You may be a great fisher, but losing a jackpot of fish only because of a loose Knot on the hook is not surprising. Tying the best knot is equally important as having experience in fishing. While it may seem a bit ‘less important’ matter, a great fishing knot is, in fact, a crucial part of successful fishing.

There are various types of knots, depending on what type of fishing you are going. Depending on the type of fish and fishing method, different tying may appear appropriate at different times.

Whether you are into fly-fishing, kayak-fishing, or ice-fishing – you can always use some basic knowledge of knots to support you in any situation. It’s even better if you know which knot is best at which situation.

In this article, I will discuss some of the most common yet useful techniques of knot tying for fishing.

Make sure you carry on reading till the end to find out the most comprehensive guide for the best fishing knot ever.

Fasten your fishing gears, Here we go!

In case you want, you can take a look at the Best Time For Fishing since fishing is all about choosing the right TIME. Make sure you always do your HOMEWORK about fishing timing to get the jackpot.

Knots for Fly-Fishing

If you are a fan of fly-fishing, then you are in good luck. There are various knot options available for you to fish at your comfort. These knots are great for strength and perform really well on the ground. Here are our top picks that are easy to tie, and useful for fly-fishing as well.

Additionally, you can also acquire a proper idea on the right gears for fly fishing. This will give you proper KNOWLEDGE on the gears you have to wear while going for fishing.

The Nail-Knot

The nail knot joins different diameter lines. It’s flat and thin, so it glides through the guides of the rod. You need 4 to 5 loops to fasten at the joint point. This knot is popularly used for attaching fly line backing to the leader. The more you drawdown, the more it squeezes tight.

Steps To Tie a Nail-Knot

1. The tag line should be hanging 10 inches out of the nail knot tool’s U-loop
2. At the fork of the tool hook the end of the tag
3. Around the tool, the tag should be wrapped at 5 to 6 times
4. Slip the end of the tag through the U portion of the tool
5. Out of the tool-tip, hang 8 inches of tag, at least.
6. Put the line of a fly inside the tip of the tool, preferably for 1 inch.
7. Pull the tag and the wrapping out
8. Apply some lubricant on the knots
9. Trim the tag as necessary

Double Surgeon’s Knot

The double nail-knot joins the same diameter lines. Two lines are set up parallel, and a couple of overhand knots are used to tie those up. When you add another knot, then it’s called the ‘Triple Surgeon’s Knot’. Kind of easy to remember, isn’t it?

When you are trying to attach a tippet to the leader, the ‘Double Surgeon’s Knot’ is one of the best solutions for this. This is a knot that is very simple to learn and expertise. It supports cold fingers, as well.

Steps to tie a double surgeon’s knot

1. Take 4 to 5 inches of tippet and leaders and put down in a parallel way.
2. Make a loop with the two lines.
3. Slip the tippet and the leader inside the loop for once.
4. Repeat the process two times.
5. Lubricate the knot with a good lubricant.
6. Now tightly pull, but slowly
7. Close the end of the tags.

The Clinch Knot

The clinch is one of the most age-old methods to tie a fishing knot. I personally like to tie hemostats with the clinch. This strong knot retains more than 90% of the strength of the mainline.

Steps To Tie A Clinch Knot

1. Pass the end of the tag through the hook-eye.
2. Wrap the main lines around 5 to 6 times with a tag, not more than 5 inches.
3. A small loop will form at the hook-eye. Loop the tag through it.
4. Start lubricating and draw pretty tight.
5. Trim the end of the tag one-sixteenth to one-eighth from the knot.

The Duncan Loop

If you want to lock a slip knot into the position, then Duncan loop is a must for you to get used to. This knot allows being attached toe nymphs with the loop allows the fly to swing easily in the water.

Steps To Tie A Duncan Loop

1. First, thread the tag line of 8 to 9 inches inside the eye of the hook
2. At the eye of the hook, insert the lines in a parallel way
3. Encircle the hook-eye with the tag line to form a loop. Make sure you can pass through your fingers in the loop.
4. Now wrap the line via the loop and encircle
5. Wrap the running line around with the tag line
6. Wrap at least 5 times.
7. Slowly pull the line and knot will start to form
8. Apply lubricant to the knot and adjust the loop size by sliding it according to your comfort
9. After adjusting, pull the line hard and lock into the position
10. Trim the line for about one-sixteenth inch.

The Blood-Knot

The blood-knot, to me, is one of the hardest to expertise on. However, with a good amount of practice, you can easily have a good grip over this knot in no time. The knot is pretty strong, and the knot is straight and flat. This knot is usually needed when the fish is a bit scared, and you need to lure them more than ever.

Steps To Tie A Blood-Knot

1. Get tow same sized lines. You can’t tighten the knot up if the size is noticeably different in sizes.
2. Wrap a tag-end around another 5 times
3. Put the tag between both the lines at the top of the wrap
4. Go through the same procedure again for the remaining tag end.
5. Apply some good lubricants to the knot.
6. Gently pull the ends of the tags and the running lines in reveres directions
7. Clip the ends of the tags a bit

Knots for Kayak-fishing

The abundance of lakes and rivers here in Montana allows every fishing-lover a life-time chance to kayak-fishing. Who would deny such an incredible experience when offered? At least, not me!

