A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Tying Basic Fishing Knots

Last Updated: February 16, 2023 References Approved

Fishing is one of the greatest pastimes ever created. Nothing quite compares to enjoying the crisp early morning air by the water's edge, throwing your line out, and seeing the sunlight sparkle as the lure hits the water. A short time later, your line tugs, and after a few minutes of work, you reel in a 20 pound lake trout. To make sure that lure lasts through the struggle, you need to tie a good knot. While landing the fish is up to you, we will show you how to tie a hook or a lure onto a fishing line.

Method 1

Method 1 of 6:

Clinch Knot

1
Use the clinch knot as your go-to fishing knot. The clinch knot is probably the most popular fishing knot. That's because it's simple to tie, easy to remember, and holds its weight in durability. Use the clinch line for everyday fishing knots.
2
Insert the line. Thread the end of the fishing line through the eye of the hook.

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3
Wrap the line. Wrap the end of the line around the line (going back to the reel) four to six times.
4
Make the knot. Pass the end of the line through the loop that you created in step one.
- Improve the clinch knot by feeding the line through the loop that was created in the last step. This is called an "improved clinch knot."
5
Pull it tight. A little moisture here helps a lot. Wet it in your mouth to provide some lubrication.
6
Clip off the excess line above the knot. Leave only about ¹⁄₈ inch (0.3 cm) or so.

Method 2

Method 2 of 6:

Orvis Knot

1
Use the Orvis knot as a strong and easy alternative to the clinch knot.^{[1]
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Research source}
2
Thread the hook. Pass the line through the hook eye from below.
3
Form a figure eight by crossing the standing line and threading the end back through the first loop formed.
4
Feed the tag end through top of second loop, then repeat for a send pass through the loop.
5
Finish the knot. Lubricate the line, then pull the tag end tight to close knot. Trim the tag end.

Method 3

Method 3 of 6:

Palomar Knot

1
Use the Palomar knot if you want the best knot to use with braided fishing line.^{[2]
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Research source} The Fastest, Easiest, and Strongest Knot to tie is the Palomar Knot. The Palomar can look pretty tricky, but once it's mastered, it's close to being a perfect knot. It doesn't take much time to perfect, either.
2
Double six inches of line and pass the doubled line through the eye of the hook.
3
Create a simple overhand knot with the doubled line. Make sure the hook is hanging at the bottom of the line.
4
Slide the doubled line under the hook and back up, above the eye of the hook.
5
Tighten by pulling on both the standing line as well as the tag end. Clip off the tag end.

Method 4

Method 4 of 6:

Davy Knot

1
Use the Davy knot for small flies. The Davy knot is commonly used among fly fishermen who want a quick, simple, unobtrusive knot to tie small flied with. The Davy knot will get you back fishing in no time if you happen to break a line.
2
Thread the line through the eye of the fly hook.
3
Form a loose overhand knot with the end of the line.
4
Bring the end of the line back over and through the overhand knot and the hook itself.
5
Tighten the knot by pulling on the end of the line.

Method 5

Method 5 of 6:

Baja Knot

1
Use a Baja knot for heavier mono line. It can be used for loop-to-loop connections or for tying hooks or other tackle to the line. The knot needs to be set pretty firmly after being tied, after which it won't slip.
2
Make the first loop. Create a simple loop about two inches from the end of the line.
3
Slide a hook onto the base of the loop, and let it hang freely while you tie the rest of the knot.
4
Make the second loop. Place the end of the line across the front of the first loop, behind the running line. Pull the line until this second loop is a bit smaller than the first.
5
Make a third loop by repeating the previous step. Adjust it so that it's in between the large loop and small loop.
6
Slide the hook to the top of the first loop. Then, pass it over the middle loop and back up under top loop. Tighten the knot a bit.
7
Finish the knot. Secure the hook with pliers, and pull the line hard to tighten the whole rig.

Method 6

Method 6 of 6:

Pitzen Knot

1
Use the Pitzen knot for incredible strength. The Pitzen knot, also known as the Eugene Bend or 16-20 Knot, is known to hold up to 95% of the line's breaking strength. It's a little tricky, but it's worth it.
2
Thread a line through the eye of the hook.
3
Loop the tag line back under the standing line.
4
Using your index finger as a stop, hook the line around the finger.
5
Wrap the line back around the paralleled lines four times.
6
Pass the tag end back through the small loop created by your finger.
7
Tighten the knot by sliding the knot down to the eye of the hook. Do this with your fingers, not by pulling the standing line.

Community Q&A

Question

Sometimes fish eat my bait and go. Any tips?

Community Answer

Use smaller hooks as well as thinner line, such as 15-20 lbs. As soon as you feel a bite on your line, drop your hook to give the fish more line, and then give it a yank to set the hook.
Question

I usually tie a bunch of normal knots. Will that work?

Community Answer

Actually, one of the best knots out there, is the Palomar knot. This knot doubles the line strength at the point of tie off, unlike square knots. It's very easy to do a Palomar knot. There's info on it, online.
Question

Can I use a knot like I use to tie my shoes?

Community Answer

That wouldn't be ideal. The knot wouldn't be fully secure and since the fishing line is so small, it would make it much more difficult to tie that way. It could also cause the line to snap.

Warnings

When fishing, keep your fishing license with you; if not you can get in trouble with the park rangers.

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The hooks are very sharp; avoid contact with your eyes or other skin, or other body parts.

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