Fishing Knots

The main purpose of a fishing knot is so obvious that many anglers hardly give it much thought....like turning the ignition key in a car. What is worth some thought is whether the knots you tie are as strong and reliable as necessary for the circumstances.

The basic component of a good fishing knot is one that retains the full breaking strength of the line as if it never had a knot in it. Some knots don't do this because they aren't tied properly time after time, and others don't do it because they're inferior or not applicable for the type of line. Ideally a knot that does retain full breaking strength when properly tied is also easy to form.

There are knots for making terminal connections (line to hook or lure), line-to-line connections (for joining two lines of similar or dissimilar diameter, including fishing line to a leader or tippet), and doubling the terminal end of fishing line.

The average angler needs perhaps no more than three or four basic knots, but the knot can make all the difference between boating a big fish, or losing it. I suggest that you select only those few knots that are of the greatest use to you, and practice, practice, practice tying them until they become second nature to you. It is most important that you use knots that can be tied in an easily remembered manner. There is little point using a knot that can only be tied by reference to a book.

Float Stop
Here's a knot for making a float stop on your line.

Float Stop

Joining Line To Line
There are two top grade knots used to join one line to another, where these are approximately of the same thickness. These are the Blood Knot and the Hangman's Knot - also called the Uni Knot by the International Game Fish Association. When the diameters are very dissimilar, either the Surgeon's Knot should be used, or the thinner line should be doubled where the knot is formed.

Knots For Attaching Lures & Hooks
There are many good knots for attaching hooks. Here are some of the most popular:

Knots For Making Loops
Loops are made for the purpose of attaching leaders, traces or other terminal tackle.