Given that fishing lines are usually made of nice, slippery nylon, knots and splices made with them have to be particularly secure. No simple overhand knot will suffice. Since nylon line is typically cheap as well, secure knots are also going to be permanent knots. Still, not all fishing knots are created equal. While any knot will compromise the strength of a fishing line, some stand out for maintaining a high level of line integrity. This guide will demonstrate the most reliable ones for affixing fish lures and beyond.
Improved Clinch Knot
Among the serious fishing knots, this one’s considered the most essential. Experts disagree on its durability, but estimates range from 86% to 95% of line strength. This means it retains 86 to 95 percent of a solid, straight fishing line’s sturdiness. This knot is primarily designed to attach lures to the end of a line. Like all other knots listed here, at least a foot of line should be devoted to forming the knot. First, the line should be threaded through the available eye on the fishing tackle. Next, the free end, also referred to as the tag end, is wound five times around the main line or standing end. Then it’s brought back up by the lure eye and passed through its own top loop. Once it’s threaded through this loop, it’s inserted back through the loop created between the windings and the previously mentioned loop around the lure eye. Finally, just pull the loose line to tighten the knot around the lure.
Palomar Knot
This knot does the same job as the improved clinch knot, but it’s a better choice for test lines over 20 pounds. The Palomar has a reputation for offering the same strength as the improved clinch knot. For this knot, the tag end is doubled over, so a longer segment has to be used. With the line folded over, the tag end is threaded through the eye of the lure or hook. Then it’s tied into a loose overhand knot. In this position, the folded tip of the tag end is opened to create a loop that the lure is passed through. The final step simply consists of pulling the lure in one direction while pulling the standing end in the other direction. Afterward, trim off the excess tag end to keep things neat.
Trilene Knot
This knot takes a similar form to the improved clinch knot, but features an extra strand of line to anchor the lure in place. Starting with the tag end passing through the lure eye, it’s sent through a second time. An ample loop should be created from this maneuver. Like the improved clinch knot, the loose end is wound around the standing end, but only four windings are typically used with this knot. Next, the tip is brought back up directly through the first loop. Finally, the tag and standing ends are pulled tight to create a tough, compact knot.
Uni Knot
The uni knot, sometimes called the Duncan knot or grinner knot, can be used to affix hooks, but as a type of slip knot, it’s versatile for other kinds of chores. The job begins with the tag end sent through the hook eye and brought parallel to the standing end. The tag end is then brought back towards the hook while leaving a segment long enough for several windings to be made. Next, the tag end is wound anywhere from four to six times around the double strand produced by the standing end and the upper segment of tag end. After making the final winding, the tag end is pulled tight to form a kind of miniature hangman’s noose. Once the excess tag end is trimmed, the standing end can be pulled to tighten the knot around the hook eye. This noose of the knot can also be used to attach fishing line to a reel. With a little practice, it can even work as a splicing knot.
Arbor Knot
The trouble with uni knots and line spools is that the spool has to have an open end to slip the loop over. If both ends of the spool are closed off, the arbor knot is the solution. This knot is simplicity itself. First, an overhand knot is made in the end of the fishing line. Then the line is wrapped around the spool. Next, a second overhand knot is made with the loose segment of line that encircles the standing end. When this knot is drawn tight, the smaller knot provides an obstacle that prevents the primary overhand knot from coming undone. The main stretch of line can then be pulled out so the loop will tighten around the spool.
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