Procedure

Fishing knots: improved clinch, Uni, Palomar, Rapala, Albright and FG step by step

Secondary source
Reading
21 min
Questions
16
Sources
10
As of
6 Nov 2026

Three knots for the hook are enough for most fishing. Besides these you will also find here the loops at the lure (Rapala) and the joints to a leader (Albright, FG, surgeon's knot), which one to use when and what we know about knot strength from measurements, and also how small those measurements are.

What we really know about knot strength

Two small measurements and one encyclopedia

The knot strength data come from few measurements with a small number of trials. There is no single figure that would apply to every line, knot and way of tying.

A test with a small samplePreprint arXiv:1,202.5260: 8 fluorocarbon leaders around 15 lb, 5 trials without a knot and with a Uni knot, one spool from one brand. The knot reduced the strength of every line, and the stated strength differed from the measured one. The preprint was not peer-reviewed.

A test with a small sampleKnot test in Ontario OUT of DOORS magazine: braided, fluorocarbon and monofilament line of 10 lb, 5 pulls per knot. The improved clinch on braided line always slipped at about 4 lb; the Rapala loop did not fail even once.

PracticeThe figure that the Uni knot keeps about 82% of strength is given by Animated Knots according to a test by Mack Martin. We did not verify the test.

Which knot for what

Overview of knots, loops and joints

Knots, loops and joints and their use
KnotWhat it is good forWhat to watch out forSource
Improved clinchA hook, lure or swivel on monofilament and fluorocarbon line.The source does not recommend it for line over 30 lb. On braided line it slipped in the test.Animated Knots, OFAH test
UniUniversal: hook, loop, joining two lines; monofilament and braided line.For joining two lines, the source gives a strength of about 75% (no source).Animated Knots, arXiv
PalomarA hook, lure or swivel, especially on braided line.The whole hook or lure must pass through the loop, so it is not suitable for large lures.Wikipedia
Double UniJoining two lines (for example main line and leader).We did not verify the procedure against a source; it is from practice.practice
Rapala loopA movable loop at the lure so that the lure moves freely.It did not fail in the OFAH test. The end of the line points away from the hook and may catch on grass.Animated Knots, OFAH test
Non-slip loopA movable loop at the lure, slightly more turns than the Rapala.The source gives no strength; the procedure is from practice.NetKnots
Surgeon's knotJoining two lines, especially monofilament, of slightly different thickness.Bulkier than other joints; the line bends slightly at the knot.Animated Knots
AlbrightJoining lines of different thickness, for example braided line with a leader.The turns must lie tightly side by side, otherwise the knot slips.Bass Pro Shops
FGA slim connection of braided line to a fluorocarbon or monofilament leader.It is harder to tie, requires tension and seating. Most failures occur when tightening.Tackle Warehouse
Example of the knot on a thick rope around an eyelet (a model, not real fishing line).
Example of the knot on a thick rope around an eyelet (a model, not real fishing line). Photo: StromBer 17:02, 6. Apr. 2008 (CEST), CC BY-SA 2.0 de, Wikimedia Commons

Improved clinch

The basis for monofilament and fluorocarbon

PracticeProcedure according to Animated Knots. It is a description of the knot, not a strength measurement.

  1. Pass the end through the eye

    Pass the free end (turquoise line) through the eye and return it back along the standing part of the line.

  2. Wrap the end about five times around the standing part

    Lay the turns side by side and work away from the eye (arrow). The picture shows five turns; with thicker line four are enough.

  3. Pass the end through the small loop at the eye

    Return the end toward the eye and pass it through the small loop that formed right next to the eye (A). The last pass-through that makes the clinch "improved" is not drawn; the video shows it and the text below describes it.

  4. Moisten and tighten

    Moisten the knot and tighten it until the turns seat against the eye. The end is then short, so trim it close to the knot. The picture is only schematic.

