Best Fishing Knots Every Fisherman Should Know

Knot tying is an essential skill every angler learns at some point while learning to fish. In this guide we go over the most common knots used in bass fishing.

Why You Should Learn Different Knots

You may be wondering what's the point of learning different knots? Well, simply put, different knots are better suited for certain fishing line materials and each knot has an intended purpose. At some point every angler runs into one of the following situations while fishing and will need to know a different fishing knot for each circumstance:

  • Needing to attach fishing line to a hook, swivel, or anything else with an eyelet.
  • Tying two line ends together
  • Holding bait onto a hook
  • Attaching fishing line to a spool
  • Creating a looped end

Essential Fishing Knots For Beginners To Learn

Improved Clinch Knot (Fisherman's Knot)

The improved clinch knot, also known as the fisherman's knot or salmon knot, is a widely used fishing knot for tying fishing line onto hooks, swivels, and other terminal tackle. While it's not the strongest fishing knot you can tie, it's a great knot that is both easy to tie for beginners and is plenty strong enough for bass fishing.

Learn The Improved Clinch Knot

Palomar Knot

The palomar knot is another widely used fishing knot and a rival to the improved clinch knot. Both are great fishing knots to learn to use for the beginner angler. The palomar knot is also used for tying fishing line to terminal tackle that features an eyelet, like hooks and swivels. Which knot is best is up for debate by many.

Learn The Palomar Knot

Double Uni Knot

The double uni knot is a super simple and beginner friendly fishing knot used by both salt and freshwater anglers alike to join two fishing lines together. You can use this knot for joining braided line to backing line on a baitcaster or tying on leaders. While it is not the slimmest profile fishing knot in existence, it still comes through rod guides just fine.

Learn The Double Uni Knot

Blood Knot

An alternative to the double uni knot for joining two fishing lines together is the Blood Knot. The blood knot is a slightly stronger fishing knot, however both are plenty efficient for catching bass. When it comes to knot tying, it's best to use whichever fishing knot you're best at tying.

Learn The Blood Knot

Perfection Loop Knot

The perfection loop is a fishing knot used to create a looped end on a fishing line. The perfection loop knot is useful when you want to temporarily attach hooks with a leader to a snap swivel or when you want to allow the free movement of lures.

Learn The Perfection Loop Knot

Snell Knot

The snell knot is a useful terminal fishing knot for tying hooks onto fishing line and is commonly used by bass fishermen when throwing punching rigs with large bullet weights. While it's not as simple to tie as a palomar or clinch knot, when the line is pulled taught, the bullet weight pushes against the hook, shoving the hook out and to the side. Large bullet weights can blow open a fish's mouth when setting the hook, causing you to miss!

Learn The Snell Knot

Beginner Knot Tying Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

  • Not using enough line: Always use plenty of line when tying fishing knots. It's easier to trim off excess fishing line than it is to stretch it.
  • Not lubricating the knot before tightening: Dip your knot in the water or use your own saliva to moisten the line before pulling the knot tight. The friction produced from cinching the knot down can burn and weaken the fishing line if dry, and can break off on a big fish! Applying a little moisture will prevent this.
  • Knot practicing! Just do it!