You have probably found yourself in a situation where you were new to fishing, not quite sure how to tie knots properly. Unsure where to begin, you shuffle through an older relative’s tackle box, where a lure with a highly saturated paint job catches your eye. Unaware of how to properly tie it on, you aimlessly loop your line through, cross it over, feed the tag end back through somewhere, and repeat the process a few extra times for good measure. As you cast out and slowly begin to reel in the slack, you notice a distinct lightness and come to the realization that your lure has broken off. Everyone has been there.
With the spring bass fishing season approaching, one of the biggest challenges beginner anglers face is mastering the art of tying proper fishing knots.
Considering how many different knot combinations are in circulation, it can be overwhelming to find a consistent and reliable option.
This step-by-step guide covers a small handful of knots known for their popularity, simplicity and strength—starting with the improved clinch knot.
The Improved Clinch Knot
The improved clinch knot is a favorite among anglers of all experience levels. It is known for its sturdiness and provides a firm hold that reduces the likelihood of the knot slipping or failing due to wear and tear over time.
This knot is extremely versatile and can be used with a wide variety of tackle, ranging from hardbait lures to bait hooks. It also works with all types of line, including monofilament, fluorocarbon and braided lines.
While the improved clinch knot requires a bit more attention to detail than the Palomar knot, it is still relatively easy to tie and is very beginner-friendly. With a little practice, you will be rewarded with its strength and reliability.
Step 1
Feed your line of choice through the eye of the hook, and pull the tag end out. At this point, your line should be doubled, as shown in the image above.
Step 2
After doubling your line, pinch the tag end and main line to hold them still. Then, twist the hook clockwise five times so that both lines cross each other. Leave a small gap between the twists, as the tag end will be fed back through it.
Step 3
Feed the tag end through the small gap created, and loosely cinch the knot by pulling on both ends simultaneously.
Because of the friction, your knot will produce heat that can weaken the line. To avoid this, lubricate the line before fully cinching it. In the demonstration above, saliva was used—an easy and traditional option.
Finally, fully cinch the knot and clip the tag end. You are now all set.