Our own diagram of the improved clinch knot. The turquoise line is the free end of the line. The diagram does not show the last pass-through that makes the clinch "improved"; it is in the text below and in the video. The diagram is simplified and not to scale.
How to Tie an Improved Clinch KnotAnimated Knots by Grog · YouTube · plays only after you click
Tying animation from Animated Knots, whose step descriptions we use in the text below. Open on YouTube · Knot page on Animated Knots
Improved clinch knot on a thick rope, laid out loosely so that the path of the rope is visible. This is a model with a steel eyelet, not a line and hook. The photo shows the finished shape of the knot; the tying procedure is in the steps below.
Improved clinch knot on a thick rope, laid out loosely so that the path of the rope is visible. This is a model with a steel eyelet, not a line and hook. The photo shows the finished shape of the knot; the tying procedure is in the steps below. Photo: Der Barbar, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

You need: line, hook, lure or swivel with an eye

  1. Pass the end of the line through the eye

    Pass the free end through the eye of the hook, lure or swivel.

  2. Wrap the end around the standing part about five times

    Wrap the free end around the standing part of the line about five times and keep the turns side by side in a regular spiral. With thicker line four turns are enough.

  3. Pass the end through the small loop at the eye

    Pass the free end back through the small loop right next to the eye.

  4. Pass the end under the last turn

    Pass the free end through once more under the last turn. This step is "improved", that is, an enhancement that makes the knot hold better.

  5. Moisten or lubricate the knot and tighten it

    Moisten or lubricate the knot and tighten it until the turns seat and the end presses against the hook.

  6. Trim off the excess end

    Cut the free end close to the knot. After tightening, load the knot.

Uni knot

A universal knot for a hook, a loop and a joint

PracticeProcedure according to Animated Knots.

  1. Pass the end through the eye and form a loop

    Pass the end through the eye, bring it back alongside the standing part and form a complete loop (circle). The standing part is the thicker line, the end is the turquoise line.

  2. Wrap the end five times around both lines

    Inside the loop, wrap the end five times around both lines. The turns are only indicated in the picture; the end comes out of the knot in the direction away from the eye.

  3. Tighten the knot

    Moisten the knot and pull on the end (arrow) until the turns gather into a spiral.

  4. Slide the knot to the eye

    Pull the standing part of the line (arrow) until the knot slides to the required loop size or all the way to the eye. Trim the end.

Our own diagram of the Uni knot. The turquoise line is the free end of the line, the thicker line is the standing part. The turns are only indicated in the second phase; the exact number is in the text below. The diagram is simplified and not to scale.
How to Tie the Uni Knot (Duncan Knot)Animated Knots by Grog · YouTube · plays only after you click
Tying animation from Animated Knots, whose step descriptions we use in the text below. Open on YouTube · Knot page on Animated Knots

You need: line, an eyed hook

  1. Pass the end of the line through the eye

    Pass the free end through the eye of the hook.

  2. Form a loop alongside the standing part

    Return the free end back along the standing part of the line so that a complete loop is formed.

  3. Wrap the end five times around both lines

    Inside the loop, wrap the free end five times around both lines.

  4. Moisten or lubricate the knot

    Moisten or lubricate the knot before tightening.

  5. Tighten the knot

    Pull the free end until the turns gather into a spiral.

  6. Slide the knot to the required loop size

    Slide the knot so that the loop has the size you want.

  7. Tighten the knot against the eye

    Hang the loop, for example on a peg, pull the free end and ease the standing part of the line so that the knot tightens.

  8. Trim off the excess end

    Cut off the free end and test the knot under load.

The Uni can also be used for tying a loop and for joining two lines, when each line is tied around the standing part of the other. For the joint, the source gives a strength of about 75% of the original, with no source cited for the figure.

Palomar knot

The knot that sources recommend for braided line

Secondary sourceThe procedure follows the encyclopedia Wikipedia. The claim that the knot keeps almost the whole strength is a figure from the encyclopedia, not from our measurement.

  1. Double the line and pass the loop through the eye

    Pass the doubled line (about 20 to 30 cm) as a loop through the eye of the hook. The loop ends up on the other side of the eye.

  2. Tie a loose overhand knot

    Tie a loose simple knot in the doubled line and do not tighten it. The loop with the eye hangs below the knot.

  3. Pass the hook through the remaining loop

    Pass the loop that stayed under the knot over the whole hook or lure (arrow).

