Whether you’re just getting into fishing or you’ve been tossing lines for years, knowing how to tie the right knots makes a huge difference. The right knot keeps your hook secure, your line strong, and your fish on the line. In this post, we’ll break down five popular fishing knots that every angler should know — plus how to tie each one without needing a scout badge in knot-tying.
Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
1. Improved Clinch Knot
Perfect for tying your hook or lure to your line.
This one’s a favorite because it’s simple, strong, and holds up under pressure.
How to tie it:
Thread the end of your line through the eye of the hook.
Wrap the tag end around the standing line five times.
Pass the tag end back through the small loop next to the eye.
Now pass it through the big loop you just made.
Moisten the knot (saliva works fine), and pull it tight.
Tip: Trim any excess tag end so it doesn’t catch on weeds or debris.
2. Palomar Knot
Strong, quick, and reliable — especially for braided line.
If you want something that’s nearly failproof, this is your go-to.
How to tie it:
Double about 6 inches of line and pass it through the hook eye to form a loop.
Tie an overhand knot with the doubled line (don’t tighten it yet).
Pass the hook or lure through the loop.
Moisten the knot and pull both ends of the line until it snugs up tight against the hook eye.
Tip: Make sure the lines lay neatly side by side, not crossing, for max strength.
3. Uni Knot
Versatile and easy — works for tying to hooks, swivels, and even joining lines.
This knot works for almost everything and is really forgiving.
How to tie it:
Thread the tag end through the hook eye and pull 6–8 inches of line through.
Make a loop by laying the tag end back along the main line.
Wrap the tag end around both lines six times.
Pull the tag end to tighten the wraps.
Slide the knot down to the hook eye and snug everything up.
Tip: Works great for both monofilament and braided lines.
4. Surgeon’s Knot
Best for tying two lines together, especially different diameters.
Got a main line and a leader? This is a quick, strong way to tie them together.
How to tie it:
Overlap the two ends of line by a few inches.
Make a loop using both lines together.
Pass both ends through the loop twice.
Moisten and pull all four strands to tighten.
Tip: For extra strength, you can pass the lines through the loop three times instead of two.
5. Blood Knot
Clean and slim — perfect for joining similar-sized lines.
It’s a little more advanced, but once you’ve done it a couple of times, it becomes second nature.
How to tie it:
Overlap the two lines, leaving 6–8 inches of tag on each end.
Take one tag end and wrap it around the other line five times.
Bring it back and tuck it through the middle of the overlap.
Repeat the same with the other tag end — five wraps and tuck it through (opposite direction).
Moisten and slowly pull both main lines until the knot tightens and the wraps come together.
Tip: Trim the tag ends close for a neat finish that slides easily through rod guides.
Final Cast
Whether you’re fishing from the shore, a kayak, or the back of a boat, these five knots will have you covered. A few minutes of practice and you’ll be tying them up without thinking twice. Keep a bit of old line around and practice during commercials or while waiting for the water to boil — muscle memory is your best fishing buddy.
