Three Catfish Knots For Ponds, Saltwater, And Lakes

Fishing is one of the world's favorite pastimes especially when it comes to reeling in the catfish. This species is found in just about all areas and they live in ponds, rivers, lakes and even in saltwater. There are several different types of catfish and each of these has their own unique qualities that make them more interesting to some anglers than with others. Which type of catfish do you enjoy reeling in?

One of the most important things that you need to know how to do when catfish fishing (or any other type of fishing) is to tie knots properly. This is so important that it can't be stressed enough. You probably wouldn't believe how many anglers lost a nice cat simply because they didn't tie a good knot. This can be very discouraging and the sad part is that it's not necessary. Don't make the same mistakes. Below are three catfish knots and directions on how to tie them correctly. Using this information can greatly improve all of your fishing adventures.

How to Tie a Clinch Knot

The clinch knot is used to tie your fly to the end of the tippet. Start by running six to eight inches of the tippet through the eye of the hook. Hold the fly in one hand and use the other hand to wind the end of the leader around the long part of the leader or the "standing line" while keeping a loop next to the hooks eye. Now, the end of the leader needs to be pulled back through the loop you left opened near the hooks eye.

Next, pull both the fly and the leader line in opposite directions to tighten the knot and secure it. You do not want to pull on the tag end of the leader that you ran back through the loop. Instead, hold it near the fly and when the knot is secure you can trim the excess of the tag end off close to the knot so it won't be sticking out.

How to Tie a Palomar Knot

When it comes to attaching your hook and line together securely, the Palomar knot is considered one of the best plus, they're easy enough for even the beginner to tie. The only disadvantage is that the loop will need to pass over the hook so you have to make it large enough to do so. This could be a problem if you're using large bait.

To tie this knot you need to take about eight inches of fishing line and double it to make a four inch loop. Then run the loop through the eye of the hook. Release the hook and tie an overhand knot in the end of the doubled line that you just put through the eye without tightening the knot or twisting the lines.

Next, pull the looped end down completely over the hook, swivel and the lure. Now pull the tag end and the standing line to tighten the knot and secure it. Trim the tag end even with the knot.