  4. Moisten and tighten

    Moisten the knot and pull evenly on both the standing part and the free end (arrows). Trim the end to about 3 mm. The picture is only schematic.

Our own diagram of the Palomar knot: a doubled line, a loose overhand knot and passing the loop over the hook. The diagram is simplified, not to scale and does not replace the text of the steps below. The photographs of the model are below the procedure.
How to Tie a Palomar KnotAnimated Knots by Grog · YouTube · plays only after you click
Tying animation from Animated Knots. Our procedure comes from an encyclopedia, so it may differ in details; where they differ, compare both procedures. Open on YouTube · Knot page on Animated Knots

You need: line, an eyed hook

  1. Double the line and pass the loop through the eye

    Double about 20 to 30 cm of line into a loop and pass the loop through the eye of the hook, lure or swivel.

  2. Tie a loose overhand knot

    From the doubled part and the doubled line that leads to the rod, tie a loose overhand knot.

  3. Pass the hook through the remaining loop

    Pass the hook or lure through the remaining loop of the overhand knot.

  4. Slide the loop just above the eye

    Slide the loop along the line just above the eye.

  5. Moisten the knot and tighten it evenly

    Moisten the knot to reduce friction and pull evenly on both the free end and the standing part of the line.

  6. Trim off the excess end

    Cut off the free end to about 3 mm.

  1. Doubled rope passed through the ring
    Doubled rope passed through the ring
  2. Loose knot, intermediate step
    Loose knot, intermediate step
  3. Intermediate step, the knot is loose
    Intermediate step, the knot is loose
  4. Intermediate step, the ring is outside the knot
    Intermediate step, the ring is outside the knot
  5. Intermediate step, the ring is inside the loop
    Intermediate step, the ring is inside the loop
  6. Tightened knot
    Tightened knot
Palomar knot on a thick green rope, a ring stands in for the hook (a model, not fishing line). The first and last frames show the start and the finished tightened knot; the middle ones are intermediate steps before tightening. The order of steps in the text follows the source; the images only supplement it. Photo: Der Barbar, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Joining two lines: Double Uni

A procedure from practice, not verified against a source

PracticeA procedure from anglers' practice; the number of turns differs by line thickness and type.

You need: two lines

  1. Lay the ends of the lines side by side

    Lay the ends of the two lines side by side so that they overlap by a few centimeters.

  2. Tie a Uni with one end around the other line

    At the end of the first line, form a loop around the second line and wrap it through the loop several times (depending on the thickness and type of line). Moisten the knot and tighten it.

  3. Do the same with the other end

    Tie the same knot with the end of the second line around the first line. Moisten and tighten this knot too.

  4. Slide the knots together

    Pull both main lines until the knots slide together and seat.

  5. Trim the ends and check the joint

    Trim the ends and load the joint with a sharp pull while the line is still in your hand.

Rapala loop and non-slip loop

A loop at the lure so that it can move freely

PracticeThe Rapala loop procedure follows Animated Knots, the non-slip loop NetKnots (Lefty Kreh). This is a description of the knot. From measurements we only know that the Rapala loop did not fail even once in the OFAH test; the source gives no strength for the non-slip loop.

Both loops let the lure move freely, because the line is not pulled tight directly to the eye. The loop must be large enough not to pinch the lure. The Rapala loop has three turns around the standing part, the non-slip loop four to five.

  1. Tie a loose overhand knot

    Tie a simple knot in the line and do not tighten it. Leave a long enough end for the loop and the turns. The hook or lure is set aside for now.

  2. End through the eye and back through the knot

    Pass the free end through the eye of the lure and then back through the simple knot (arrow).

  3. Wrap the end three times around the standing part

    Wrap the free end three times around the standing part of the line and return it back through the knot (arrow). The last pass-through of the resulting loop is not drawn; the video shows it and the text below describes it.

  4. Moisten and tighten

    Moisten the knot and tighten it slowly. Leave the loop big enough that it does not pinch the lure. The picture is only schematic.

