There are hundreds of fishing knots suitable for the different types of fishing, from bass to saltwater to fly fishing. While each has a unique benefit, there are a few knots that stand out from the pack. Whether you are fishing for bass or angling trout, these knots are sure to get the job done without losing your catch or your lure in the process. Here are our favorites and how to tie them.
Palomar Knot
This versatile knot is an angler favorite and can be used for attaching flies to leaders in fly fishing as well as crankbaits in bass fishing. This knot works best with a lighter fishing line, like a braided line.
How to Tie It:
- Gather your chosen fishing line and double six inches of line.
- Pass the gathered line through the eye of the hook.
- Tie a loose knot with the hook hanging at the bottom.
- Hold the loose knot with your forefinger and thumb, then pass the loop over hook.
- Once the loop is over the hook, slide it above the eye of the hook.
- Pull on both ends of the line to tighten into a firm knot.
Snell Knot
When you need an even, straight pull, the Snell Knot is the perfect option. The word “snell” in the title comes from snelling, which means to tie the knot away from the eye of the hook. The line ties around the hook so your bait will remain straight in the water, attracting your desired fish. The Snell Knot is good for any type of fishing, but it’s strength increases catch rates with bigger fish.
How to Tie It:
- Run a line through the hook eye. Then run the line down the shaft of the hook.
- Once the line is through the eye and down the shaft, form a medium-sized loop.
- Wrap the end of the line around the hook. Then loop the line four to six times. Be sure your wraps are very tight.
- Work the coils down to the eye and pull the end to tighten.
- Remember that this knot is tied directly onto the hook.
Trilene Knot
One of the most popular fishing knots available, the Trilene Knot has an exceptionally high breaking strength. That means you can haul in the monster fish without fear of your knot giving out. No one likes to lose a great fish. This knot is most commonly used with worms, lizards, frogs and other soft plastic baits in bass fishing.
How to Tie It:
- Gather a few inches of line.
- Double wrap the line through the eye, creating a loop.
- Wrap the line five or six times around the shaft of line.
- Feed the end of the line through both of the loops.
- Moisten the knot with water or saliva then pull tight.
Surgeon’s Knot
This knot is routinely used in fly fishing, as it effectively and securely combines two lines. Many say this is the best knot for fly fishing, but we’ll let you be the judge of that.
How to Tie It:
- Gather several inches of line and leader.
- Overlap the line and leader by several inches.
- Create a large loop.
- Pass the line and leader through the loop twice.
- If you want added strength, you can use a Triple Surgeon’s Knot. This requires you to pass the line and leader through the loop a third time.
- Moisten knot and pull tight to secure.
Now that you have the best fishing knots in your arsenal, it’s time to hit the water! Don’t forget to stop by a quality outfitter like Carhartt to stock up on your other fishing gear, like a great vest for fly fishing or a breezy shirt for bass fishing.
Good luck, fishermen!