Being a kayak-fishing lover myself, I found it difficult to decide which knot suits best for such a fishing endeavor, where it’s actually hard to keep myself together. After a lot of pick and drop, here’s what I came up with.

The Modified Albright

During the Knot war series in 2013, the Modified Albright knot was awarded the strongest knot title. Personally, I like this knot very much for its strength. Most of the kayak-fishers will surely agree with my choice on this.

Steps To Tie The Modified Albright

1. First, you need to form a mono-loop and slide the end of the tag of the braid via the loop
2. Up the leader, form eight wraps. Make sure to tighten enough
3. On the bottom side of the leader, form another eight wraps. The same tight as the upper one
4. The tag-end of the braid should go through the mono-loop through the same route it was inserted
5. Now pull all the four line-legs.
6. Gently pull the leader and the main-line to strongly form the knot.
7. Trim the tag-end off to finish the knot

The Canoeman Loop

The loop knot has a direct effect on lures’ performance. The lures tend to bring about better results when they are attached to a loop, rather than a standard knot. The Canoeman loop proved to be a better performing knot than others. This knot is pretty easy to learn and put into action.

Steps To Tie The Canoeman Loop

1. Insert the end of the tag through the hook-eye.
2. On the side of the rod, form two backward-loops
3. Now press the second loop via the first one
4. Pull the end of the tag via the second loop
5. Bring the end of the tag of the line near the lure’s side
6. Hold on to the tag and lure, and pull the line-end that goes to the rod.

The In-Line Dropper

You need to make your hook, lure, or leader to stand off the main-line having a perfect 90-degree angle, then the In-Line Dropper knot may be the most useful knot for you. Whatever type of Kayak-angler you are – you can always use this knotting-method once in a while.

Steps To Tie The In-Line Dropper

1. Select the exact location you like in the line.
2. Form a loop.
3. Cross the line from a side of the loop
4. Cross the side of the loop from around
5. Form at least 6 wraps
6. Make the new loop open
7. The lower side of the original loop needs to be pushed from the bottom via the opening.
8. Firmly hold it with your teeth.
9. Pull the two ends in reverse directions
10. Pull the ends gently and make sure the coils are tight enough, and the loop stands out from the line.

The Arbor Knot 

This knot is less-popular but actually very effective and useful. I believe every kayak-fisher needs to learn this knot, especially if you need to connect the fishing reel to the monofilament. If you are working with lines that do not stretch, this knot will not be working on it.

Steps To Tie The Arbor Knot

1. First, wrap the line encompassing the arbor of the spool with the end of the tag.
2. With the tag-end, simply tie an overhand knot over the standing portion.
3. Just at the previous place, tie another overhand knot at a distance of 1 to 2 inches.
4. Pull the standing portion of the line
5. See the first overhand knot go down the spool and knot while the later knot gets locked against the first one.

San Diego Jam Knot

The San Diego Jam Knot is an excellent knot for every Kayak-fisher to try out. You can hunt down any Tuna of Bay Bass with this knot very easily. It is believed to be one of the best knots for catching Tuna or Bay Bass.

Steps to Tie the San Diego Jam Knot

1. Thread the line in the middle of the hook-eye
2. Use your fingers to pinch and double-back near the hook-eye
3. Wrap the line at least 7 times near the hook-eye and the thread
4. Pass the thread via double-back loop
5. Pull out the end of the tag and glide the knot down to the hook-eye. Make sure you make it tight.
6. Trim the ends

Trilene Knot

This knot is really dear to most of the pro-fishers. The main feature of this knot is that over the hook, it has 2 connections. Both connections hold good pressure. If you are worried about lures damaging the mono-connection, then this knot is for you.

Steps To Tie The Trilene Knot

1. Put the thread line through the hook-eye
2. Implement double-back
3. Repeat the thread through
4. Wrap at least 6 to 7 times, significantly away from the hook
5. With original loops thread the end of the tag
6. Pull and make it tight
7. Make sure no wrap is overlapping

Knots for Ice-fishing

There are tons of fishers out there (I am one of them, by the way) who hardly let-go any chance of fishing in any weather. When it’s freezing cold, what can be more fun than drilling hole in a frozen lake and catch some trout!

When it comes to knots in ice-fishing, while any strong knot can work for you, still you better be equipped with some of the ideas that elevate your success rate.  Here, I am sharing 3 of the best knots that most ice-fishers feel works just great!

The Improved Clinch Knot

The improved clinch knot is a very well-performing knot when it comes to tying the terminal tackle to the monofilament line. This developed method has gained quite a popularity among fishers. This version is very reliable and very quick and easy to set up.

