Knots

The Albright Knot

The Albright Knot is most commonly used for joining monofilament lines of unequal diameters, for creating shock leaders and when a Bimini Twist is tied in the end of the lighter casting line. It is also used for connecting monofilament to wire.

1. Bend a loop in the tag end of the heavier monofilament and hold between thumb and forefinger of left hand. Insert the tag end of the lighter monofilament through loop from the top. Pull the standing part of the heavy mono and the standing part of the light mono.

2. Slip tag end of lighter monofilament under your left thumb and pinch it tightly against the heavier strands of the loop. Wrap the first turn of the lighter monofilament over itself and continue wrapping toward the round end of the loop. Take at least 12 turns with the lighter monofilament around all three strands


	3. Insert tag end of the lighter monofilament through end of the loop from the bottom. It must enter and leave the loop on the same side.

4. With the thumb and forefinger of the left hand, slide the coils of the lighter monofilament toward the end of the loop, stop 1/8" from end of loop. Using pliers, pull the tag end of the lighter mono tight to keep the coils from the slipping off the loop.

5. With your left hand still holding the heavier mono, pull on the standing part of the lighter mono. Pull the tag end of the lighter mono and the standing part a second time.

6. Trim both tag ends.

The Arbor Knot

The Arbor Knot provides the angler with a quick, easy connection for attaching line to the reel spool.

1) Pass the line around reel arbor.

2) Tie an overhand knot around the standing line.


	3) Tie a second overhand knot in the tag end.

4) Pull tight and snip off excess. Snug down first overhand knot on the reel arbor.

The Blood Knot

This knot is used to join to lines of similar size together, also used frequently by fly fishermen tying there own leaders. The knot strength is between 95-100% of the line test.

1) Lie the ends of the two lines against each other, overlapping about 6 inches. Take 5 turns around one line with the end of the other, and bring the end back where it's held between the two lines.

2) Repeat by taking 5 turns around the other line, bringing the end back between the two lines. These two ends should then project in opposite directions.

3) Wet and work the knot up into loops, taking care that the two ends do not slip out of position.

4) Draw the knot up tightly and clip the tag ends carefully.

Improved Clinch Knot

The Improved Clinch Knot is one of the most widely used knots for tying a line to a hook, lure, or swivel. The knot strength is between 85-90% of the line test.

The most critical aspect of this knot is how many turns are made around the standing part. Extensive research has demonstrated that the correct number is 5. If you use less than 5 turns, you sacrifice knot strength; and if you exceed 5 turns, it becomes increasingly difficult to tighten the knot properly.

1) Pass the line through the eye of the hook, swivel, or lure. Double back and make five turns around the standing line.

clinch2 2) Holding the coils in place, thread the tag end of the first loop above the eye, then back through the big loop.

3) Moisten the knot and while holding the tag end and standing, pull up the coils tightening the knot. Make sure the coils are in a spiral, not overlapping each other. Slide the knot against the eye. Clip the tag end.

The Nail Knot

The Nail Knot is generally used to attach fly line to fly line backing. This knot can also be used to attach a leader to a line. This makes a strong smooth knot that rolls out when casting. The nail knot is good for attaching two lines of different diameters.

1. Hold nail or needle, tip of fly line and backing material between thumb and forefinger. Wrap backing 6 or 7 turns. Wind careful for a tight, smooth knot. Stick end of backing between nail and fly line.

2. Remove nail. Holding coils carefully between thumb and forefinger, alternately pull both ends of backing with free hand to tighten.

3. Snip off excess backing and end of fly line.

The Surgeon's Knot

Used to tie a leader to a line where diameters vary considerably.

1. Lay line and leader parallel, overlapping 6" to 8".

2. Treating the two like a single line, tie an overhand knot, pulling the entire leader through the loop.

3. Leaving the loop of the overhand open, pull both tag end of line and leader through again.

4. Hold both lines and both ends to pull knot tight. Clip ends close to avoid foul-up in rod guides.