Our own diagram of the Rapala loop. The full circle is an overhand knot, the turquoise line is the free end of the line, which is wrapped three times around the standing part. The diagram does not show the last pass-through of the resulting loop; it is in the text below and in the video. The diagram is simplified and not to scale.
Rapala Knot: How to Tie a Rapala KnotAnimated Knots by Grog · YouTube · plays only after you click
Tying animation from Animated Knots, whose step descriptions we use in the text below. The non-slip loop by Lefty Kreh has no video of its own on Animated Knots, so there is no video for it. Open on YouTube · Knot page on Animated Knots
  1. Rope with a loose simple knot and an eyelet
    Rope with a loose simple knot and an eyelet
  2. End through the eye and back through the knot
    End through the eye and back through the knot
  3. Intermediate step, turns around the standing part
    Intermediate step, turns around the standing part
  4. Intermediate step, the end led back through the knot
    Intermediate step, the end led back through the knot
  5. Intermediate step, the knot is still loose
    Intermediate step, the knot is still loose
  6. Tightened knot with a loop at the eyelet
    Tightened knot with a loop at the eyelet
Rapala loop knot on a thick turquoise rope and a metal eyelet (a model, not line and lure). The number of turns in the images may differ from the procedure in the text; the text applies. The first and last frames show the start and the finished knot; the others are intermediate steps. Photo: Der Barbar, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

You need: line, a lure with an eye

  1. Tie a loose overhand knot

    Tie a simple knot in the line. Do not tighten it. Leave a long enough end for the loop and the turns.

  2. Pass the end through the eye and back through the knot

    Pass the free end through the eye of the lure and then back through the overhand knot.

  3. Wrap the end three times around the standing part

    Wrap the free end three times around the standing part of the line.

  4. Pass the end through the knot and the loop

    Pass the end back through the overhand knot and then through the loop that was formed in the process.

  5. Moisten the knot and tighten

    Moisten the knot and tighten it slowly. Leave the loop big enough that it does not pinch the lure.

  6. Trim off the excess end

    Cut the free end close to the knot and load the knot.

  1. Tie a loose overhand knot

    About 25 cm from the end of the line, tie an overhand knot and leave it loose. The hook or lure is set aside for now.

  2. End through the eye and back through the knot

    Pass the free end through the eye and return it back through the loop of the simple knot (arrow).

  3. Wrap the end four to five times around the standing part

    With the free end make 4 to 5 turns around the standing part of the line (to the left of the knot). Then pass it back through the knot from the same side from which it came out (arrow).

  4. Moisten and tighten the knot

    Moisten the knot and pull the end slowly so that the turns move closer together. Then pull the loop and the standing part of the line in opposite directions. The picture is only schematic.

Our own diagram of the non-slip loop according to Lefty Kreh's procedure. The full circle is an overhand knot, the turquoise line is the end of the line that wraps around the standing part. The diagram is simplified, not to scale and does not replace the text of the steps below.

You need: line, hook or lure with an eye

  1. Tie a loose overhand knot

    About 25 cm from the end of the line, tie an overhand knot and leave it loose.

  2. Pass the end through the eye and back through the knot

    Pass the free end through the eye of the hook or lure and then back through the loop of the overhand knot.

  3. Wrap the end four to five times around the standing part

    With the free end, wrap four to five turns around the standing part of the line.

  4. Pass the end back through the knot

    Pass the end back through the overhand knot, from the same side it came out of before.

  5. Moisten the knot and bring the turns closer

    Moisten the knot and pull the free end slowly so that the turns draw together freely.

  6. Tighten the knot

    Pull the loop and the standing part of the line in opposite directions until the knot seats.

  7. Trim off the excess end

    Cut off the free end and test the knot under load.

The loop must not pinch the lure

Leave it large enough for the lure to move freely (Animated Knots).

The end of the line may catch

With the Rapala loop the free end points away from the hook, so when the lure is worked it may catch on grass (Animated Knots).

Why more turns

According to Animated Knots, Lefty Kreh tried an early version of the Rapala loop, did not consider it particularly strong and improved it with further turns around the standing part.

