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How to Tie Fishing Knots

Every rig on this site comes down to a handful of knots. Learn these five, with step-by-step diagrams and the common mistakes to avoid, and you can tie anything shown here.

1. Double line through eye2. Loose overhand knot3. Loop over hook, cinch
Palomar Knot
Tying a hook or swivel directly to your main line or leader
1. Wrap 5-7 times2. Tag through top loop3. Cinch and trim
Improved Clinch Knot
Tying a hook, lure, or swivel to your line when the eye is too small for a doubled loop
1. Overlap the two lines2. Coil tag around both3. Slide coils together
Uni Knot
Joining two lines together, or attaching line to a reel spool
1. Form a loop2. Twist 6-8 times3. Pull loop through, cinch
Dropper Loop
Creating a hook loop in the middle of your line, the core technique behind a high-low rig
1. Line along the shank2. Wrap down the shank3. Tag through eye, cinch
Snell Knot
Attaching a hook so the pull comes straight off the shank, common with bait hooks

Common Questions

What is the easiest fishing knot to learn first?

The Palomar knot. It has only a few steps, tests close to full line strength, and works for almost any hook or swivel connection. Once you can tie it in the dark, add the uni knot and a dropper loop.

Which knot is strongest for tying a hook to the line?

In most line-strength comparisons the Palomar knot edges out the improved clinch, especially with braid. Use the Palomar whenever the hook or swivel eye is large enough to pass a doubled loop through.

Do I need to wet the knot before pulling it tight?

Yes. Dry nylon or fluorocarbon heats up from friction as it cinches and can lose 10 to 20 percent of its rated strength right at the knot. A quick wet with saliva or water prevents that.