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Securing the fishing line to the hook isn't only important for making sure you don't lose the hook when a large fish takes the bait, it also affects the presentation of the bait and the action when you reel in a fish. Since some knots have been shown to be more than secure than others, it's important to choose your knot carefully. Different knots work better with different types and weights of fishing line; for example, an improved clinch knot is great for light line but doesn't work so well with heavy lines. Knowing what knots to use can greatly increase your catch rate, which makes it well worth learning a number of ways to tie on a hook or lure.
- Easy and strong, the snell knot is one of the most popular ways to tie on a hook. The snell also keeps the hook lined up directly with the fishing line, making reeling in and proper presentation of baits and lures a snap. If you are preparing a large number of hooks, the snell is an efficient knot to use. According to fishingkites.co.nz, a circle hook tied with a snell knot had a 20 percent better performance rate than a circle hook tied using other methods.
- Named for the area where it was popularized, the baja knot is perfect for extra-heavy line. Ideal for deep-sea fishing, this knot also pairs well with large lures. According to netknots.com, baja knots work well with line up to 100 pound test.
- Useful with nearly all types of line, the eye crosser knot reportedly beat out popular knots like the improved clinch knot in strength tests. The eye crosser also keeps hooks lined up with the fishing line, making it a great choice for lures and artificial baits.
- The palomar knot is touted as the strongest knot you can tie with braided line, making it a popular choice for fishermen who prefer braided fishing line. The palomar knot is also easy to tie, and works well with most other types of light line. According to netknots.com, the palomar retains nearly 100 percent of the line's strength, even after it is tied.
- Another quick and easy knot, the improved clinch is nearly as popular as the snell knot for making strong knots quickly. Its usefulness, however, is limited to light lines, or those under 25 pound test, and it does not work well with braided lines.