Surgeon's knot

A quick joint of two lines

PracticeProcedure according to Animated Knots. It is a description of the knot; we did not measure its strength.

  1. Lay the two lines side by side

    One line (the thicker line) runs from the left, the other (turquoise) from the right. They overlap by 10 to 15 cm (bracket).

  2. Make one common loop from both lines

    Make one loop from both lines together. Pass both ends through the loop twice (orange arrows).

  3. Tighten the knot by pulling all four ends

    Moisten the knot and pull all four ends at once (arrows). The knot is only indicated in the picture.

Our own diagram of the surgeon's knot. The knot is only indicated, the diagram is simplified and does not replace the text of the steps below.
How to Tie a Surgeon's KnotAnimated Knots by Grog · YouTube · plays only after you click
Tying animation from Animated Knots, whose step descriptions we use in the text below. Open on YouTube · Knot page on Animated Knots

You need: two lines

  1. Lay the two lines side by side

    Lay the ends of the two lines side by side so that they overlap enough to tie the knot, usually 10 to 15 cm (advice from practice).

  2. Make a loop from both lines together

    Take both lines as one and make a loop of them, as if tying an overhand knot.

  3. Pass both ends through the loop twice

    Pass both ends together through the loop, then pass them through once more, twice in total.

  4. Moisten the knot and tighten

    Moisten the knot and tighten it by pulling all four ends at once.

  5. Trim the excess ends

    Cut both ends close to the knot and load the joint.

What it is good for

For joining two lines of slightly different thickness, especially monofilament. The source gives an example of a leader and a main line.

What to watch out for

It is bulkier than other joints and the line bends slightly at the knot (Animated Knots).

Triple surgeon's knot

If you pass both ends through the loop three times instead of twice, you get a triple surgeon's knot (Animated Knots).

Albright

Joining lines of different thickness, for example braided line with a leader

PracticeThe procedure follows Bass Pro Shops. The number of 10 to 12 turns is given by the photo description on Wikimedia Commons. It is a description of the knot; we did not measure the strength.

  1. A loop of thicker line, the thinner line through it

    Double the end of the thicker line (the thicker line) into a loop and pass about 25 cm of the thinner line (the turquoise line) through the loop.

  2. Pass the thinner line through both branches of the loop

    Return the thinner line and wrap it 10 to 12 tight turns over both branches of the loop, toward the end of the loop. The picture shows only some of the turns.

  3. Pass the end back through the loop

    Pass the end of the thinner line back through the loop (arrow). The turns must not spread apart in the process.

  4. Slide the turns toward the end of the loop and tighten

    Slide the turns toward the end of the loop and pull both the thinner and the thicker line smoothly (arrows). Trim the excess end of the thinner line. The picture is only schematic.

Our own diagram of the Albright knot. The thicker line is the thicker line that forms the loop, the turquoise line is the thinner line. Only some of the turns are drawn in the second phase; in reality there are 10 to 12. The diagram is simplified and not to scale.
How to Tie an Albright KnotAnimated Knots by Grog · YouTube · plays only after you click
Tying animation from Animated Knots. Our procedure comes from other sources, so it may differ in details (for example the number of turns); where they differ, compare both procedures. Open on YouTube · Knot page on Animated Knots
  1. A loop of thicker rope with the thinner rope passing through it
    A loop of thicker rope with the thinner rope passing through it
  2. The thinner rope wrapped around both legs of the loop and the end led back through the loop
    The thinner rope wrapped around both legs of the loop and the end led back through the loop
  3. Tightened knot, the excess is trimmed off
    Tightened knot, the excess is trimmed off
Albright knot on a thicker white and a thinner orange rope (a model, not fishing line). The images show the start, the wrapping and the finished knot. The order of steps follows the text. Photo: StromBer, CC BY-SA 2.0 de, Wikimedia Commons

You need: thicker line or leader, thinner line

  1. Make a loop from the thicker line

    Double the end of the thicker line into a loop. Pass about 25 cm of thinner line through the loop.

  2. Hold the lines and wrap the thinner line through the loop

    Hold both lines and the loop with your fingers. Pass the thinner line back over itself and through both branches of the loop and start wrapping it.

