The 5 Best Fishing Knots for Beginners

Last Updated on September 19, 2023

Hey, there, fellow anglers! Pedro here, and today I want to talk about one of the most important aspects of successful fishing, choosing the right knot. 

If you’re new to fishing, figuring out which knot to use in different situations can be tricky.

But don’t worry. I’ve got your back!

In this article, I’ll give you a quick rundown of the best knots for beginners to fish with. After reading this, you’ll know how to tie knots like a pro and be more likely to catch more fish.

So, let’s dive in!

Understanding Fishing Knots

Fishing knots are ties used to attach a fishing line to an object like a hook, bait, or swivel.

A lousy knot in your line (which holds your gear to your line) can mean the loss of your catch and possibly your equipment.

But…

How can you ensure a knot is secure?

To ensure a fishing knot is secure, choose the right knot for your situation, tie it correctly, test it by pulling on both ends of the line, and use a high-quality fishing line.

The durability of a knot is determined by the material of the line, its length, and the method of tying.

Whatever you’re trying to capture, you’ll need a knot to hold it and ensure it doesn’t slip, break, or come undone, causing you to lose the fish.

If you want to be a good fisherman, you must know how to make fishing knots, period!

In the following section, I’ll show you some of the best fishing knots (anyone can do) to get you started on the right foot.

5 Fishing Knots Every Angler Should Know

Now for the exciting part: the best knots for beginners to fish with.

In this section, I’ll be sharing step-by-step instructions on how to tie some of the most reliable and easy-to-master knots out there.

Improved Clinch Knot

This knot is the best way to connect your line to the hook or lure, and it only takes a few easy steps to tie.

1º Thread the end of your fishing line through the eye of your hook, and then make 5 or 6 wraps around the standing line, starting at the hook and working your way towards the tag end.

2º Take the tag end of the line and thread it through the small loop you made just above the eye of the hook, then back through the big loop you just made.

3º Moisten the knot with saliva or water, then pull the tag end of the line while holding onto the standing line until the knot tightens and fits snugly against the eye of the hook.

4º Use scissors or a knife to cut off the extra tag end of the line.

And that’s it! 

With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to tie the Improved Clinch Knot quickly and easily. This will allow you to connect your line to your hook in a strong and reliable way.

Palomar Knot

Next, we have the Palomar Knot, one of the strongest knots to tie your line to a hook or lure. 

It’s a bit trickier to tie than the Improved Clinch Knot, but here’s how you can do it step by step.

1. Double about 6 inches of your fishing line, and pass the loop through the eye of your hook.
2. Tie an overhand knot with the doubled line, ensuring the hook is inside the loop and the tag end of the line is pointing towards the hook.
3. Take the loop and pass it over the hook, ensuring it remains open.
4. Wet the knot with some saliva or water, then pull on the standing line while holding the tag end until the knot tightens and settles against the eye of the hook.
5. Trim the excess tag end of the line with a pair of scissors or a knife.

The Palomar Knot is now securely tied to your hook, giving your line and gear a strong and reliable connection. 

Uni Knot

Another great knot for beginners is the Uni Knot. This versatile knot can be used for various purposes, such as attaching a line to a hook or swivel, and it’s easy to tie once you get the hang of it.

1. Run the tag end of your fishing line through the eye of the hook or lure and double back, forming a loop. Hold the doubled line and the tag end together with your thumb and forefinger.
2. Using the doubled line, create a simple knot around the standing line by wrapping it around both lines for four to six turns.
3. Insert the tag end through the loop you created at the top of the knot and then through the loop you just created with the tag end.
4. Moisten the knot with saliva or water and pull the tag end while holding the standing line to slide the knot up to the eye of the hook or lure.
5. Trim the excess tag end of the line with a pair of scissors or a knife.

Double Surgeon’s Knot

For those who prefer a knot that’s easy to tie and has a high success rate, the Double Surgeon’s Knot is a great choice. 

This knot is ideal for connecting two pieces of line together, and it’s especially useful when tying the leader to your main line.

Here’s how you can do it!

1. Take the ends of the two lines you want to join and overlap them by about 6 inches.
2. Hold the two lines together with one hand, and tie a simple overhand knot with both lines, leaving the tag ends of both lines about 2-3 inches long.
3. Take the loop you created, and pass both tags ends through the loop twice, ensuring that the two lines remain parallel.
4. Moisten the knot with saliva or water, then pull the tag ends in opposite directions while holding the loop, until the knot tightens and settles in place.
5. Trim the excess tag ends of the lines with a pair of scissors or a knife.

Blood Knot

Last but not least, we have the Blood Knot. This knot is more advanced than the others. Still, it’s an excellent choice for tying two lines together when you need to create a strong, reliable connection.

1. Take the two ends of the lines you want to join and overlap them by several inches. Then, tie a simple overhand knot with the two lines, leaving tag ends of around 6 inches.
2. Take one tag end and wrap it around the other line 4-6 times, returning to the overhand knot.
3. Repeat step 2 with the other tag end, wrapping it around the opposite line for 4-6 turns.
4. Thread one tag end through the loop between the two lines, going from the bottom up.
5. Repeat step 4 with the other tag end, threading it through the same loop from the opposite direction.
6. Moisten the knot with saliva or water, then carefully pull both standing lines in opposite directions until the knot tightens and settles in place.
7. Trim the lines’ tag ends with scissors or a knife, leaving about 1/4 inch of line.

Tips and tricks for tying each knot correctly

It’s time to share some tips and tricks you can use along the way to help you tie each knot correctly.

I want to ensure you’ll have the skills and confidence to tie each knot like a pro by the conclusion of this section!

How to Choose the Right Knot

Choosing the right knot can make all the difference in successful fishing. In this section, I’ll be sharing some tips on how to choose the right knot for the type of fishing you’re doing.

The first factor to consider when selecting a knot is the type of line you’re using. 

Different lines require different knots to connect your line and your gear strongly. 

For example, a braided line may require a different knot than a monofilament line.

Another factor to consider is the type of lure you’re using. 

Some lures may require a knot allowing more movement or action, while others may require a knot that holds the lure in place.

Lastly, the species of fish you’re targeting can also affect the type of knot you should use. 

Some species may require a knot that can withstand the fish’s strength and aggression, while others may require a more delicate knot that won’t scare them away.

By considering these factors, you’ll be able to choose the right knot for your fishing type, ensuring a strong and reliable connection between your line and your gear.

Conclusion

To summarize, understanding and mastering the art of tying fishing knots is a must-have talent for any angler, regardless of skill level.

But it’s not just a matter of understanding how to tie knots; it’s also a matter of selecting the right knot for the job.

You can choose the best fishing knot by taking into account variables such as line type, lure type, and fish species.

I hope this article has helped you better understand the importance of choosing the right knot and provided you with the knowledge and skills to tie it.

Now, it’s time to grab your gear and hit the water.

Happy fishing!