Improved clinch
The standard hook and lure knot for monofilament and fluorocarbon up to moderate strengths. Quick to tie in poor light. It performs poorly in braid.
Gear guide
Fishing Knots
Five knots cover almost everything — and wetting them matters as much as tying them.
Last reviewed 26 September 2026 · Editorial policy
Every knot weakens line. A good knot retains most of the line's rated strength; a bad or dry-tightened one can cut that in half. Friction heat during tightening is the main cause of failure, which is why you always wet a knot before pulling it down.
Detail
What each part does
Palomar
A doubled-line knot that is strong in braid as well as mono and very hard to tie incorrectly. First choice for braid-to-hook connections.
Uni knot (and double uni)
One knot for hooks; tied on both lines it joins braid to a leader. Bulkier than an FG knot but far easier on the bank in wind or cold.
FG knot
A slim braid-to-leader join that passes through rod guides smoothly. The strongest common leader knot, but it takes practice — learn it at home, not at the water.
Loop knot
A non-slip loop at the lure eye lets a jerkbait or streamer swing freely, improving action noticeably on suspending lures and flies.
Comparison table
Side by side
| Knot | Use | Works with braid? | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Improved clinch | Hook / lure to line | No | Easy |
| Palomar | Hook / lure to line | Yes | Easy |
| Double uni | Line to leader | Yes | Moderate |
| FG knot | Braid to leader, slim profile | Yes | Hard |
| Non-slip loop | Lure or fly, free movement | Leader only | Moderate |
| Snell | Hook on bait rigs, straight pull | Leader | Moderate |
Decisions
Choose this if
Pick by situation
- Braid straight to a hook: Palomar.
- Braid to a leader on the bank in the cold: double uni.
- Suspending jerkbaits or streamers: non-slip loop knot.
Common mistakes
- Tightening dry — always wet the knot first.
- Trimming the tag flush, which lets some knots slip.
- Never re-tying after catching a fish or fishing rock.
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