By Spencer HollisWhy Fishing Knots Matter
Every fishing setup has a weakest point, and that point is almost always a knot. The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds anglers that knots weaken line and make it difficult to cast, so you should avoid having knots anywhere in your line except at the very end. According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), a simple overhand knot can weaken line by about 50 percent. Choosing the right knot and tying it correctly helps you land more fish and lose less tackle.
Before you start tying, it helps to know a few terms. The tag end (or working end) is the end of the line you use to tie the knot. The standing line is the part coming from your reel. A bight is a U‑shaped bend in the line, and a loop is a circle formed by tying the tag end to the standing line. Understanding these basics makes following knot instructions much easier.
Fishing rules, including license requirements, gear restrictions, and size and bag limits, vary by state and body of water. Always check the regulations from your state wildlife agency before you head out.
Knots for the Reel: The Arbor Knot
The first knot you tie on any setup is the one that attaches your line to the reel spool. The Missouri Department of Conservation’s introduction to fishing describes the arbor knot for this job. Start by wrapping the tag end around the reel spool. Tie an overhand knot in the tag end, which keeps it from pulling through the main knot. Then tie another overhand knot with the line around the spool. Wet the main knot and pull it down tight onto the spool, making sure the first overhand knot pulls in snug against it. The NYSDEC knot‑tying lesson adds that you should pull the line tight after making the second overhand knot.
Once the arbor knot is secure, you can fill the spool with line. The Missouri guide notes that the reel is full when the wrapped line sits about 1/8 inch from the outer edge of the spool. For more on loading line correctly, see our guide on how to spool a fishing reel without line twist.
Knots for Hooks, Lures and Terminal Tackle
Most of your time on the water will be spent tying knots that connect your line to a hook, lure, swivel or other terminal tackle. The improved clinch knot is one of the most widely taught and used. The Minnesota DNR’s MinnAqua program provides a detailed step‑by‑step for tying it.
Improved Clinch Knot
According to the Minnesota DNR, the improved clinch knot is a versatile knot that works for attaching hooks and lures to your line. Follow these steps:
- Thread one end of the line through the eye of the hook.
- Wrap the line around itself five times to make five twists. The Minnesota DNR notes that fishing tackle manufacturers have found five wraps work best. Fewer than five wraps may allow a fish to pull out the knot, while more than five wraps can cause the line to break.
- Take the tag end and pass it through the first twist, near the hook.
- Notice the new loop you have made. Take the same tag end and pass it through that new loop. This is the “improved” part that prevents the knot from slipping.
- Drop this end, then slide the whole knot down to the hook.
- Gently tug on the end you dropped, then neaten the knot so the coils are tightly lined up. Loose wraps or wraps on both sides of the eye can cause the knot to snag and break.
The NYSDEC lesson describes the same knot, adding that you should wet the line before cinching and clip the tag end close. The Missouri Department of Conservation also recommends the improved clinch for tying on hooks and lures, calling it strong and easy to tie even with cold, wet fingers.
Palomar Knot
The NYSDEC and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) both describe the Palomar knot as a strong, simple knot for attaching a hook or lure. The Florida FWC considers it one of the strongest knots for terminal tackle and notes that it can be tied in the dark with minimal practice.
To tie a Palomar knot, double about 6 to 10 inches of line and pass the bight through the eye of the hook. Tie a loose overhand knot with the doubled line, letting the hook hang from the bottom of the loop. Hold the overhand knot between your thumb and forefinger, then pass the loop of line over the hook and slide it above the eye. Pull on both the standing line and the tag end to tighten the knot down onto the eye, then clip the tag end. The NYSDEC emphasizes wetting the line before tightening.
Uni Knot
The NYSDEC lesson presents the Uni knot as a dependable option for monofilament connections to terminal tackle. Some anglers find it easier to tie than the improved clinch. Run the line through the eye of the hook and double back parallel to the standing line. Make a loop by laying the tag end over the doubled line. Make six turns with the tag end around the double line and through the loop. Moisten the lines, pull the tag end to snug up the turns, then slide the knot down to the eye and clip the tag end. The Florida FWC also includes a version of the Uni knot, describing it as a hangman’s knot used for joining two lines of equal diameter or attaching line to a reel spool.
