Fishing Knots: The Essential Knots Every Angler Should Know
Quick answer: You only need a handful of knots to fish confidently. Learn the Palomar (the strongest, easiest way to tie on a hook or lure — especially with braid), the improved clinch (the classic all-rounder for mono and fluoro), and the double uni or FG knot for joining a leader to your main line. Wet every knot before you cinch it, seat it slowly, and trim the tag close. Search or sort the full chart below by knot, use, or strength.
Fishing knots chart
Type to filter, or click a column to sort. “Strength” is the approximate percentage of the line's rated breaking strength the knot retains when tied well.
| Knot | Best for | Line type | Strength | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palomar knot | Tying a hook or lure to the line — the go-to for braid | Braid, mono, fluoro | ~95–100% | Easy |
| Improved clinch knot | Tying a hook, swivel or lure to the line | Mono, fluoro | ~95% | Easy |
| Uni knot (Duncan) | All-purpose terminal knot; also joins lines when doubled | Mono, fluoro, braid | ~90% | Easy |
| Double uni knot | Joining two lines — leader to main line | All (incl. braid to mono) | ~90% | Moderate |
| FG knot | Joining braid to a fluoro/mono leader — thinnest, strongest join | Braid to leader | ~98–100% | Hard |
| Surgeon's knot | Quickly joining two lines of similar diameter | Mono, fluoro | ~90% | Easy |
| Blood knot | Joining similar-diameter lines into a neat leader (fly fishing) | Mono | ~90% | Hard |
| Albright knot | Joining lines of very different diameters | Braid/mono to heavy leader | ~90% | Moderate |
| Arbor knot | Attaching line to the reel spool | All | n/a (spool) | Easy |
| Non-slip loop (Kreh) knot | A fixed loop that lets a lure or fly swing freely | Mono, fluoro | ~90% | Moderate |
| Snell knot | Tying line directly to a bait hook's shank for better hookups | Mono, fluoro | ~90–100% | Moderate |
| Dropper loop | A standing loop in mid-line for a second hook or fly | Mono | ~90% | Moderate |
| Rapala knot | An open loop at the lure for maximum wobble | Mono | ~85% | Moderate |
| Trilene knot | A double-wrapped clinch for extra security on terminal tackle | Mono, fluoro | ~90–95% | Easy |
How to tie the three essentials
Palomar knot (hook or lure, best for braid)
- Double about 6 inches of line and pass the loop through the eye of the hook.
- Tie a loose overhand knot with the doubled line, leaving the hook hanging.
- Pass the loop over the hook and lure completely.
- Wet the knot, then pull the tag and main line to seat it, and trim.
Improved clinch knot (mono and fluoro all-rounder)
- Pass the line through the eye, then wrap the tag around the main line 5–7 times.
- Thread the tag back through the small loop just above the eye.
- Then pass it through the big loop you just formed.
- Wet it, pull slowly to seat the coils against the eye, and trim the tag.
Double uni knot (join a leader to your main line)
- Overlap the two lines. With one tag, make a uni knot: loop back and wrap through 3–4 times around both lines, then snug.
- Repeat with the other tag in the opposite direction.
- Wet both knots and pull the main lines apart so the two uni knots slide together.
- Seat firmly and trim both tags.
Fishing knot FAQ
What is the strongest fishing knot?
For tying on a hook or lure, the Palomar knot is the strongest and most reliable for most anglers, often retaining nearly 100% of the line's strength — and it is especially good with slick braided line. For joining braid to a leader, the FG knot is the strongest, thinnest connection, but it takes practice.
What knot should a beginner learn first?
Start with the Palomar and the improved clinch for tying on hooks and lures, and the double uni for joining lines. Those three cover the vast majority of freshwater and inshore fishing situations.
Why do you wet a fishing knot before tightening?
Friction from cinching a dry knot generates heat that weakens the line. A little water (or saliva) lubricates the knot so the coils seat smoothly and the line keeps its full strength.
What is the best knot for braided line?
The Palomar for tying on terminal tackle, and the FG knot for connecting braid to a mono or fluoro leader. Braid is slick, so knots with more wraps and a doubled line hold best.
How do I connect a leader to my main line?
The double uni and surgeon's knots are quick and strong for lines of similar diameter; the FG or Albright knot is better when the diameters are very different, such as thin braid to a heavy fluoro leader.
Strength percentages are approximate and depend on line type, knot-tying technique, and how well the knot is seated. Always wet knots before tightening, test them with a steady pull, and re-tie after catching a fish or nicking your line.