  3. Make about 10 to 12 tight turns

    Lay the turns tightly side by side over both branches of the loop. The Bass Pro source gives 10 turns, the photo description on Commons 10 to 12.

  4. Pass the end of the thinner line back through the loop

    Pass the end of the thinner line back through the loop so that it comes out on the same side it entered.

  5. Slide the turns toward the end of the loop and tighten

    For both ends of the thicker line, slide the turns toward the end of the loop and then pull the thinner line steadily until the knot tightens.

  6. Trim off the excess end

    Cut the free end of the thinner line close to the knot and load the knot.

What it is good for

For joining lines of different thickness and material, most often braided line with a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader (advice from practice).

What to watch out for

The turns must lie tightly side by side and the knot is tightened with a smooth pull, otherwise it may slip (advice from practice). The knot is hard to untie, so treat it as a permanent joint.

FG

A slim joint of braided line with a leader

PracticeThe procedure follows Tackle Warehouse. Anglers tie the FG in different ways; this is one of them. We did not measure the strength.

  1. Tension the braided line and lay the leader across it

    The end of the braided line is wrapped 3 to 4 times around the little finger and the line is kept taut (arrow). The leader (turquoise line) lies across, about 8 to 10 cm above the finger.

  2. Weave the leader around the braided line

    The leader is led alternately over the braided line and under it. The picture shows only some of the passes; in practice there are 20 to 30.

  3. Secure the top of the wraps and cinch the knot

    Hold the top of the wraps with your fingers and tie two half hitches around both lines together (orange circles). Then pull both lines in opposite directions (arrows) until the braided line bites into the leader.

Our own diagram of the first steps of the FG knot. The leader is the turquoise line, the braided line is the thicker line. The diagram is simplified, not to scale and stops at the cinching of the knot; the further steps are in the text below.

You need: braided line, leader, sharp scissors

  1. Tension the braided line

    The braided line must stay taut while you tie. Put the rod in a holder and wrap the end of the line 3 to 4 times around your little finger.

  2. Lay the leader crosswise over the braided line

    Lay about 13 to 15 cm of leader crosswise (at a right angle) over the braided line, about 8 to 10 cm above your finger.

  3. Weave the leader around the braided line

    Weave the leader around the braided line so that it alternately passes over it and under it. Make 20 to 30 passes, fewer with a thicker leader and more with a thin one.

  4. Secure the top of the wraps with half hitches

    Hold the top of the wraps with your fingers and tie two half hitches around both lines together.

  5. Cinch the knot

    Pull the braided line and the leader in opposite directions until the braided line bites into the leader. The braided line should be taut up to the last turn. Do not skip this step; this is where knots fail most often.

  6. Trim the end of the leader

    Cut the end of the leader as close to the braided line as possible with sharp scissors.

  7. Secure the knot with the end of the braided line

    At the end of the braided line, tie two to four half hitches around the braided line (some anglers use the Uni).

  8. Cut off the end of the braided line

    Cut off the free end of the braided line. A drop of glue can be put on the last knot so that it does not come undone (source).

Tension is the basis

The braided line must stay taut while you tie. The source recommends the rod in a holder or the line wrapped around the little finger.

20 to 30 passes

Fewer with a thicker leader, more with a thin one (Tackle Warehouse).

A smooth knot

Cut off the excess leader as close to the braided line as possible so that the knot passes through the rod guides without catching (Tackle Warehouse).

Line joints: what to choose

Four joints side by side

Joining two lines
JointWhat it is good forDifficultyNote
Surgeon's knotTwo monofilament lines of slightly different thickness.SimpleBulkier; the line bends slightly at the knot.
Double UniTwo lines, the main line and a leader.MediumA procedure from practice, see above.
AlbrightLines of different thickness and material, for example braided line with a leader.MediumTight turns, a permanent joint.
FGBraided line with a leader, when the joint has to pass through the rod guides as smoothly as possible.DemandingIt requires tension and seating; practice it.

The most common mistakes when tying

What can be avoided

A dry knot

Moisten or lubricate the knot before tightening to reduce friction (Palomar: moisten; Uni and clinch: lubricate).

