Fishing Knots

Name: eRegulations
Price range: $

Find these and other fishing knots on durable waterproof reference cards from Pro-Knot outdoor knot guides.

Improved Clinch Knot

The improved clinch knot has become one of the most popular knots for tying terminal tackle connections. It is quick and easy to tie and is strong and reliable.

The knot can be difficult to tie in lines in excess of 30 lb test. Five+ turns around the standing line is generally recommended, four can be used in heavy line. This knot is not recommended with braided lines.

1. Thread end of the line through the eye of the hook, swivel or lure. Double back and make five or more turns around the standing line. Bring the end of the line through the first loop formed behind the eye, then through the big loop.

Illustration showing an improved fishing knot tied to a hook with the fishing line wrapped five times around the shank. — A step-by-step fishing knot diagram demonstrates how to tie an improved hook knot by wrapping the fishing line around the hook shank five times for a secure connection.

2. Wet knot and pull slightly on the tag end to draw up coils. Pull on the standing line to form knot with coils pressed neatly together.

Illustration demonstrating the next step of tying an improved fishing knot, showing the fishing line looped back through the wraps near the hook eye. — A fishing knot instructional diagram shows the line being threaded back through the loop to continue forming a secure improved hook knot for recreational fishing rigs.

3. Slide tight against eye and clip tag end.

Completed improved fishing knot tied securely to a fish hook with tightly wrapped coils around the hook shank. — A finished improved fishing knot demonstrates the proper final setup for securing a hook to fishing line for recreational saltwater fishing.

Dropper Loop Knot

This knot forms a loop anywhere on a line. Hooks or other tackle can then be attached to the loop.

1. Form a loop in the line at the desired location. Pull line from one side of loop down and pass it through and around that side of loop. Make 5+ wraps around the loop, keeping a thumb or forefinger in the new opening which is formed.

Fishing knot diagram showing line wraps forming a new opening while tying a dropper loop knot with five wraps in the line. — An instructional fishing knot diagram demonstrates the early steps of tying a dropper loop knot by wrapping the fishing line five times to create a new opening in the loop.

2. Press bottom of original loop up through new opening and hold with teeth. Wet knot with saliva and pull both ends in opposite directions.

Fishing knot diagram showing the loop being pushed through a new opening while tying a dropper loop knot, with instructions to hold the top loop in place. — A step-by-step dropper loop knot illustration demonstrates how to pass the bottom loop through the opening created by the line wraps to form a strong fishing rig connection.

3. Pull ends of line firmly until coils tighten and loop stands out from line.

Completed dropper loop knot diagram showing the finished loop centered on the fishing line with instructions to tighten the knot by pulling both ends. — A finished dropper loop knot illustration demonstrates the final step of tightening the knot to create a strong loop for attaching hooks or rigs in recreational fishing setups.

Illustrations c 2011 John E Sherry