Bass Fishing Knots

It is important that you learn to tie your own bass fishing knots. There are five strong knots, and if you can learn to tie those, you’re definitely ahead of the game. Knowing which knot to use and how to tie it can save you having to retie lines and reduce break-offs, giving you more time for fishing.

1. The Arbor Knot. This bass fishing knot is used to tie your line to your spool. It must be tied properly or it can make your entire spool and line rotate when the arbor is under pressure. First loop your line around the arbor on the spool. Tie an overhand knot with the tag end of the line. Now, as close to the first knot as you can, tie a second overhand knot. If you pull on the main line, both overhead knots will slide together and get snug against the spool. Trim.
2. The Trilene Knot. This bass fishing knot is often chosen because it works well for joining your line to hooks, lures, swivels, or snaps. It is easy to tie and very strong and reliable. First, thread your line through the eye of the lure or hook. Loop the line around again and pass it through the eye one more time. Pull slowly but firmly on your main line until the loop is about a quarter of an inch. While holding the lure in one hand, hold the loop between the thumb and index finger of that same hand. In the other hand take the tag line and wrap it around the main line about five to seven times. Take the tag line around and put it through the double loop just above the hook eye. Next, push the tag end back and put it through the larger loop. Pull on the main line while you are holding the tag end beside it, and the hook end, in opposite directions. Be sure to wet your line. The knot will form and snug against the hook eye. Trim.
3. The Improved Clinch Knot. This popular bass fishing knot is easy to tie and great for tying lines to hooks, lures, flies, and swivels. It’s not good for braided lines. It works really well for finesse fishing with light monofilament in the six to eight pound range. Begin by wetting your line and threading a piece of line through the eye of your hook. Bring the tag end back across the main line. Next, wrap it at least four to six times around the main line, then push the tag end through the starting loop. Bring the tag end through the loop made by the last step. Now, slowly pull on the main line to set the knot until it is firm against your hook. Trim.
4. The Uni-Knot. This bass fishing knot is very reliable and works well for tying the line to hooks, lures or swivels, but it is also good for connecting line to line or line to leader. It works well with any size line. To tie this know run 6” of line through the hook eye or lure, and fold the tag end back so it is parallel to the main line. Lay the tag end over both lines and form a loop. Bring the tag end down under the two lines and back up. Fold it back over the double lines through the loop and continue wrapping it six more times. Bring the tag end through the loop and out the top. Wet the main line and pull it tight. It should slide against the hook. Trim.
5. The Palomar Knot. This general purpose bass fishing knot works well with monofilament lines and braid lines. It is a good knot for hooks, crankbaits, jigs, and spinnerbits. Form a 6” loop in the end of the line and put the loop through the eye of the hook. Tie a loose overhand knot leaving enough room for your hook to pass through. After passing the hook through, tighten the knot by pulling the hook in one hand and the doubled main line in the other hand. Trim.