If you’re new to fishing, you might think catching fish is all about having the right rod or lure—but here’s the secret: your knot can make or break your catch. A weak or poorly tied knot can lose a fish, while the right one can secure your trophy to the boat.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most common fishing knots, what they’re used for, and why every angler should master at least a few of them.
🧶 1. Improved Clinch Knot – For Lures and Hooks
Use for: Tying your line to a hook, lure, or swivel
Best with: Monofilament or fluorocarbon line
This is a classic knot that’s simple, secure, and effective. It’s great for beginners and strong enough for most fishing needs.
✅ Why use it: It’s quick, easy to tie, and works well for everyday fishing.
🔄 2. Palomar Knot – Strong and Reliable
Use for: Tying line to a hook or lure
Best with: Braided line, but also works with mono and fluoro
The Palomar knot is known for its strength and simplicity. It’s especially good when using braided lines, which can slip with other knots.
✅ Why use it: Strong and dependable—ideal for heavier fish.
🪢 3. Loop Knot – For Natural Lure Movement
Use for: Tying lures when you want more movement
Best with: All types of line
A loop knot (like the Non-Slip Loop Knot) gives your lure more freedom to swim naturally, which can attract more fish.
✅ Why use it: Great for topwater baits and soft plastics that need lifelike action.
🔗 4. Double Uni Knot – For Joining Two Lines
Use for: Connecting two lines (e.g. braid to mono)
Best with: All line types
The Double Uni Knot is great when you need to tie a leader to your main line. It’s strong and fairly easy to learn.
✅ Why use it: It holds well and works for both fresh and saltwater setups.
🧵 5. Surgeon’s Knot – Quick Line Connection
Use for: Joining two lines quickly
Best with: Similar diameter lines
This knot is super fast to tie and handy when you’re short on time. It’s not as clean as the Double Uni, but it works great in a pinch.
✅ Why use it: Perfect for quick leader setups while out on the water.
⚓ 6. Snell Knot – For Maximum Hook Strength
Use for: Tying a line directly to the shank of a hook
Best with: Bait hooks for catfish or bass
The Snell Knot provides a strong, straight pull that can increase your hook-up ratio, especially when bait fishing.
✅ Why use it: Offers maximum power with minimal line stress.
🎣 Bonus: Dropper Loop – For Multiple Hook Setups
Use for: Setting up multiple hooks on one line
Best with: Bottom rigs or deep sea fishing
This knot creates a loop where you can attach extra hooks or weights, which is great for catching multiple fish or trying different baits at once.
✅ Why use it: More hooks, more chances to reel something in!
Final Cast: Practice Makes Perfect
Knots can seem tricky at first, but with a bit of practice, they’ll become second nature. Try tying a few while watching TV or waiting for your coffee—soon you’ll be knotting up like a pro.
Want to take it up a notch? Print out a knot chart and keep it in your tackle box!