February 27, 2023

How to Tie the Perfect Strong Knot for Fishing

How to Tie the Perfect Strong Knot for Fishing
Photo by Manuel Sardo / Unsplash

Introduction

Achieving the perfect knot for fishing is essential for any successful angler! Whether tackle is mono or multi-plied, this guide will provide simple instructions on how to tie a strong and firm hold that won't fail even under immense pressure. Learn how to make your knots secure and ready for your next outing!

Get the Fitting Knot for Your Type of Fishing

Every kind of fishing requires a different knot. Whether you’re fishing with a lure, jig, or fly rod, each type of fishing will require a specific knot to get the most out of your catch. To make sure you’re getting the right knot for your type of fishing, do some research in advance as there are hundreds of different knots available. With some practice and study, you’ll be able to master the particular knots needed for achieving success with your chosen type of fishing!

Start Out With a Simple Overhand Knot

Before you can tie the strongest knot for your fishing needs, it's important to first prepare your line properly. Start by selecting the right knot for your type of fishing and line material. Then measure out 6-8 inches of the line and set it aside for use as a tag. Next, twist the main line 4-5 times until you have an even number of turns before creating a loop and threading the tag end through it. Finally, moisten the designated knot spot with saliva or water before tying the knot!

Do Two Turns Around the Main Line

Before you can create the loop in an Overhand Knot, you'll need to twist the main line 4-5 times around itself. This creates an even number of turns, which secures the knot and prevents it from unraveling. To do this, use your fingers or a pair of pliers to wrap the main line clockwise and make sure each turn is as close to even as possible. Finally, thread your tag end through the loop for a strong hold before pulling everything tight for a secure knot that won't slip any time soon.

Pull Down and Through to Create an Overhand Loop

Now that you have the main line Twisted, it's time to create an overhand loop by pulling the tag end down and through the twist. Allow for about an inch for your loop size before taking the tag end and threading it through the Twist from underneath. When pulling the tag end through, be sure to keep it aligned with your main line so you maintain even tension on both sides of the formation. After you have threaded it through, pull everything tight to secure a strong knot.

To improve the durability and holding power of your knot, forming a double overhand loop is one of the strongest knots for fishing. To form this knot all you have to do is take the tag end and repeat the steps by threading it through from underneath the twist. Once everything is tight,form a final pull and check for any looseness in your formation. If done correctly you'll have created a strong Overhand Loop knot that you can use even in demanding conditions.

While the Overhand Loop knot is found to be one of the strongest knots for fishing, there are a few tricks you can use to strengthen it even more to ensure your line is held securely for all your outgoing lures.

  • The first trick is to move on from the double overhand loop, and create a triple overhand loop which requires going through the twist 3 times instead of 2, giving you an even more secure knot.
  • To help make sure the knot is formed correctly, always remember to pull tight throughout each pass so assure proper tension and alignment while threading it through.
  • And finally when forming any type of Overhand Loop Knot, make sure you leave enough slack at the start before tightening everything up so you don’t end up with too much torque when complete and ruining your ability to cast or retrieve line.

Top 5 FAQs

Q1. What is the best knot for joining line to a hook, lure, or swivel?

  • The Pitzen knot, also known as the 16-20 knot or Eugene Bend, is our standout choice for tying on a lure, hook, or swivel with a snug connection for both mono and fluoro line.
  • This knot retains 97% of the line's rated strength [1].

Q2. What are the most common knots for joining one piece of line to another?

  • The Albright knot, the uni-to-uni splice, and the blood knot are arguably the three most common knots for joining one piece of line to another.
  • But splice points are quick to fail during a fish fight if improperly tied [2].

Q3. What are some other strong knots for fishing?

  • The Bimini Twist is an extremely strong doubling knot, but it often requires more twists (30+) with braid so that it won't slip.
  • The Spider Hitch is faster to tie than the Bimini Twist, but not as strong as the Bimini Twist.
  • The Surgeon Loop (6-turn) is extremely fast to tie, but not quite as strong as the Bimini Twist. There are also various doubled line to leader knots for braid to fluoro connections [3].

Q4. How can I ensure that my knot is strong?

  • To ensure that your knot is strong, it is essential to use the correct knot for the type of line you are using and to tie it correctly.
  • You should also moisten the knot with saliva or water before tightening it to ensure that it does not weaken due to friction. Finally, you should test your knot by pulling on it firmly to make sure that it holds [1].

Q5. Are there any other tips for tying strong knots for fishing?

Yes, here are some additional tips for tying strong knots for fishing:

  • Use high-quality line that is appropriate for the type of fish you are targeting and the conditions you are fishing in.
  • Cut off any frayed or damaged line before tying your knot.
  • Tie your knot carefully, making sure that each loop and turn is neat and tight.
  • Use a knot-tying tool or a pair of pliers to tighten your knot if necessary.
  • Finally, practice tying knots until you can do it with ease and confidence [1].

Conclusion

In conclusion, tying a strong knot is crucial for any angler looking to catch big fish. By using the right knot, you can ensure that your line won't break during a fight, giving you a better chance of landing your catch.

We've explored some of the best knots for joining line to a hook, lure, or swivel, including the Pitzen Knot, Albright Knot, Uni-to-Uni splice, Spider Hitch, Surgeon Loop, and Double Line to Leader Knots. Each knot has its pros and cons, and it's up to you to decide which one works best for your needs.

Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to tying knots. Take the time to practice tying these knots until you can do it quickly and efficiently. Don't be afraid to experiment with different knots and techniques to find what works best for you.

Thank you for reading our guide on how to tie the perfect strong knot for fishing. We hope that you found it helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

And don't forget, always stay safe and enjoy your time on the water!