Finding a good fishing lure is hardly a straightforward task but, to be honest, this is the same for other fishing equipment. Another issue faced by people that are new to sport fishing is deciding what the ideal fishing knots for lures are.
The easier route is usually to hit your local fishing spot with the knowledge of the overhand knot only. However, you won’t be able to use a single knot in every situation. You will need a deeper knowledge of knot tying if you are to become a good angler.
There are some popular fishing knots that you need to know how to tie if you are to have a great time on the water. I will tell you about them in this guide and also show you how to tie them.
Table of Contents
The Palomar Knot
I’m going to start my list of the best fishing knots for lures with the Palomar knot. This fishing knot is arguably the most widely used knot for monofilament lines. This isn’t just because it is easy to tie, but it is also incredibly strong and can be used for various lures. Its versatility also means that it is compatible with braided lines.
How To Tie A Palomar Knot
Now, let’s go through a step-by-step guide on how to tie the knot.
- Step 1: Double up 6 inches of line and then, run the end of the loop via the hook eye. But if the eye of the hook is small, run the line through the hook eye once and then, run in reverse through the hook eye. The doubled line on the outer part of the hook should measure up to around 6 inches.
- Step 2: Create a loose overhand knot. The hook should be hanging downwards.
- Step 3: With the knot in-between your thumb and index finger, pass the loop over the lure. Then, slide it over the eye of the lure.
- Step 4: Tighten the knot by pulling the tag end and standing end. Trim the tag end.
It is one of the most popular fishing knots today making it an excellent all-around knot.
Watch this short video to learn how to tie the Palomar Knot:
The Improved Clinch Knot
The improved clinch knot is one of the most popular fishing knots for anglers that fish with lures. One of the best things about this knot is its versatility. It is a great knot for attaching a line to a hook, lure, swivel, clip, or artificial flies.
The fishing line will also retain 95% of its strength after the knot has been tied. To tie this knot, you will have to turn the tag end around the standing line up to 5 times. After that, you will have to pass the tag end in reverse via the created loop.
How To Tie An Improved Clinch Knot
Here is a step by step guide on how to tie the knot:
- Step 1: Pass the line through the eye of the lure and ensure that you have around 6 to 12 inches of line.
- Step 2: Let there be a little gap between the line and the eye of the lure. With the tag end, make five turns around the standing end.
- Step 3: Thread the tag end back via the little gap that you created in step 2.
- Step 4: Now, pass the tag end back via the second that you just made.
- Step 5: Pull the two ends of the line away from the lure carefully.
- Step 6: Add some moisture to the line with either saliva or water
- Step 7: Complete the knot by pulling only the standing end.
The knot’s strength is incredible when you consider the ease of tying it. This makes it an easy and reliable knot for tying lines to lures.
Watch this short video to learn how to tie an improved clinch knot:
The Uni Knot
Several anglers consider the uni knot as the best option for attaching eyed hooks and lures to leaders. Even if you cut the end of the knot short when tying it, it will still hold.
The process of learning how to tie this knot is simple because it is suitable for both braided and monofilament lines. It is also a great choice for joining lines of different diameters together.
How To Tie A Uni Knot
Learn the easiest way to tie a uni knot below:
- Step 1: Thread the line via the lure’s eye and double back towards the standing end. Let both sections be parallel.
- Step 2: It’s time to create a loop. Place the tag end above the doubled line and ensure that they are facing the same direction.
- Step 3: Wrap the tag end around the doubled line either between 5 to 6 times. Then, pass it through the loop.
- Step 4: With your lure in one hand and the tag end and standing line in the other, pull them in opposite directions until the knot is almost tight.
- Step 5: Add a little moisture to the line and then pull just the standing end.
- Step 6: Clip the tag end.
Though there are indeed stronger knots than the uni knot, it is a great choice in low light conditions since it’s easy to tie.
Watch this short video to learn how to tie the uni knot:
The Rapala Knot
Though it isn’t the simplest fishing knot to tie, the Rapala knot is incredibly versatile. It is trusted by anglers worldwide for joining lures and monofilament lines together.
