Fishing Knots Tie the right knot, haul it in - no worries

A guide to basic fishing knots.

Or download the Knot Guide as a printable PDF.

Albright Knot

double back and insert line through loop

STEP 1:
Double back several inches of the wire leader. Insert line through loop formed. Pull 10 - 12 in. of line.

make 15 turns

STEP 2:
Wrap line back over itself and over both strands of the doubled wire leader. Make 15 turns and insert end of line back through loop at point of entry. Pull gently on standing part of line to remove slack, pull gently on short end of wire leader to close loop. Pull again to remove slack. Pull short end of wire as tight as possible. Pull standing part of line tight. Clip excess wire leader, leaving 1/8 in.

Clinch Knot

insert between hook and first opening in wrap

STEP 1:
Thread wire through hook leaving several inches of wire to work with. Wrap end of wire around standing portion five times. Bring end back and insert between hook and first opening in wrap.

pull on hook and wire simultaneously to tighten

STEP 2:
Turn end upward and draw through large loop created by previous step. Pull on hook and wire simultaneously to tighten.

Figure Eight Knot

tie figure 8 knot

Tie knot as shown. Pull the tag end and the main line in opposite directions for the knot to cinch down.

Perfection Loop

form a loop

STEP 1:
Form a loop with standing portion behind. Grip crossing section with thumb and forefinger.

create a second loop

STEP 2:
Turn tag end around front of loop to create a second loop.

lay tag end in valley

STEP 3:
Lay tag end in valley between two loops.

pull slowly and steadily to close knot

STEP 4:
Slip second loop through first loop pulling slowly and steadily to close final knot.

Surgeon's Knot

lay leader parallel to wire

Connect line to wire.
STEP 1:
Lay leader parallel to wire and overlap ends by 6 in. (15.2 cm.).

tie overhand  knot

STEP 2:
Treat both lines as one and tie an overhand knot in doubled section.

go through again

STEP 3:
Go through again with both ends as before.

draw down to tighten

STEP 4:
Draw knot tight by gripping both strands on either side of knot, and draw down with slow but steady pressure.

trim ends

STEP 5:
Trim ends flush.

Uni-Knot

form uni-knot circle

STEP 1:
Double back several inches of line. Overlap doubled section with end of leader: form Uni-Knot circle.

thread through circle

STEP 2:
Thread doubled end around and through the circle 3 times. Hold ends with left hand and pull loop with right forefinger until snug.

pull steadily to tighten

STEP 3:
Reverse lines and tie another Uni-Knot with the end of the leader around both strands of line. Go through circle 3 times. Slide knots together and pull main leader and both strands of line steadily to tighten.

titanium in the clinch

© Copyright American Fishing Wire 2006
Revised July 2006
AFW-105

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