How to Tie a Simple Fishing Knot

Anglers know that the difference that a knot can make might make the difference between catching a big fish and losing fish. It is important understand how the type of line used affects the integrity of a knot and to know how each line will react to a specific situation. First one needs to understand the different characteristic of a line, how monofilament differs from Braided and Fluorocarbon vise versa.
Monofilament knots stretch and allow the line to grip itself and not slip whereas Braided knots neither stretch no contract, although this might be a more solid connection, they are likely to slip. When tying a knot, one has to note the number of wraps made; too many will cause friction between the line and the knot itself until it breaks, too few might cause line slippage or knot failure. It is wise to practice knot tying and to learn a how to join one line to another. One should always remember to moisten lines before tightening knots and to always cinch down the knot from both ends.
Every fisherman should know at least three to four knots that relate to his mode of fishing. Most have heard of the Bimini, the Surgeon and probably the Half Blood. The most basic of knot that anyone can learn is the Loop knot where one joins a line to swivel, swivel to trace and trace to hook leaving a loop 12.2cm long, enough to take the fish on a double trace. Ideally, Knots must lie closer to the hook and swivel than the simple Loop Knot allows.
The simplest knot system that one should learn is the Uni-knot. It can be adapted to virtually any need, from tying a hook to attaching your line to the reel. It is relatively strong and its strength is lessened by continuous tugging. It works particularly well with the monofilament and braided lines, especially the high strength small diameter lines.This is how a Uni-knot is made:
Measure 15 cm of loop line and pass it though the eye of the hook or swivel, then use the thumb and fore finger to lock the upper part, making a loop. Over the double part, make two more loop, hold these too between the thumb and fore finger. Take the end and pass it though the two loops you've just made plus the first loop you made in the beginning. Draw the knot into shape and work it down the eye of the hook or the swivel.
It is of no use for the game fisherman to know the knots used by the trout fisherman, as much as it will not help the trout fisherman learn the knot techniques of the big game fisherman but it helps to know which is which to avoid the disappointment of losing your catch.

For more information, visit Video Fishing Knots. This site offers dozens of instructional videos, including videos about fly fishing knots and the infamous Palomar knot.

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