Improved clinch on line over 30 lb

The source does not recommend it above this strength, and it is hard to tie in thicker line.

Improved clinch on braided line

In the OFAH test it always slipped at about 4 lb. For braided line the sources recommend the Palomar.

An unchecked knot

After tightening, load it with a firm pull while it is still in the air or at the water. If it slips, tie a new one (advice from practice).

Tightening too fast

Pull smoothly, not jerkily, so that the turns lay down side by side (advice from practice).

Old or damaged line

Check the last few meters before the knot with your fingers and cut it off if there are scratches (advice from practice).

Frequently asked questions

16 questions with short answers. Expand the one you are interested in.

Which knot is best for tying on a hook?

There is no single best knot. For monofilament and fluorocarbon line the improved clinch or Uni knot is commonly used; for braided line sources recommend the Palomar, because the improved clinch on braided line always slipped at about 4 lb in the OFAH test.

The procedures are higher up on this page.

How do I tie a hook onto the line?

The simplest is the improved clinch: pass the end through the eye, wrap it about five times around the standing part, pass it through the small loop by the eye and then under the last turn, moisten, tighten and trim the excess (source: Animated Knots). The detailed procedure is higher up.

Which knot is for braided line?

The sources recommend the Palomar: doubled line 20 to 30 cm, a loop through the eye, a simple knot, the hook through the loop, moisten, tighten, trim to 3 mm (Wikipedia). In an OFAH test the improved clinch on braided line always slipped at about 4 lb (line 10 lb, 5 pulls per knot, small sample).

What is the strongest fishing knot?

We cannot honestly answer this question with a single knot. The available measurements have few trials and one line brand. The source states that the Uni knot keeps about 82% of the line strength; the figure comes from a test that we did not verify. Measurements on fluorocarbon showed that the knot reduced the strength of every line.

How much line strength does a knot lose?

Every knot reduces strength. In a measurement of fluorocarbon leaders around 15 lb (arXiv:1,202.5260), the Uni knot reduced the strength of every line. The exact figure differs by line, knot and way of tying, and the available tests are small. For the Uni about 82% is given (unverified), for joining two lines about 75% (no source).

How to join two lines?

The Uni can also be used for joining: each line is tied around the standing part of the other (Animated Knots). This creates the knot commonly called the Double Uni. Its procedure is marked in the guide as practical, not verified according to the source.

How do I join braided line to a fluorocarbon leader?

Mainly two knots are used: the Albright and the FG.

With the Albright, the thicker line (leader) forms a loop; the thinner one is passed through it, wrapped 10 to 12 times around both strands of the loop, and the end goes back through the loop. FG is slimmer but harder to tie: the leader is woven around the tensioned braided line with 20 to 30 passes and secured with half hitches. The procedures are in the guide above. We did not measure the strength.

How do I tie a Rapala loop?

Tie a loose overhand knot in the line, pass the end through the eye of the lure and back through the knot, wrap it three times around the standing part, pass it back through the knot and then through the loop that formed, moisten, tighten and trim the excess (source: Animated Knots). The loop must be large enough not to pinch the lure. In the OFAH test the Rapala loop did not fail once, though the sample was small.

What is a non-slip loop?

It is a loop at the end of the line that does not tighten when pulled and lets the lure move freely. The procedure by Lefty Kreh is similar to the Rapala loop, but with more turns (four to five) around the standing part. The procedure is in the guide above; the source gives no strength.

How do I join two lines of different thickness?

For monofilament lines of slightly different thickness, use the surgeon's knot (two lines side by side, both ends passed twice through the loop). For lines of different material, for example braided line with a leader: the Albright or the FG. The Double Uni is another option; its procedure comes from practice. The procedures are above.

Why does my knot slip?

If it is braided line, one cause may be an unsuitable knot: in an OFAH test the improved clinch always slipped on it at about 4 lb. Try the Palomar, which sources recommend for braided line.

From practice (not from measurement), a knot that is not tightened or is dry is given as a further cause. Moisten the knot, tighten it smoothly and load it after tightening.

Should the knot be moistened before tightening?

