Fishing Knots To Hold That
Big Bass!

The average angler needs perhaps no more than three or four basic fishing knots, but these knots relate directly to his mode of fishing. The bass fisherman need have little interest in the knots used by the trout fisherman or saltwater fishermen.

Each knot dealt with on this site has its own definite and prescribed purpose. When properly tied, or formed, then worked or drawn up into shape, the knot can make all the difference between boating a big bass, or losing it.

I suggest that you select only those few knots that are of the greatest use to you, and practice tying them until they become second nature to you. It is most important that you use knots that can be tied in an easily remembered manner. There is little point using a knot that can only be tied by reference to a book or website - even this one. You'll be amazed how a few hours practice with a knot will make for perfection.

Fishing knots are designed to be tied in monofilament line and to run through the eyes and rings of a fishing rod or rig. The emphasis for fishing knots is on compactness and reliability with no interest in being able to untie them.

Many fishing knots serve almost identical purposes and are interchangeable. It would, therefore, probably be a waste of time to learn all the fishing knots available. Treat this website as a resource to allow you to learn the knots I have found most useful to bass fishermen.

For your convenience, I have listed the knots I use most frequently. Take the time to check them all out, then return here to learn some basic rules and tips for knot tying.

THE RULES OF TYING FISHING KNOTS

There are basic rules that apply to the tying of all fishing knots in nylon monofilament, copolymer and cofilament lines. These rules apply in differing degrees to most of the knots, splices and hitches formed in multi-strand materials, such as Dacron, Micron, braided nylon and wire or cable leaders. Knowing and adhering to these rules will reduce the incidence of knot failure in your fishing endeavors.

RULE 1: Be thoroughly familiar with all the knots you tie and continually practice the tying of those knots.

RULE 2: Always lubricate knots before tightening them, either with saliva, water or another similar lubricant. Knots tied in nylon monofilament, copolymer and cofilament lines are highly susceptible to heat friction.

RULE 3: When tightening the knot, do so gently but firmly. Do not draw the knot quickly as this can generate heat damaging the line. Give a few test pulls on the newly tied knot.

RULE 4: If you are not happy with a knot, always re-tie it until you are satisfied. Remember that a knot is effectively the weakest link between you and the fish and the stronger and better tied it is, the more chance you have of catching fish.

TRIMMING TAGS

Tags should be trimmed to an appropriate length and trimmed with a pair of clippers or a knife as opposed to teeth.

WHY KNOTS FAIL

Fishing knots fail for a number of reasons. Slippage is the most common and is usually due to insufficient wraps in the knot or trimming the tag end too short. Slippage is also a major factor in the second common cause of knot failure – heat damage due to friction. Insufficiently tightened knots often fail when sudden pressure is applied to them, such as the strike of a fish. Lastly, knots can also fail when one strand of line cuts another. This is most common when lighter lines are joined to heavier, thicker lines. In knots where one line cuts across another, the strength of the knot is reduced by as much as 50%. In all knot tying the aim should be to reduce the chance of failure and retain as much line strength as possible.

TYING KNOTS IN LIGHT LINE

Knots in light lines pose unique problems. Small errors in technique will cost you more when tying these knots as opposed to in heavier line. Extra care should be taken with light line knots and any knot modification or improvement should be utilized. Using an extra wrap or two in a specific knot is a good idea in light line. Doubling the line is also recommended to strengthen the knot. Always leave a sizable tag end when tying a light line knot.

TYING KNOTS IN HEAVY LINE

Heavy line knots have their own associated problems. Most problems are related to the physical difficulties of twisting or wrapping thick line. First, twists and wraps in knots need to be reduced. Heavy line knots also need to be tightened with care and up to 50% of the lines breaking strain in pressure needs to be applied. Pulling the tag end of the line is also advisable. Finally, melting the tag end to a stopping blob using a flame is worth doing, while taking care not to damage the main line.

DISCARDING LINE

It must be remembered that line cutoffs are a marine hazard and stay in aquatic ecosystems for a long time posing a series of threats. Line cutoffs should always be collected and disposed of or recycled. There is no excuse for tossing away used or broken fishing line.

KNOTS FOR ATTACHING TERMINALS

Terminal tackle is the name given to all fishing essentials such as hooks, swivels, sinkers, floats, rings, lures and flies. Basically anything attached to lines to catch fish. Knots joining terminal to line are the most important an angler needs to master. Anglers should become proficient in at least three knots for attaching line to terminal that suit their particular style of fishing.

KNOTS FOR JOINING LINES

Knots for joining line are useful when assembling leaders or when a tangle needs to be removed from the middle of a line.

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