How to Tie Fishing Knots

Learning how to tie fishing knots can be one of the most frustrating aspects of fishing. In many cases, when young children learn how to fish, they are taught how to cast, but their parents or guardians handle tying the knots. This can cause problems for those children later, as they will lack the skills to be able to go fishing on their own or with their friends.

The first thing you need to keep in mind when learning how to tie fishing knots is that you need to lubricate the line. Spit or water both work equally well. Apply moisture to the line to ensure that the line does not heat up as you tie the knot. Failure to do so weakens the line, which makes it much more likely to snap when the line is put under strain by a large fish. The next thing you will want to do is make certain your knot is tight. A tight knot will hold securely, where a loose knot runs risk of unraveling.

There are many different types of fishing knots currently in use. When you are learning how to tie fishing knots, you will want to use a common, simple knot to learn from. A Trilene knot is very popular, as it is very strong and will not weaken the test of the line if it is tied correctly. Most people will learn the trilene knot first, as it is usable in most situations. One of the few instances that you will not use trilene knots is when you need to secure two pieces of line to each other. Customarily, trilene knots are not typically used in fly fishing, as many of the ties re done mid line.

When learning how to tie fishing knots, it is important that you pay attention to detail. The number of times you wrap the tail line around your leader line will affect how secure the knot is. Make certain you are paying attention when you are taught so that you understand how the knot works so you can make it as secure as possible.

The final thing you will learn when learning how to tie fishing knots is how to test the knot. Testing a knot prior to casting and catching fish can help ensure that the knot will hold under pressure. Testing a knot is simple. All you need to do is grab a safe part of the hook or lure you are using and a section of line above the knot. Pull. If the knot holds, it passes the test. If you notice a shift in the knot or a loosening of the lure, you will want to cut the knot away and try again.

It is suggested that you avoid tying multiple knots with the same section of line, as this will compromise how strong the knot will be.