How to Tie Fishing Knots: A Beginner's Guide
Fishing can be one of the most relaxing hobbies and sports out there. However, there is nothing relaxing about it if you don't know how to tie any fishing knots! Imagine having a 100-pound salmon on your line, but it gets away because the knot isn't secure enough or the lure isn't fastened properly.
Don't worry this article has everything covered. We have all the information on fishing knots you need to ensure you have a swell time on the lake or at your new favourite fishing spot.
Soon enough you'll be holding up your own trout, catfish, and bass that you've caught with your perfect and easy-to-do fishing knots!
The Right Tools For the Job
Before you start thinking about what kind of fishing knot you will want to be tying, make sure you have all the correct equipment. Our Hook-eze is a multi-functional knot tying fishing product, that produces great results every time, no matter how complex the knot.
As well as being easy and simple to use, the Hook-eze is lightweight and easy to transport in your tackle box. With beginners who are just getting to grips with all the ins and outs of fishing, it gives them the support and confidence to secure their lure without worrying.
The two most common and easiest to tie fishing knots are the Improved Clinch Knot and the Palomar Knot. Both knots can be used on fishing hooks, swivels and lures.
How to Tie an Improved Clinch Knot to a Hook or Swivel
The improved clinch knot is one of the easiest to attempt. Here's how it works:
1) Start by threading the fishing line through the eye of the hook
2) Wrap the tag end around the leader, 6 full turns
3) Pass the tag end through the loop above the eye of the hook and back out through the top loop
4) Moisten the line and slowly pull the knot tight
5) Trim the tag
The Palomar Knot
This knot is essential for any budding angler. It's the most well-known and easy to achieve. It also is, hands down, one of the strongest knots out there so it is perfect knot for a beginner to attempt and try out.
Just follow these simple instructions:
1) Fold over your line and double it. Pass the folded line through the eye of your hook about six inches in.
2) With your doubled line tie a simple overhand knot. Let your hook hang loose.
3) Pull the end of your loop down. Then pass it over your hook.
4) Wet the line slightly. Pull up both ends to draw your knot. Make sure to trim the excess line you don't need.
And there you have it, a simple but very effective Palomar knot!
The Hangman's Knot
This fishing knot is a real all-rounder knot that can be used in a variety of different fishing and tackle scenarios. This particular fishing knot is also preferable for mono-filament and terminal tackle which is handy to bear in mind.
Don't let the name put you off, it is also another simple and easy fishing knot for you to add to your fishing arsenal!
To tie this knot, do the following:
1) Pass your fishing line through the eye of your hook. Make a loop with the tag end.
2) Wrap the tag end around the double line five or six times. Pull through the loop.
3) Wet your line. Pull the main line to secure and tighten.
4) Pull your main line and slide the knot down to the eye of your hook.
That's all you need to do to make a super hangman's knot!
The Surgeon's Knot
This knot is known as one of the easiest knots to learn for joining lines that have an equal or unequal diameter. It's not called the surgeon's knot for nothing! A simple modification on the reef knot, it allows more friction and reduces the ability to loosen.
If you want reliability and precision, this is a fishing knot for you. Simply:
1) Put your leader line next to your main line.
2) Make an overhand knot by pushing the leader and long piece of your main line through the loop.
3) Create a second overhand knot by pushing the previous ends through your loop.
4) Moisten your line. Pull your ends and slowly tighten. Be careful not to rush this step.
5) Cut off any overhanging tags.
A little more complex, but still well within your capabilities, The Surgeon's knot is a great knot for attaching your line to your reel. Give it a go to find out!
The Rapala Knot
This fishing knot is great for allowing the lure to move around more freely, meaning that it increases your chances of hooking some bigger, more prize-worthy fish. Named after the company that invented the knot, it's for anglers that are hoping to reel in the attention of some massive lake-dwellers.
It's also an easy knot which is best for attaching a lure to fluorocarbon lines. The Rapala Knot could be your ticket to the big leagues!
To tie a Rapala knot, you need to:
1) Tie an overhand knot about six inches above the tag end of your fishing line
2) Run the tag end through the eye of your hook or lure. Then run it through the overhand knot.
3) Wrap around your standing line three times.
4) Push your tag end through the back of your overhand knot.
5) Guide the tag end through the loop you have just made.
6) Pull on the tag end, main line, hook or lure to secure and tighten the knot down.
Seems completely within your capacities as a beginner angler right? And, hopefully, after carefully following those steps you should be holding in your hand the perfect Rapala Knot!
Where To Find Out More About Fishing Knots?
Those are four of the most simple, but strong and durable fishing knots out there to help you along the way to becoming one of the finest fishers on the open water. With a bit of attention to detail, care, and equipment you will have mastered all those knots in no time!
Once you've done that you can be more adventurous and attempt some more complicated knots such as the Durham Knot, Blood Knot, FG Knot, Yucatan Knot and Bimini Twist! Once you have excelled at the basics, nothing should stand in your way of becoming an expert angler!
If you would like to see any of these knots demonstrated with Hook-Eze check out our videos page.
If you have any further queries or questions regarding anything mentioned in the article or are interested in any of our products, please don't hesitate to contact us. We would love to hear from you!