Steps To Tie The Improved Clinch Knot

1. Send the line-end through the hook-eye
2. Pull out 6 inches of the line. Double-back it.
3. Twist at least 6 times.
4. There will be a small loop formed just above the hook-eye. Pass the line-end through it.
5. Next, pass it through the bigger loop.
6. Make sure the coils don’t overlap.
7. Apply lubricant to wet the knot
8. Pull the main-line and the end. Tighten the knot.
9. Clip off the excess from the end.

Rapala Knot

The non-slip Rapala knot is used to connect the leader to the lure. With this knot in place, your lure will float and move around freely in the water. This knot remains in the top list of the toughest knots out there and an excellent choice for those who are interested in catching larger fish.

Steps To Tie The Rapala Knot

1. Tie a loose overhead knot. Now thread the end of the tag through the hook-eye.
2. Now thread the end of the tag through the overhead knot.
3. Wrap encompassing the main-line at least 5 times
4. Next, thread the end of the tag again via the overhead knot.
5. Thread the end of tag back by the double-back loop
6. Now gently pull tight

The Palomar Knot

The Palomar knot is a champion knot if you don’t know. It beat the new, improved Clinch knot back in 2013 in the knot war series, and came out the champion. Using it, I know why it is the champ. It’s the best choice you can make if you are trying to connect leaders to the hook.

Steps to Tie a Palomar Knot

1. Make the 6-inch line a double and insert the loop-end through the hook-eye.
2. Next, tie up an overhand-knot supported by a hook that hangs from the bottom side
3. Hold the knot with your forefinger and thumb, glide the loop of the line above the hook.
4. Slip the loop over the hook
5. Gently pull the two standing line end of the tag in order to tighten
6. Trim the end of tag a bit

Why Do Some Fishing Knots Fail?

Well, as I have discussed the different knot-methods for different types of fishing, now it’s time I shared some important rules relating to fishing knot in general that prevent knot-failure. These rules are general and can be followed by anyone trying out any type of knot.

Two of the main reasons for a knot-failure are breakage and slippage. When you are tying a wrong knot for a wrong fishing type or tying the knot improperly – slippage may occur.

Breakage occurs when the strain on the knot surpasses the strength of the knot.

If you take the necessary steps to avoid fishing knot fails, follow these simple rules.

Select The Perfect Knot

Don’t try to experiment with different knots without having a clear idea of the impact the knots are going to make. Different types of fishing (even different types of fish) requires different types of knots. Make sure you are using the knot that is appropriate for the fishing you are going to. A great way to find it out for the newbies is to search online for the best-suited knot – like this article, for example.

Avoid Complex Knots

So here’s the thing. Some knots may be great performers, but the tying system is complex. While it’s easy to tie up the knot when you are home before stepping out for fishing, it’s not that easy to re-tie when you are actually fishing in the open lake. Moreover, when rain, wind, and other adverse weather is there, it’s even tougher. Try to stick to knots are that simple to tie. Over and over again.

Practice The Knots

Before you jump into the fishing business, try tying the knot, you have selected, multiple times at home. This will develop your skills to tie-up the knot quickly and easily when you are actually fishing. They say practice makes a man perfect. True that!

Lubricate The Knot

Before pulling out and tighten the knot, make sure you lubricate the knot with a good lubricant. This will reduce friction. The friction can damage the monofilaments and cause breakage. Nobody wants that.

Keep The Wraps In Order

Almost every knot has a series of wraps and a line end thread going through the wraps with an open end. These wraps are to be placed in parallel away, and no overlapping is welcomed. Make sure the wraps are perfectly in place and not overlapping at all. 

Trim Off Carefully

You can trim off the end line with scissors or even with your teeth. With scissors, do not cut the knots through trimming too close. If you are biting, avoid the portion of the main-line.

Test The Knot

After you have tied the knot correctly, gently pull the main-line. Put on some pressure in an increasing pattern. See if it is tight enough to do the job underwater. You won’t like it to break down under-water.

Examine The Knot After Catch

After every catch, examine the knot for any issues. The knot may shift on the hook-eye of the tie-point of a lure. If such things are noticed, readjust it and correct it.

Retie Knots

Even if the knots seem okay and strong, retie the knot after a certain session. You may not see the strains put on the knots even though the strains are there. It’s always a good idea to periodically re-tie the knots for stronger knot-performance.

Final Words

As I always say, when you are in Montana, fishing is something that definitely lures you once in a while. The stunningly beautiful Montana Rivers and lakes, even frozen lakes during freezing seasons –these are the perfect blend to attract anyone with the slightest idea of fishing.

With modern equipment of fishing being available, more and more fishing-enthusiasts are emerging every day. While it may sound easier to fish in the 21^st century, there are still some age-old techniques that place you ahead in the queue. Tying a great knot is one of them.

In this article, I went through different knots that you can use at different fishing-situations. From fly-fishing to kayak-fishing and ice-fishing – I got you covered.

Don’t forget to keep notes of the golden rules I mentioned to overcome your knot-failure.

Did you like what you read? Tell me about your feeling and experience. I am excited to hear it from you!

Have you got any tips to share? Go ahead and share it! I may feature your tips in this article, as well! Have great fishing!

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