Yes. The Palomar procedure says to moisten the knot to reduce friction. For the improved clinch and the Uni, the source says to lubricate the knot.

How many turns should an improved clinch have?

According to Animated Knots about five turns; with thicker line four are enough. For line over 30 lb, the source does not recommend it.

Can I use the same knot for monofilament and braided line?

Not always. The Uni is used for both types. The improved clinch is designed for monofilament and fluorocarbon line and slipped on braided line in the test. The sources recommend the Palomar for braided line.

What does lb mean on a line?

The abbreviation lb stands for pound, a unit of weight, about 0.45 kg. A 15 lb line has, according to the manufacturer, a strength of about 6.8 kg. The measured values differ from the manufacturer's data (arXiv:1,202.5260).

How can I practice knots?

Practice at home with a thicker cord and on a peg or nail instead of a hook. Tie the knot slowly and check at each attempt that the turns lie side by side. Before fishing, tie the knot on the actual line and load it (advice from practice).

Sources

Each source shows the level of evidence and the date we opened it.

  1. Improved Clinch Knot Animated Knots by Grog. Opened 6 Nov 2026. Tying procedure: about five turns, passing through the loop at the eye and then under the last turn; not suitable for lines above 30 lb.Practice
  2. Uni Knot Animated Knots by Grog. Opened 6 Nov 2026. Tying procedure: a loop along the line, five wraps, lubricate, tighten, slide, trim. The source states that about 82% of the line strength is retained (test by M. Martin, unverified).Practice
  3. Palomar knot Wikipedia. Opened 6 Nov 2026. Tying procedure: doubled line 20 to 30 cm, a loop through the eye, an overhand knot, passing the hook through the loop, wet, tighten, trim to about 3 mm; suitable for braided line.Secondary source
  4. Rapala Knot Animated Knots by Grog. Opened 6 Nov 2026. Tying procedure: overhand knot, the end through the lure's eye and back through the knot, three turns around the standing part, the end back through the knot and through the resulting loop, moisten, tighten. Note: Lefty Kreh did not consider the early version particularly strong.Practice
  5. Kreh Loop (non-slip loop knot) Net Knots. Opened 6 Nov 2026. Tying procedure for the non-slip loop: overhand knot about 25 cm from the end, the end through the eye and back through the knot, four to five turns around the standing part, back through the knot, moisten, tighten. The source does not give the strength.Practice
  6. Surgeons Join Knot Animated Knots by Grog. Opened 6 Nov 2026. Tying procedure: two lines side by side, a loop of both, both ends twice through the loop, moisten, tighten by all four ends. Bulkier than the Blood Knot; it bends the line slightly in the knot.Practice
  7. Fishing Knot Library: How to Tie the Albright Special Fishing Knot Bass Pro Shops. Opened 6 Nov 2026. Tying procedure: a loop of thicker line, about 25 cm of thinner line through it, 10 tight turns over both branches of the loop, the end back through the loop to the same side, tighten, trim. The number of 10 to 12 turns is also given in the photo description on Wikimedia Commons.Practice
  8. How-To Tie an FG Knot, The Full Breakdown Tackle Warehouse. Opened 6 Nov 2026. Tying procedure: tensioned braided line, leader woven around it with 20 to 30 passes, two half hitches, tightening, trimming, two to four half hitches with the end of the braided line. The source does not give the strength.Practice
  9. Comparing Measured Fluorocarbon Leader Breaking Strength with Manufacturer Claims (arXiv:1,202.5260) arXiv (preprint). Opened 6 Nov 2026. 8 fluorocarbon leaders around 15 lb, 5 trials without a knot and with a Uni knot, one spool from a brand. The knot reduced the strength of every line, and the stated strength differs from the measured one. Small sample.A test with a small sample
  10. Testing knots (knot test) Ontario OUT of DOORS, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. Opened 6 Nov 2026. A magazine test of knots on braided, fluorocarbon and monofilament line of 10 lb, 5 pulls per knot. The improved clinch on braided line always slipped at about 4 lb; the Rapala loop did not fail even once. Small sample.A test with a small sample

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