The knots every angler should know, and which fishing line to put on your reel.
🪢 Fishing knots
Palomar Knot
The strongest easy knot for tying on hooks and lures — the best choice for braid.
Use for: Tying on hooks, lures, drop shots.
- Double about 6" of line and push the loop through the hook eye.
- Tie a loose overhand knot with the doubled line.
- Pass the hook or lure through the loop.
- Wet the knot, pull both ends tight, trim the tag.
💧 Always wet the knot before tightening — friction heat weakens line.
Improved Clinch Knot
The classic knot most anglers learn first. Great with mono and fluoro.
Use for: Hooks, lures, swivels with mono or fluoro.
- Pass the line through the eye and pull 6" through.
- Wrap the tag end around the main line 5–7 times.
- Push the tag through the small loop next to the eye, then back through the big loop you just made.
- Wet it and pull tight slowly.
💧 Always wet the knot before tightening — friction heat weakens line.
Uni Knot
One knot that does almost everything — strong, simple and works with every line.
Use for: Hooks, lures, swivels; also used to join lines.
- Pass the line through the eye and double it back alongside the main line.
- Make a loop with the tag over the doubled lines.
- Wrap the tag through the loop and around both lines 5–6 times.
- Wet and pull the tag to snug, then slide the knot down to the eye.
💧 Always wet the knot before tightening — friction heat weakens line.
Double Uni Knot
Joins two lines — braid to a fluoro or mono leader.
Use for: Line-to-leader connections.
- Overlap the two lines by about 8".
- Tie a uni knot with one tag around the other line (8 wraps for braid, 5 for mono).
- Tie a second uni knot with the other tag.
- Wet and pull the two knots together; trim the tags.
💧 Always wet the knot before tightening — friction heat weakens line.
San Diego Jam Knot
Very strong and quick to tie; a saltwater favorite.
Use for: Lures and hooks with mono or fluoro, especially heavier line.
- Pass the line through the eye and pull 8" through.
- Wrap the tag back around both lines 6–8 times, toward the eye.
- Pass the tag through the loop nearest the eye, then through the loop at the top.
- Wet and pull tight.
💧 Always wet the knot before tightening — friction heat weakens line.
Surgeon’s Loop
Makes a fixed loop in the end of the line in seconds.
Use for: Loop-to-loop leader connections, attaching snelled hooks and rigs.
- Double the end of the line to form a loop.
- Tie an overhand knot with the doubled line.
- Pass the loop through the overhand knot once more.
- Wet and pull tight.
💧 Always wet the knot before tightening — friction heat weakens line.
Dropper Loop
A loop that stands off the middle of your line for an extra hook.
Use for: High-low rigs, multiple-hook bottom rigs.
- Make a loop in the line where you want the dropper.
- Twist one side around the other 6–8 times.
- Push the middle of the loop through the center twist.
- Hold the loop and pull both ends until the wraps tighten.
💧 Always wet the knot before tightening — friction heat weakens line.
FG Knot
The thinnest, strongest braid-to-leader knot; slides through guides smoothly.
Use for: Braid to fluoro leaders for long casts and saltwater.
- Hold the braid tight and weave it around the leader in alternating wraps (about 20).
- Lock it with a couple of half hitches around both lines.
- Finish with half hitches around the braid only.
- Trim the leader tag and burn it lightly.
💧 Always wet the knot before tightening — friction heat weakens line.
🧵 Fishing line
Monofilament
Stretchy, floats, cheap and easy to tie. The best all-around line for beginners, topwater and bait fishing. 6–8 lb for trout & panfish, 10–14 lb for bass.
Brands we like
- Berkley Trilene XLSmooth and easy casting on spinning reels.
- Berkley Trilene Big GameTough and abrasion resistant; great for bass and salt.
- Stren OriginalReliable, budget-friendly, comes in hi-vis.
- Sufix Advance monofilamentLow stretch for a mono; good sensitivity.
Fluorocarbon
Nearly invisible underwater, sinks and resists scrapes. Use it as a leader, or for jigs, soft plastics and clear water.
Brands we like
- Seaguar InvizX fluorocarbonSoft and easy to manage; great main line.
- Seaguar Red Label fluorocarbonAffordable and popular for leaders.
- Sunline FC SniperStrong and sensitive; a pro favorite for bass.
- Berkley Vanish fluorocarbonBudget fluoro, good for trout leaders.
Braid
No stretch, super strong for its thickness and casts far. Great for frogs, heavy cover and saltwater — tie on a fluoro leader.
Brands we like
- PowerPro braided lineThe best-known braid; durable and smooth.
- Sufix 832 braidRound and smooth; casts very well.
- Seaguar Smackdown braidThin, quiet and strong.
- Berkley X9 braidGood value nine-carrier braid.
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