If you can attach your tackle on your line properly, you are one step ahead of other fishermen. Some knots are easier than others so use the ones you can tie easily that will work for you. Here are the most useful fishing knots in any situation:

Arbor Knot

This knot is important for attaching your line to your reel. Tied properly, this knot will prevent the line from slipping when you reel.
1) Pass the line around the spool.
2) Wrap the free end around the standing line to make an overhand knot.
3) Make another overhand knot in the free end
4) Moisten the knot then snug up then it by pulling on the standing line, the knot should tighten firmly around the arbor.

Trilene Knot

This knot is one of the strongest hook attachments with a double loop around the hook eye.
1) Pass the free end through the hook eye twice to form a double loop.
2) Wrap the free end around the standing line four or five times.
3) Pass the free end through the double loop.
4) Moisten the line and pull on the standing line and hook to snug up the knot.

Palomar Knot

This knot gives the same security as the Trilene Knot but some anglers find it easier to tie.
1) Form a double line then push it through the hook eye.
2) Using the double line, make an overhand knot around the standing line with the free end.
3) Put the hook through the loop
4) Moisten the line then hold the hook while pulling on the standing line and free end to snug the knot.

Loop Knot

This knot will allow your hook or lure to swing more freely so that it will have better action.
1) Make an overhead knot several inches from the end of the line and put the free end through the hook eye.
2) Pass the free end through the overhead knot.
3) With the free end make an overhead knot around the standing line. Where you tie the overhand knot, will determine the size of the loop.
4) Moisten the knot and tighten the overhead knots and pull the standing line to snug the knot.

Duncan Loop

This knot allows a hook or crankbait to swing freely for maximum wobble.
1) Thread your line through the hook eye and form a loop in the tag end.
2) Pass the tag end through the loop winding it around the standing line and top the section of the loop four or five times while moving away from the hook.
3) Moisten the line and pull the tag end to snug the knot.
4) Pull on the standing line to slide the knot to the desired position and trim the tag end.

Improved Clinch Knot

This knot is very easy to tie and retains all the lines strength. You can use it to attach leaders and lines to hooks and swivels.
1) Pass the end of the line though the eye of the hook or swivel
2) Pull about six inches of line through the eye and double it back against itself, twisting it five to seven times around the standing line
3) Pass the end of the line through the loop formed just above the eye then through the big loop you just created. Make sure the coils don’t overlap.
4) Moisten the line and pull the tag end and main line so the coiled line tightens against the eye and trim any excess.

Dropper Loop Knot

This knot provides an attachment point for a dropper line when you are fishing with several hooks.
1) Form a loop in the line and wrap the end overhead seven times through the loop.
2) Keep the midpoint open where the twists are being made. A pencil can be inserted in the middle to help keep the strand separated so this can be done easily.
3) Hold the other side of the loop and pull it through the opening. Stick your finger through the loop so it does not pull back through.
4) Hold the loop between your teeth and pull gently on both ends of the line making the twists gather and pack down on either side of the loop.
5) Moisten the knot and pull hard on both ends of the line to snug it.

Double Surgeon’s Loop

This knot is very easy to tie and makes a secure loop in the end of your line or leader.
1) Form a double line.
2) Tie an overhead knot in your double line.
3) Pass the doubled line through the overhand knot again.
4) Moisten the knot and pull on the loop to snug the line.

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