Master Every
Fishing Knot

The Complete Fishing Knots Reference

Welcome to knots.fish — the most comprehensive fishing knot resource on the internet. We are dedicated exclusively to fishing knots, providing anglers with clear step-by-step instructions, knot strength ratings, line type compatibility, and expert advice for every knot you will ever need on the water.

Why Fishing Knots Matter

The knot connecting your line to your hook, lure, or leader is the single weakest point in your entire fishing setup. A typical fishing knot retains between 80% and 98% of the line’s rated breaking strength — meaning a poorly chosen or poorly tied knot can reduce your effective strength by 20% or more. That is why learning to tie the right knot correctly is one of the most important skills any angler can develop.

Our comprehensive library covers over 50 fishing knots organized into four major categories:

• Terminal Connections — Knots for attaching hooks, lures, swivels, and other terminal tackle to your line. The Palomar Knot (~95% strength) and Improved Clinch Knot (~85% strength) are the most widely used.
• Line to Line — Knots for joining two lines together, such as braid-to-fluorocarbon leader connections. The FG Knot (~98% strength) is the gold standard for experienced anglers, while the Double Uni Knot (~90%) is the beginner-friendly alternative.
• Loop Knots — Knots that create loops for leader systems, lure action, dropper rigs, and doubled line. The Non-Slip Loop Knot gives lures better action, and the Bimini Twist creates doubled-line systems for offshore fishing.
• Specialty Knots — Arbor knots for spooling reels, bobber stops for slip float rigs, snell knots for offset hooks, and more. These handle specific tasks that general-purpose knots cannot.

Knots for Every Line Type

Different fishing lines behave very differently when knotting. Monofilament is forgiving and holds most knots well. Fluorocarbon is stiffer and more prone to slipping. Braided line is incredibly strong but so slippery that most traditional knots fail completely. Our guides specify which line types work best with each knot:

• Best knots for braided line — Palomar, FG Knot, and Berkley Braid Knot are the proven choices
• Best knots for fluorocarbon — Palomar, Improved Clinch, and Trilene Knot handle fluoro’s stiffness
• Best knots for monofilament — Nearly every fishing knot works well on mono

Knots for Every Skill Level

Whether you are just starting out or have decades on the water, we organize knots by difficulty so you can progress at your own pace:

• Beginner knots — Simple, reliable knots like the Palomar and Improved Clinch that cover 90% of fishing situations
• Intermediate knots — Line-to-line connections, loop knots, and specialized terminal knots for expanding your repertoire
• Advanced knots — Competition-grade connections like the FG Knot and Bimini Twist for maximum performance

Built for Anglers, by Anglers

Unlike general knot reference sites that cover everything from rock climbing hitches to necktie knots, knots.fish focuses exclusively on fishing. Every knot on this site has been selected, tested, and documented with the freshwater and saltwater angler in mind. Whether you are a beginner tying your first Improved Clinch Knot or an offshore tournament angler perfecting your FG Knot, you will find what you need here.

Quick Guide: Choosing the Right Knot

Essential Knot-Tying Tips

1. Always moisten your knots before tightening. Saliva or water reduces friction heat that weakens the line — this is the single most important rule in knot tying.
2. Trim tag ends close but leave a tiny nub. Cutting flush can cause the knot to work loose.
3. Test every knot by pulling firmly before fishing. Better to find a weak knot at the boat than on a fish.
4. Match the knot to your line type. A knot that works great on mono may slip completely on braid.
5. Practice at home. Tying knots with cold, wet hands on a rocking boat is much harder than at your kitchen table.

Explore our complete knot library, read our fishing guides, or browse rigging tutorials to become a more confident, more successful angler.