We sometimes use affiliate links in our content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This won't cost you anything but it helps to offset the costs of paying our writing team (Me) Thanks for your support!
What Are The Best Fishing Knots To Use?
Let me ask you a question. How many different fishing knots do you use when you go fishing? Maybe the question should be. What’s The Best Knot For Fishing?
There are hundreds of different knots you can use, yet most people only know a few.
One to tie on a lure, one for a hook, and maybe one for a swivel. The right fishing knot can mean the difference between catching a fish and going hungry.
It might surprise people to know that the way you tie your hook, swivel, or lure, will have a big impact on the fish you hook and your chances of landing it.
With the knowledge of the best fishing knots to use you will not only increase the amount of fish you hook but also your chances of landing that fish.
The growing popularity of braided lines has seen anglers starting to use lighter tackle, and this makes it all the more important to have a reliable knot.
Below you will find a list of the best fishing knots that every angler should know. By having several different knots up your sleeve, you will always have the right fishing knot to help you land that fish of a lifetime.
Once you have decided which not you need, head over to my Fishing Knot Tying Guide to learn how to tie them.
Knots For Tying Lures
Choosing the right lure for a certain fish or situation is hard. Most people will have a box or bag full of different lures. These lures all cost money, and it all adds up. The last thing you want to happen is to lose that lure. Some of the best loop knots to use with your lure are:
- Easy to Tie
- Good Strength
- Minimize weed pickup
- Loop-to-loop connection
- Good for lures and hooks
- Often used by fly fisherman
- Stronger than Kreh loop
- More difficult to tie
- Leaves weed-catching tag pointing up
4. Canoe Man Loop
- Easy to tie
- Strong
- Tag ends point down
- Great for Mono, not so good for fluorocarbon
The right knot will not only be more secure but help your lure to swim properly, increasing your chance of strikes and hookups.
Knots For Tying Hooks
Just like with lures, there are many ways you can tie on your hook. Most people only use one way, the Clinch Knot. Though this is a great knot, it’s not always the best for every situation.
For example, maybe you need to change between hook sizes frequently or you’re getting bitten off frequently. A couple of good knots to add to your arsenal are;
Same as the original clinch knot, but with an added hitch for more security.
2. Palomar Knot
Can be used for hook, lure, snap or swivel
3. Turle Knot
For tying a thin line to a small hook
Good for mono
Other Knots You Should Know
Blood Knot – For tying mono to mono
Double Surgeon’s Loop – For tying hooks and sinkers for quick change
Albright Knot – For tying wire or braid to monoline
Tucked Sheet Bend – For attaching the line to the leader or snelled hook to the line
Trilene Knot – For tying lines to snaps, swivels, hooks, and lures
Berkley Braid Knot – For tying braid to hooks, swivels, lures, and leaders
Nanofil Knot – Great for braid and nanofil line
The Right Knot To Use
Now, this is a little difficult to answer, depending on the circumstances. Tying on a lure for example, if fishing in weedy areas, you want to avoid using the Rapala Loop as this can catch weeds. But if I was fishing offshore, trawling, for example, I would use the Rapala Loop as it is a very strong knot.
You will need to experiment a little to find what works best for you for where you are fishing, the conditions, your gear, line size, etc. As a general rule, I like to start with a few knots, The start to play around with them. A good starting point would be;
Standard tying hook to the monoline – Improved Clinch Knot
Attaching A Lure – Kreh Loop Knot
Joining Line – Blood Knot
Universal – Palomar Knot
Follow this link to my Fishing Knot Tying Guide to learn how to tie them.
By starting with these four knots, you will have a great start and will slowly be able to work out what works best for you and the fish you are chasing.
Knot tying isn’t an easy thing to learn, it takes practice and more practice. But what if your eyes aren’t what they used to be? Maybe your hands are cold, the boat is rocking, or there is bad light. In situations like these, a knot-tying tool is a great investment. Follow this link to read about some of the best I have found.
What Works Best For You
In the end, fishing is all about trial and error. It can take years to build up your repertoire of knots, and become proficient at tying them all. As you have seen in this post, you can just use one knot and expect it to work in every situation.
I hope I have now given you some tools that you need to get out there and catch that fish of your dreams.
Practice these four knots to start, till you can tie them quickly, and in all conditions. Then work your way through all these knots I mentioned. There are still plenty of other knots out there, too many to mention, but these are all you will ever really need.
Now get out there and get fishing. Feel free to leave comments or even a picture of some of your fish.
Tight Lines
Tony Creator of Get Reel Fishin
