Beginner
Knots Every Angler Needs
Tie a Palomar or improved clinch and check the finished connection.
Palomar: a compact hook connection
Double a short length of line and pass the loop through the hook eye. Tie a loose overhand knot with the doubled line, leaving the hook hanging below it. Pass the hook or entire lure through the loop.
Moisten the knot and draw both standing line and tag evenly until seated against the eye. Keep strands uncrossed and make sure the loop clears the entire lure. Trim a small tag only after pulling firmly to test it. Use a knot approved for your particular line.
Improved clinch: mono and fluorocarbon
Pass the tag through the eye, wrap it around the standing line about five to seven times, then pass the tag through the small loop at the eye and back through the larger loop just formed.
Moisten, pull slowly and keep coils orderly as they seat. Wrap count depends on line diameter. This is not a default knot for slick braid; choose a braid-suitable knot instead. A finished knot should have neat coils, no gaps and no visibly damaged line.
Test every knot
Pull on the standing line and connection firmly before fishing, keeping hooks protected and away from your hands. If the knot slips, bunches or leaves curled, whitened line, cut it off and retie.
Practice with thick cord and a large eye before tying fine line. Retie after snags or abrasion, and dispose of trimmed line in a container, not the water.
Advanced · Knot tying & leaders
Knots: Leader Connections & Failure Checks →Need gear for this?