Which fishing knot should I use?

Improved clinch knot

Use it for: A simple connection for light monofilament to a hook, lure or swivel.

1. Pass the tag end through the eye, leaving enough line to handle comfortably.
2. Wrap the tag around the standing line about five times.
3. Pass the tag through the small opening beside the eye, then back through the larger loop you just formed.
4. Moisten, draw the wraps together slowly and seat them at the eye. Pull-test, then trim the tag without cutting it flush.

Watch for: Use another suitable knot for slippery braid. Heavy or stiff line can be harder to seat cleanly; follow the line maker’s guidance.

Palomar knot

Use it for: A compact terminal connection often used with braid; also useful with compatible mono and fluorocarbon.

1. Double a length of line and pass the folded end through the eye.
2. Tie a loose overhand knot with the doubled line, leaving a large loop.
3. Pass the whole lure or hook through that loop. Bring the loop above the eye.
4. Moisten and tighten steadily, checking that the strands have not crossed. Pull-test before trimming.

Watch for: The entire hook or lure must pass through the loop. Keep doubled strands parallel and avoid trapping the loop on a split ring or hook point.

Uni knot

Use it for: A versatile snug connection when passing a large lure through a Palomar loop would be awkward.

1. Pass the tag through the eye, then fold it back alongside the standing line.
2. Make a loop with the tag laid across the doubled section.
3. Wrap the tag through this loop and around both strands several times.
4. Moisten, draw the turns together, slide the knot to the eye and pull-test. Trim only after it is fully seated.

Watch for: The required number of wraps varies with line diameter and material. For braid, follow a braid-specific tying recommendation instead of assuming a light-mono wrap count.

Non-slip mono loop knot

Use it for: A fixed loop can let some small hard baits and streamers swing more freely.

1. Make a loose overhand knot in the line, then pass the tag through the lure eye.
2. Bring the tag back through the overhand knot.
3. Wrap the tag around the standing line, then return it through the overhand knot in the correct direction shown in the linked animation.
4. Moisten and tighten carefully while holding the intended small loop size. Inspect and pull-test.

Watch for: Use with suitable mono or leader material. Not every lure needs a loop; a split ring may already provide movement. Follow the lure maker’s attachment instructions.

A leader join has a different job.

A terminal knot ties line to an eye. A line-to-line knot joins the main line to a leader. Do not substitute one for the other because the names sound familiar.

A double Uni joins two lines with opposing Uni knots. It is approachable to practice but can make a bulky connection through small rod guides. An FG knot grips a leader with braid wraps and makes a slimmer join, but requires careful tension and finishing. Learn it slowly before relying on it at the water.

A short leader that remains outside the guides can avoid repeated casting contact with the joining knot. If the leader goes through the guides, check that the finished join passes smoothly without catching.

Compare line-joining knots and verified animations →

Pike need bite protection. Mono or fluorocarbon used as a light trout leader is not a pike bite leader. Use purpose-made steel or titanium tackle and follow its attachment instructions. Ordinary line knots are not instructions for crimping wire.

Check the knot before you cast.

1. Look: Neat turns, no crossed strands, no loop caught around a hook point.
2. Feel: Run fingers along the leader for nicks or rough spots. Retie above damaged line.
3. Seat: Moisten and draw the knot down steadily. Abrupt dry tightening can damage line.
4. Test: Pull the line against the tackle carefully while keeping hooks away from skin. Retie if it slips.
5. Repeat: Inspect after a snag, contact with rough cover or a fish. Do not assume the last good knot remains good.

No universal knot-strength percentage is promised here. Line material, diameter, the eye and tying quality all change the result.

Do I tie directly or use a snap?

A direct tie keeps a small presentation simple. A rated snap can make some hard baits easier to change, but bulky hardware can affect balance and movement. Use the attachment point the lure maker specifies. An open R-bend spinnerbait can let a loose snap slide away from the intended tie point.

When an inline spinner twists the line, first check the lure for fouling and excessive retrieve speed. A small swivel may help manage twist; it is not a reason to add a large snap-swivel to every trout lure.

Put the connection to work.

Choose a lure and matching setup →

Understand rod power, line strength and casting weight →

Prepared by USA Stocked Fish. Knot reference pages checked September 11, 2026. Text steps accompany the linked specialist animations; no generated knot diagram is used as a tying reference.