However, one argument that has been raised against the knot is that it leaves a tagline that can get entangled with weeds. Fortunately, you shouldn’t worry about this thanks to the knot’s great strength.
How To Tie A Rapala Knot
Here is a step by step guide on how to tie a Rapala knot:
- Step 1: Create an overhand knot. Let the tag end be 5 inches long and then thread it through the lure’s eye.
- Step 2: Pass the tag in reverse via the overhand knot.
- Step 3: Turn the tag end around the standing line thrice.
- Step 4: Pass the tag end via the back of the knot.
- Step 5: You have created a loop, run the tag end through it.
- Step 6: Moisten the line and then tighten it. Clip any excess line.
Once you master it, it will become one of your best knots for Rapala lures, though the learning process isn’t straightforward.
Watch this short video to learn how to tie the Rapala knot:
The Berkley Braid Knot
Invented by the famous fishing line maker Berkley, the Berkley braid knot is an excellent choice for attaching lures to braided lines. Anglers around the world love this knot because it ensures that braided lines remain firm on knots.
How To Tie A Berkley Braid Knot
Here are step-by-step instructions on how to tie the Berkley braid knot:
- Step 1: Start by doubling your braided line. After that, pass the loop via the lure’s eye.
- Step 2: Take the loop back towards the two ends of the line. Hold the four lines together and ensure that they are parallel.
- Step 3: With the end of the loop, make 8 turns on the four lines while moving towards the lure’s eye. Once this has been done, pass the end of the loop via the gap formed behind the eye. You should note that you are allowed to make your turns towards you or in the opposite direction.
- Step 4: Steadily tighten the knot. Cut off the loop and clip the tag end.
This fishing knot will increase your chances of making a catch significantly.
Watch this short video to learn how to tie the Berkley braid knot:
How To Pick The Best Fishing Knot
Choosing a fishing knot that you can use for lures can be tricky. This is because all anglers have their preferred knots and the debate about the best option has been going on for ages.
To find the best knot, the first thing that you have to understand is that the best fishing knots are the most popular options. These fishing knots are so popular due to how reliable they are, a good example being the improved clinch knot.
Another thing is that your choice has to depend on the type of line that you will be using. Each type of line has unique properties that make them suitable for certain types of fishing knots. For example, Palomar knots are great for monofilament lines while Berkley braid lines are more suitable for braided lines.
Additionally, a good fishing knot should be easy to tie, strong, and slip-resistant. Since fishing lines become weaker after getting tired, your knot should be able to retain a significant amount of strength. Strong knots usually distribute strain over multiple loops instead of a particular point.
Fishing lines also tend to get slippery when wet. So, your knot has to provide a good grip. Again, knots with several loops are the best solution to this problem. In the end, knots that have multiple loops are always a better choice for lures.
Fishing Knots And Heat
Many anglers don’t know this, but heat and friction are created during the process of tying a knot. Though only a little heat is generated, it is usually enough to cause the weakened line that I mentioned earlier.
The most effective way to prevent this issue is to moisturize your line before tightening complex knots. This way, you can avoid an unfortunate situation in which a big catch gets away because of a broken line.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the strongest fishing knot for lures?
The Palomar knot is widely regarded as the strongest fishing knot. It can be created in just 4 steps and this makes it very simple. However, many experienced anglers will disagree with my choice so you are free to check out other fishing knots.
Why do Palomar knots fail?
Palomar knots tend to break when they get kinked or crossed during the tying process. Any of these issues will weaken the knot significantly. If you can avoid them, you should have a strong and reliable knot.
What is the best knot for tying two lines?
The surgeon’s knot is an excellent choice for tying fishing lines and leaders together. It is most effective when the lines are of equal length.
Are all fishing lines weakened by knots?
Your fishing line will lose some strength regardless of what knot you use. You simply can’t avoid it. However, the knots mentioned in this article are much stronger than the basic knot you use for your footwear for instance. That type of knot will take away half of your line strength.
What is the impossible knot?
The impossible knot is not the original name of a fishing knot. Instead, it is another name that was given to the double fisherman’s knot. Though the nickname suggests that the knot is extremely difficult to create, it is an easy knot to tie. It got the name because it is almost impossible to untie.
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