Four Knots You Need To Know
Poorly tied knots are the main reason why many big fish gain their freedom before reaching the net. Master these four simple knots, and you’ll be prepared when you finally encounter Mr. Big.
The Dropper Loop:




Learn how-to make a dropper loop jig and easily tie consistent dropper loops.
Snelling a Hook



Improved Clinch Knot:



The Double-Uni Knot





Illustrations by Peter Owen, from his book The Pocket Guide to Fishing Knots, courtesy Burford Books.
21 on “Four Knots You Need To Know”
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Tom C Is it just me or is the first drawing in the dropper loop incorrect? Also, palomar!!!
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don Palomar MUST BE considered a main knot. It actually is your best braided-line knot.
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RKT Agreed. Day in and day out the best. And it works with braid.
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Pete Yes. I use Palomar almost exclusively when fishing braid. between that and the uni/double uni I don’t need any other knots when surfcasting.
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Elliot Lewis The only problem I have with the Palomar is that you have to loop it around your tackle to close it out. Sometimes, I prefer the clinch so that I don’t have to loop around the tackle and get caught on hooks. Also, I have not really gotten comfortable with any knot to join lines. It is hit or miss with me on the blood knot, but I have to say I have never had much luck joining lines and I avoid it. Any suggestions?
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Mark Try the Albright Knot
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Pg The GT or FG knot it works like a finger trap. I’ve used it for a few years. Not sure of the name. It’s one of those two.
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MH Albright and the San Diego jam knot. Two other useful knots.
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Rick My favorite all around knot is the uni knot.
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Skip What is the difference between a uni knot and a blood knot? Are they one in the same?
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chris alisi I use the uniknot for all my terminal tackle it is the easiest to tie and strong you can even tieit when your hands are freezing
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Steve A If you’re using braid you need to learn the FG knot for attaching a mono or floro leader.
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Bob Mierzwinski Alberto knot very effective for mono to braid
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Bob R Great examples and very helpful. It would be even better if you made a printable version of the diagrams.
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Bob G Why not a double overhand knot instead of the dropper knot?
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Joe Pesca Plus one for FG knot! Been fishing Maine inshore and offshore, and Buzzards Bay for 30 years, I’ve tried nearly every knot imaginable. IMHO these are the best knots (for strength, ease of fashioning and least likely to catch up on guides) : FG for Braid to mono/fluorocarbon leader ; Bimini twist/Bristol for mono to fluorocarbon leader (100% knot, main line is the weakest link here, I’ve landed numerous Albies on 4 and 6 lb mono using this arrangement, I tie this in one minute now, any time, anywhere) ; terminal connections are 3 turn Uni for over 12 lb, 4 turn under 12 lb test (a time tested tip I got from talking with Larry Dahlberg a few years ago). The other listed knots are worthy as well, but these that I’ve learned to tie and use for main line to leader to tackle are the best.
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Bill Hoffman Right now is the best time of the year to practice knot tying.
It is too cold for me to be outside fishing. And I am bored sitting inside.
What better way to use this time to improve knot tying and get a head start on the spring fishing season.
Good luck everybody. -
Jake Uni/double uni knot and improved cinch knot have thus far never failed me.
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John Cherubino Uni for braid!!! 14 turns. Beats palomar every time.
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Don The best is Palomar. Its one knot……..one……overhand…….knot!
100% strength. In back in the water before you get your 3rd turn on it. Lol
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Johnny Pros and cons anyone installing your own studs on wader boots
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