No angler, beginner or tournament veteran, wants to lose a fish to a bad knot. Picking the right knot matters as much as picking the right hook or lure, and the line you tie it with matters too. Here are five knots every angler should know.
1. The Improved Clinch Knot
Quick to tie and reliable with monofilament and fluorocarbon, the Improved Clinch is a classic for tying on hooks and lures. It's a great match for our 100% fluorocarbon line, which is low-vis underwater and abrasion resistant. Wet the knot before you cinch it tight, especially with fluorocarbon. It's not the best choice for braid, which can slip; use a Palomar there instead.
2. The Palomar Knot
One of the strongest and simplest knots you can tie, and a top pick for braided fishing line. Because you double the line through the eye, it grips slick braid well and keeps the sensitivity braid is known for.
3. The Loop Knot
A non-slip loop knot leaves an open loop at the lure, giving it more freedom to swing and wobble. It's a favorite for jerkbaits, topwaters and jigs. Our monofilament fishing line ties a loop knot easily and has a little stretch to absorb shock.
4. The Snell Knot
The Snell wraps the line around the hook shank so the line pulls straight in line with the hook point. That improves hooksets, especially with bait hooks and circle hooks. It's also the standard knot for tying a drop shot hook so the point rides up.
5. The Double Surgeon's Loop
A fast, dependable way to put a loop in the end of your line or leader for loop-to-loop connections. Tie it in fluorocarbon leader material for a low-vis connection.
The Right Gear
Good knots are half the equation; the rest is having the right gear. Clean cuts make better knots, so keep a pair of braid scissors or pliers handy. From tackle bags and trays to ice fishing gear and tungsten jigs, being well equipped makes your time on the water more productive.
The right knot with the right gear can be the difference between talking about the one that got away and showing off your catch. Practice these knots at home until you can tie them without thinking.
Want to go further? Learn how to connect braid to a leader in Fishing Leaders 101. Have a favorite knot we didn't cover? Tell us in the comments.
