Have you ever been out on the lake or river bank, ready to cast your line but realized your lure had somehow come untied from the moment you put it on? You cast anyway in frustration, only to watch helplessly as your lure sinks to the bottom, coming loose from your line somewhere below.
Your morning of fishing is suddenly in serious jeopardy as you have to carefully re-thread your line through the tiny eyelets on your favorite crankbait or spinnerbait. Not anymore!
In this blog post on how to tie a knot on a fishing lure, I’m going to show you my foolproof method for securely tying fishing lures that will ensure your lure stays tied no matter the fight on the other end of your line.
What Will You Need?
To start, you’ll need a few basic fishing supplies:
- Fishing line of your choice (monofilament, fluorocarbon, or braided)
- A pair of sharp scissors or nail clippers
- Your chosen fishing lure
Before we dive into the knot-tying process, it’s important to note that different types of fishing lures require different knots. For example, a spinnerbait may require a different knot than a crankbait. It’s always a good idea to research the specific knot that works best for your lure type.
10 Easy Steps on How to Tie a Knot on a Fishing Lure
Step 1. Thread the Line:
Begin by threading the end of the fishing line through the eye of the lure. Pull through enough lines to create a sizable loop. This will give you ample working room for tying the knot. Be careful not to pull too much cord through, as you’ll need enough length to finish the knot.
Step 2. Make a Loop:
Take the end of the line that you’ve threaded through the lure’s eye and bring it back towards the rest of your line. Here, you’re going to make a simple overhand loop. This is done by making a circle with the line, ensuring that the tail end of the line is over the top of the rest of the line. Hold the intersection of the lines between your thumb and index finger, maintaining the loop’s shape.
Step 3. Wrap the Line:
Take the tail end of the line and wrap it around the main line (the part that goes to your reel) about five to seven times. The exact number of wraps will depend on the type of line you’re using – fewer wraps for thicker lines and more for thinner ones. Be sure to keep the wraps neat and tight to ensure the strength of your knot.
Step 4. Thread the End Through the Loop:
Take the tail end of the line you’ve just finished wrapping and thread it back through the overhand loop you created earlier. Make sure you’re going from the back of the loop to the front, towards the lure. This will create a second loop.
Step 5. Thread Through the Second Loop:
Next, take the tail end of the line and thread it through the second loop you’ve just created. Be careful not to pull the line through; leave a small circle. You should now have a formed knot with a loop at the end.
Step 6. Tighten the Knot:
To tighten the knot, gently pull on the main line while holding the lure. The knot should start to slide towards the eye of the lure. As the knot tightens, maintain the loop you left in the previous step. Pull the knot as tight as you can without breaking the line.
Step 7. Trim the Excess:
Now, you’ll want to trim the excess line from the tail end. Cut the tail end of the line using your sharp pair of scissors or nail clippers, leaving about a quarter inch of pipe sticking out from the knot. This ensures your lure won’t come untied, even if the knot slips a little. Additionally, this will make it easy for you to remove the knot if needed.
Step 8. Test the Knot:
The last thing you want is for your knot to fail when you have a big fish on the line. So, give it a little test. Pull on the main line while holding the lure to ensure the knot is secure, and there isn’t any slippage. If the knot holds firm, your lure is ready for action! If there’s any movement, you may need to retie the knot. This is why leaving a little extra line in the previous step is beneficial. If you notice any slippage, simply adjust the knot and retighten.
Step 9. Cast Your Line:
Now that your knot is secure and tested, it’s time to cast your line. Carefully lower your lure into the water and ensure it behaves as it should. The knot should be tight and secure, allowing the lure to move freely and naturally in the water. If your lure is not behaving correctly, you may need to adjust or re-tie the knot. Remember, the right knot will ensure your fishing trip is successful and enjoyable.
Step 10. Enjoy Your Day of Fishing!
With your knot securely tied, you can now focus on the most critical part – enjoying your time out on the water and catching some fish! Knowing how to tie a robust and reliable knot on your fishing lure is an essential skill for any angler. With practice, this process will become second nature, and you can tie knots quickly and confidently.
By following these ten easy steps, you’ll have a secure and reliable knot on your fishing lure that will withstand any fight from the fish in the water.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
Tip 1. Practice Makes Perfect:
The more you practice tying knots on a fishing lure, the better you’ll get. Practice at home before you head out on the water so when it’s game day, you can tie a knot with ease and efficiency.
Tip 2. Know Your Lure:
Different lures require different knots. Take the time to understand what kind of lure you’re using and the best knot for that particular lure.
Tip 3. Check Your Line:
Always double-check your fishing line for any signs of wear and tear. A weak or frayed line will increase the chances of your knot coming undone.
Tip 4. Wet Your Knot:
Before you pull your knot tight, wet it with saliva or water. This helps to reduce friction, allowing the knot to tighten more effectively and prevent damage to the line.
Tip 5. Keep Your Tools Handy:
Always keep a pair of sharp scissors or nail clippers close by when you’re fishing. This ensures clean cuts of the fishing line, making it easier to thread through the lure and tie your knot.
With these additional tips and tricks, you’ll be a pro at tying knots on fishing lures quickly.
5 Things You Should Avoid
1. Avoid Rushing: Speed comes with practice, so never rush while tying a knot. A hurriedly tied knot may lack the required strength and could unfasten when a fish strikes.
2. Neglecting Line Checks: Remember to inspect your line regularly for any signs of damage. Fishing with a frayed or weakened line can cause your knot to fail unexpectedly.
3. Using Old Line: Avoid using old or degraded lines. Over time, both monofilament and fluorocarbon lines can become brittle and weak, increasing the chances of knot failure.
4. Forgetting to Wet the Knot: Avoid tightening your knot without first moistening it. The friction created by a dry knot can weaken the line.
5. Ignoring the Tail End: Pay attention to the tail end of the line after tying your knot. Leaving too much can cause it to snag while leaving too little increases the chances of your knot slipping. Always aim to leave about a quarter inch of line.
Avoiding these common mistakes will increase the chances of tying a reliable and robust knot on your fishing lure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tying a knot on a fishing lure may seem like a simple task, but it is an important skill to have for any angler. Not only does it secure the lure and bait, but it also increases the chances of catching a fish. We have discussed three different types of knots – the improved clinch knot, the Palomar knot, and the double uni knot – and provided step-by-step instructions on how to tie a knot on a fishing lure.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, practice makes perfect when it comes to tying knots. Feel free to experiment with different knots until you find one that works best. Always check your knots before casting and ensure they are tight and secure.
Hopefully, this guide has given you the necessary knowledge and skills to tie knots on your fishing lures confidently. So, grab your gear, head out to the water, and put these tips into practice – your next big catch maybe just a knot away! Happy fishing!