Many things go into successful fishing trips. Tying the right knots can be the difference between a trophy catch and “the one that got away.” When a fish takes the bait, it tests every link between itself and the angler. That’s why you should test your knots before you cast by putting the hook over the lip of your tackle box and giving your line a good strong pull. Always wet your knots, before pulling them tight, to make sure they seat properly.
Difficulty: Easy
Things You’ll Need:
- Monofilament leader line Fishing hook Nail clippers
- Monofilament leader line
- Fishing hook
- Nail clippers
Instructions
Step 1
Tie a loop at one end of the leader (the surgeon’s loop knot is the easiest, most reliable way). Cut a piece of leader about the length of your rod and double over 6 to 8 inches of it. Tie two overhand knots, like a shoe knot without the bow, using your doubled section of line. Adjust the loop size, pull it tight, and clip off the excess.
Step 2
Tie a loop at one end of the leader (if you’re trolling, or casting and retrieving, a leader loop knot works best). Tie a loose overhand knot, about 6 inches from one end of your leader. Thread the end of this 6-inch section through the middle of your overhand knot. Double back and thread this same end through the right-top opening and the bottom opening. Adjust the loop size, pull it tight, and clip off the excess.
Step 3
Tie the leader to the hook (the improved clinch knot, or fisherman’s knot, is the easiest, and most popular, way to tie a line to your hook). Thread the hook eye with the non-looped end of your leader. Double back and twist the line between your thumb and index finger, for about five turns, while holding onto the hook with your other hand, to keep tension on the line.
Step 4
Tie the leader to the hook. Thread the loose end of the line through the first turn, that follows the hook eye, and through the large loop. While holding the loose end, pull on the leader to tighten the knot and clip off the excess. If your knot is well-seated, you can clip the excess as close as possible. An eighth of an inch is all you need. This keeps fish from being spooked when they rub against the clipped end.
Tips & Warnings
- For a stronger improved clinch knot, loop your line through the eye of the hook several times before you wind it.
- Don’t use the improved clinch knot with a braided line, or a line over 30 pounds test. It will be difficult to tie and less likely to hold.
