The Top 10 Fishing Knots Of All Time

Knot Photo Credits: Animated Knots

Fishing knots are essential to every angler's tackle box. They are the connection between the angler and the fish. A well-tied knot can differentiate between a successful catch and a lost fish. Numerous fishing knots are out there, but some are more popular than others. In this article, we will explore the top 10 fishing knots of all time and explain why they are so popular.

1. Improved Clinch Knot: The Improved Clinch Knot is one of the most popular knots ever. It is easy to tie, reliable, and can be used for various fishing applications. It is ideal for attaching hooks, lures, or swivels to the line. To tie the Improved Clinch Knot, pass the line through the hook eye, make five to seven wraps around the standing line, and then pass the tag end through the loop near the hook eye and back through the created loop.   
2. Palomar Knot: To tie a Palomar knot, start by doubling about 6 inches of your fishing line and pass it through the eye of your hook or lure. Then tie a loose overhand knot in the doubled line, leaving the hook or lure hanging about 6 inches below the knot. Take the loop that you created in the first step and pass it over the hook or lure, so that the hook/lure is now inside the loop. Hold the hook/lure and pull both ends of the loop at the same time to tighten the knot, making sure the knot is snug against the eye of the hook/lure. Finally, trim the tag end of the line as close to the knot as possible. 
3. Uni Knot: The Uni Knot is versatile and can be used for a variety of fishing applications. It is easy to tie and can be used for attaching hooks, lures, and swivels to the line. To tie the Uni Knot, pass the line through the hook eye, make a loop, and then make six turns around the line and through the loop. Finally, pull on the tag end to tighten the knot.                                                    
4. Blood Knot: The Blood Knot is a famous knot for tying two pieces of line together. It is solid, reliable, and ideal for creating leader material or attaching the backing to the main line. To secure the Blood Knot, overlap the two lines, twist them around each other, and then make five turns with each line. Finally, pass the tag end through the created loop and tighten the knot. 
5. Double Uni Knot: The Double Uni Knot is another famous knot for tying two pieces of line together. It is easy to tie and is ideal for creating leader material or attaching the backing to the main line. To tie the Double Uni Knot, overlap the two lines, tie a Uni Knot with each line, and then pull on the tag ends to tighten the knot.
6. Albright Knot: The Albright Knot is a strong and reliable for joining two lines of different diameters. It is ideal for attaching a leader to the main line. To tie the Albright Knot, create a loop with the leader line, pass the main line through the loop, make five to seven wraps with the leader line around the main line, and then pass the leader line through the loop that was created.     
7. Surgeon's Knot: The Surgeon's Knot is a simple and strong knot for joining two lines of the same diameter. It is ideal for attaching a tippet to the main line or creating leader material. To tie the Surgeon's Knot, overlap the two lines, tie a simple overhand knot, and then pass both lines through the loop that was created. 
8. Nail Knot: The Nail Knot is a strong and reliable knot for attaching a leader to the fly line. It is ideal for fly fishing applications. To tie the Nail Knot, wrap the leader around the fly line and then make five to seven turns with the tag end around both the leader and the fly line. Finally, pass the tag end through the loop that was created and tighten.                                                                
9. Bimini Twist: The Bimini Twist is a knot popular among saltwater anglers. A strong knot creates a double line for improved casting and catching big fish. The Bimini Twist requires some practice to tie, but it is worth the effort. To tie the Bimini Twist, make a loop in the line, twist it seven to ten times, and then take the double loop and twist it seven to ten times in the opposite direction. Finally, tie the two loops together with a simple knot.                                              
10. Perfection Loop Knot: To tie a perfection knot, start by running the tag end of your fishing line through the eye of your hook or lure, leaving around 8-10 inches of line to work with. Hold the tag end parallel to the standing line and create a loop. Wrap the tag end around the standing line 5-7 times, working away from the loop you created earlier, keeping the wraps tight and close together. Pass the tag end through the loop, entering from the same side that it emerged from, and begin tightening the knot by pulling on the standing line. Ensure that the wraps are snug and the knot is forming neatly without overlaps or twists. Once the knot is nearly tightened, hold the standing line and pull the tag end to completely tighten the knot. Wetting the knot before pulling it tight can prevent friction and heat from weakening the line. Finally, trim the tag end as close to the knot as possible. With these steps, you should now have a neatly tied perfection knot that will hold strong against the weight of your catch.

These ten fishing knots are essential for every angler's arsenal. They are versatile, reliable, and can be used for a variety of fishing applications. Tying these knots can improve your fishing success and help you land more fish. To learn more about these knots, there are many resources available, including online tutorials, fishing magazines, and instructional videos. 

Resources

Additionally, there are many books and websites that provide step-by-step instructions, pictures, and videos on how to tie fishing knots. Some of these resources include:

• Animated Knots by Grog
• The Complete Book of Fishing Knots, Leaders, and Lines by Lindsey Philpott
• Fishing Knots: Proven to Work for Light Tackle and Fly Fishing by Lefty Kreh

Article Written By: The FAS Crew