Knots for Rigs and Mid‑Line Connections
Sometimes you need a loop in the middle of your line rather than at the very end. The NYSDEC lesson teaches two knots for this purpose.
Dropper Loop
The dropper loop creates a loop that stands out from the line, letting you attach a hook or another rig without cutting the main line. The NYSDEC says this knot is common in saltwater for species like fluke, porgy and blackfish. To tie it, form a loop in the line at the desired spot. Pass the standing line from one side of the loop through and around that side of the loop, making at least five wraps while keeping the new loop open. Push the bottom of the original loop up through the new opening, wet the knot with saliva, and pull both ends in opposite directions until the coils tighten and the loop stands out.
Double Overhand Loop
The double overhand loop is used primarily in saltwater to create a loop for attaching a sinker, according to the NYSDEC. Make a bight about 3 to 4 inches long parallel to the standing line, then use that bight to tie an overhand knot, forming a loop. Clip the tag end close to the knot.
Moistening, Trimming and Checking Your Knots
Two simple habits make a big difference. The NYSDEC advises wetting knots with saliva while pulling them tight. This prevents damage to the line and reduces friction so the knot seats smoothly. The Missouri Department of Conservation also recommends moistening the line before tightening.
After tightening, trim the tag end close to the knot. The NYSDEC warns that leaving a long tag end can catch snags or weeds, and that burning the tag end damages the line and knot. The Missouri guide suggests trimming the tag end about 1/4 inch from the knot.
Knots and line don’t last forever. The NYSDEC recommends checking your line often for nicks and, as a guideline, replacing your line and retying rigs at least every year. A properly tied and maintained knot will not come loose, but it’s good practice to inspect your connections before each outing. For more on line care, see our fishing line guide.
Knot Comparison Table
The table below summarizes the primary job and location of each knot covered, based on the information provided by state agencies.
| Knot | Primary Job | Where in the Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Arbor Knot | Attach line to the reel spool | At the reel |
| Improved Clinch Knot | Tie line to hook, lure, swivel or artificial fly | Terminal end |
| Palomar Knot | Attach hook or lure to line | Terminal end |
| Uni Knot | Tie line to hook, lure or rig | Terminal end |
| Dropper Loop | Make a loop in the middle of the line for a hook or rig | Mid‑line |
| Double Overhand Loop | Make a loop to attach a sinker | Terminal end or mid‑line |
These knots cover most situations, but the right knot also depends on your terminal tackle. For more on hooks, swivels and sinkers, see our guides on hooks and terminal tackle, fishing swivels and snaps, and fishing sinker types. If you’re building a complete rig, our common fishing rigs article walks through several setups.
Frequently asked questions
How many wraps should I use for an improved clinch knot?
The Minnesota DNR states that fishing tackle manufacturers have found five wraps work best. Fewer than five wraps may let a fish pull out the knot, and more than five wraps can cause the line to break.
Why should I moisten the line before tightening a knot?
According to the NYSDEC, wetting the line with saliva prevents damage to the line and allows the knot to pull tight with less friction. The Missouri Department of Conservation also notes that moistening helps the knot come together more smoothly.
How often should I retie my knots?
The NYSDEC recommends checking your line often for nicks and, as a guideline, replacing your line and retying rigs at least every year.
For more on choosing and caring for fishing line, see our Fishing Line guide.
Sources
- NYSDEC I FISH NY Knot Tying Lesson
- Missouri Department of Conservation An Introduction to Fishing
- Minnesota DNR MinnAqua Pop Can Casting
- Minnesota DNR Pier Notes Rods and Reels
- Florida FWC Freshwater Fishing Tips
About Spencer Hollis
Spencer puts together our beginner & family fishing guides, digging through specifications, manufacturer details and owner reviews so you don't have to.
