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3 Great Fishing Knots

Knot tying is an essential skill for anglers, no matter what kind of fish you’re after. These easy-to-tie knots are perfect for tying on a lure or fly to your leader or line. After you learn them, be sure to spend some time practicing so when you get on the water you can tie them quickly and get back to fishing.

5-6 Min. Watch | Fishing

Knot 1: The Improved Clinch Knot

Also called the Fisherman’s Knot, the Improved Clinch is the first knot a lot of people learn. It’s easy to tie and relatively strong.

Step 1:

Run the line through the eye of your hook.

Step 2:

The tag end is the end of the line you’re working with. Wrap it around the standing line six to seven times.

Step 3:

Pass the tag end through the loop formed at the eye of the hook.

Step 4:

Pass the tag end through the large loop you just created.

Step 5:

Moisten the knot with water or saliva.

Step 6:

Pull the standing line and the tag end to tighten the knot. Trim the excess.

Knot 2: The Uni Knot

The Uni Knot is a little harder to tie than the improved clinch, but it is a very strong knot that’s worth knowing. It was designed by legendary Florida Keys angler Norman Duncan and is also known as the Duncan Loop.

Step 1:

Thread 8 to 10 inches of line through the hook eye, pinch the tag and standing line together.

Step 2:

Form a loop with the tag end over the standing line and pinch them together with your fingers.

Step 3:

Take the tag end and wrap it around both lines inside the loop 4 to 5 times.

Step 4:

Lubricate the line with water or saliva and pull the tag end to partially tighten the knot. Don’t fully tighten yet.

Step 5:

Release the tag end and pull on the main line to slide the knot down to the hook or swivel.

Step 6:

Give the tag end one more pull and then tighten firmly by pulling on the main line. Trim the excess.

Knot 3: The Non-Slip Loop Knot

The Non-Slip Loop Knot was developed by fly fishing legend Lefty Kreh. He found it to be almost as strong as the line itself. It’s great for streamers or saltwater fishing as it allows the fly or lure to deliver a more realistic motion.

Step 1:

Make an overhand knot, leaving about 3 to 4 inches of tag end.

Step 2:

Pass the tag end through the eye of the hook.

Step 3:

Bring the tag end back through the overhand knot the same way it came out.

Step 4:

Wrap the tag end around the standing line 4 to 6 times. For lines less than 8 lb., do 7 wraps, for 8 to 12 lb. do 5 wraps, for 15 to 40 lb. do 4 wraps.

Step 5:

Pass the tag end back through the overhand knot, again the same way it came out.

Step 6:

Moisten the knot and pull the tag end to partially tighten it.

Step 7:

Adjust the size of the loop, then complete tightening by pulling the standing line.

Step 8:

Trim the tag end.

Now go hit the water and catch some fish! Get outfitted with everything you need for your next fishing adventure.

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