5 of the Strongest, Most Reliable Fishing Knots to ensure a successful catch every time
- inthaloop1
- Mar 24, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 29, 2023
Fishing is both an art and a science. It requires the use of the right tackle, the perfect bait, and the perfect spot. But even with all of these factors in place, the success of your fishing trip will ultimately come down to your knots.
A bad knot can mean the difference between a successful catch and a failed one. It can also mean the difference between a safe trip and a dangerous one. That’s why it’s so important to know how to tie the right knots for the right situations.
In this article, we’ll show you five of the strongest, most reliable fishing knots to help you secure the catch every time.

1. Palomar Knot:
The Palomar knot is one of the strongest knots, making it perfect for big-game fishing or offshore fishing. It’s easy to tie and works well with braided or monofilament lines. Simply double the line, tie a basic overhand knot, form a loop, and pull the loop over the hook or lure.
Then, pull the standing line and tag end in opposite directions, tightening the knot securely onto the object. Trim the excess tag end and you’re ready to fish!

The Palomar knot is known for its high knot strength because it distributes the load evenly across the knot. This knot is also very reliable, meaning it is less likely to break or slip when under pressure. Additionally, the Palomar knot is very versatile and can be used for many fishing applications, including attaching hooks, lures, and swivels to your fishing line.
Overall, if you’re looking for a simple and reliable knot for your fishing needs, the Palomar knot is a great option. It’s easy to tie, strong, and versatile, making it an all-around excellent knot for any angler.
2. Improved Clinch Knot:
The improved clinch knot is one of the most popular knots used for tying a fishing line to a hook. It’s simple to tie and can be used with monofilament or fluorocarbon lines. To tie it, thread the line through the hook, loop it back, wrap it around the standing line, and thread it through the loop you created.

Then, pull the tag end and standing line tight to create a tight knot. Lastly, clip the tag end to finish the knot. The improved clinch knot is strong and reliable, providing a secure connection between the line and hook. It is essential to master this knot and ensure proper knot-tying to avoid losing fish.
3. Uni Knot:
The uni knot is versatile, strong, and easy to tie. It’s great for securing swivels or attaching lures to your line. To tie it, form a loop, thread the line through the hook or swivel, and make six or seven turns around the line and through the loop. Finally, tighten the knot and trim the tag end.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to tie a uni knot:
Step 1: Form a loop
Start by forming a loop in your fishing line. You can create this loop by folding the line back over itself.
Step 2: Thread the line through the hook or swivel
Take the end of the line and thread it through the eye of the hook or swivel. Bring the line back towards the loop.
Step 3: Make turns
Take the tag end of the line and wrap it around the main line, including the loop, six or seven times. Make sure the line is tight and the turns are snug together.
Step 4: Thread the tag end
Next, thread the tag end through the loop you created in step 1. Make sure the line goes over itself as it passes through the loop.
Step 5: Tighten the knot
Gradually tighten the knot by pulling on the tag end. As you do this, make sure the turns lie neatly against each other.
Step 6: Trim the excess
Once you have tightened the knot, trim the tag end. Leave a small length, about 1/4 inch, before you cut the line.
That's it! You have successfully tied a uni knot. It's a versatile knot that you can use for various fishing needs.
4. Blood Knot:
A blood knot is used to join two lines of similar or different diameters. It’s an essential knot for fly fishing or when you need to re-tie a leader. To tie it, overlap two lines, twist the two lines around each other five or six times, thread the end of one line through the loops, and repeat the process with the other line.

Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to tie a blood knot:
1. Overlap the two lines that you want to join, ensuring that the tag ends of both lines are pointing in opposite directions.
2. Take the tag end of one line and loop it around the standing part of the other line five or six times. Keep the loops tight and close together.
3. Take the tag end of the same line and thread it through the loops you’ve just created in the previous step, starting from the bottom of the loops and working your way up.
4. Moisten the knot with saliva or water before tightening it. This will help the knot slide smoothly and prevent it from burning or breaking.
5. Hold both standing parts of the lines and pull the tag end of the first line to tighten the knot slowly. Keep the loops tight and aligned as you tighten the knot. Use your teeth, a pair of pliers, or a knot puller to get the knot snug.
6. Repeat the same process with the other line, making sure that you twist it around the standing part of the first line in the opposite direction.
7. Once you’ve tied the knots on both lines, trim the tag ends close to the knot with a pair of scissors or a nail clipper.
The blood knot is an excellent knot for fishing, particularly when you need to join two lines of different diameters. By twisting the lines together, the blood knot creates an even join that maintains the same strength and thickness as the original lines.
5. Surgeon’s Knot:
The surgeon’s knot is another knot that’s great for joining two lines of different diameters. It’s also great for creating a loop at the end of your line. To tie it, overlap the two lines and make a double overhand knot with one line. Pass the end of the other line through the loop twice, hold the tag end of both lines and pull them tight to form the knot.

The surgeon’s knot is a popular knot for tying fishing lines because it is easy to tie and holds well. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to tie a surgeon’s knot:
1. Take the two lines you want to join and overlap them.
2. Tie a simple overhand knot by tying one line around the other and making a loop.
3. Repeat step 2 by tying another overhand knot with the same line that you started with. This creates a double overhand knot.
4. Take the other line (the one that you did not use to make the double overhand knot), and pass it through the loop created by the double overhand knot two times.
5. Hold the tag ends of both lines and pull them tight to form the surgeon’s knot.
The surgeon’s knot is a reliable knot that can handle stress and pressure from heavy loads. It is commonly used in fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities. With a little practice, you can master tying the surgeon’s knot in no time.

Remember to practice tying knots before you hit the water. With these five reliable knots in your repertoire, you’ll be well on your way to securing the catch every time. Good luck and happy fishing!
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