail when the angler has a trophy fish within reach. An angler should practice tying a knot at home until he can easily make the knot out on the water in a rolling boat. Among the many knots available, the Uni-Knot stands out because it is easy to tie and offers excellent strength.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

How to Make Fishing Knots

Things You’ll Need:

Rod and reel Hook or lure Nail clippers
Rod and reel
Hook or lure
Nail clippers

Step 1

Form a loop to start tying a Uni-Knot.

Run 6 to 8 inches of line through the hook or lure's eyelet. Take the tag end and run it back towards the eyelet. Form a loop, as in the illustration in Step 1.

Step 2

Make six turns around the loop

Grasp the loop by the eyelet with the thumb and forefinger. Pass the tag end through the loop six turns. The six turns are important in order for the knot to have maximum strength.

Step 3

Tighten the Uni-Knot until snug

Moisten the knot with saliva or water. Tighten the knot by pulling the tag end and the standing line while holding the hook. When the knot is snug against the eyelet, trim the tag end 1/8 inch from the knot with the nail clippers.

Tips & Warnings

Use caution when working with hooks.

Resources

Animated Knots by Grog

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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