Understanding knot-tying terminology helps you follow instructions accurately and tie better knots. This glossary covers every term used in fishing knot instructions on knots.fish and across the fishing world.
Line and Knot Parts
Standing line — The main length of line extending toward the reel or not being worked with during tying. This is the “live” line that stays connected to your fishing system.
Tag end — The short, free end of line used for tying the knot. After the knot is complete, the excess tag end is trimmed.
Working end — The section of line actively being manipulated during knot tying. This includes the tag end and any portion being wrapped or threaded.
Loop — A curved section of line that crosses itself. Loops can be open (the line does not cross) or closed (the line crosses to form a circle).
Bight — A U-shaped bend in the line that does not cross itself. Doubled-line knots like the Palomar begin by forming a bight.
Eye — The ring or hole on a hook, lure, or swivel where the fishing line is attached.
Tying Actions
Wrap / Turn — A single coil of line around another piece of line or around itself. Most fishing knots require a specific number of wraps to achieve proper grip and strength.
Half hitch — A simple overhand loop around another line or around the standing line. Used to lock many knots in place, especially the FG Knot.
Overhand knot — The most basic knot, formed by making a loop and passing the end through it. Used as a step in many fishing knots, including the Palomar Knot.
Cinch / Seat — To tighten a knot by pulling on the standing line and/or tag end until all wraps are firmly in place. Proper cinching is critical for knot strength.
Moisten — Wetting the knot with saliva or water before cinching. Reduces friction heat that can weaken nylon and fluorocarbon lines.
Dress — To adjust and align the wraps of a knot so they sit neatly and parallel before final tightening. A well-dressed knot is stronger than one with crossed or bunched wraps.
Snug — To partially tighten a knot without fully cinching it. Many knots are snugged into position before being fully seated.
Knot Properties
Knot strength — The percentage of line breaking strength retained after tying a knot. Expressed as a percentage (e.g., ~95% for the Palomar Knot).
Breaking strength — The maximum force a line or knot can withstand before failing, measured in pounds or kilograms.
Slippage — When a knot loosens or comes undone under load because the wraps cannot grip the line firmly enough. Common with braided line and improperly tied knots.
Profile — The size and shape of a completed knot. A low-profile knot (like the FG Knot) passes through rod guides easily. A high-profile knot may catch on guides during casting.
Line Types
Monofilament (mono) — Single-strand nylon fishing line. Moderate stretch, good knot grip, most forgiving line type for knot tying.
Fluorocarbon (fluoro) — Polyvinylidene fluoride fishing line. Nearly invisible underwater, minimal stretch, stiff, and sensitive to heat damage during knot tying.
Braided line (braid) — Multi-strand woven line made from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Extremely strong and thin with zero stretch, but slippery surface requires specialized knots.
Leader — A separate section of line (usually fluorocarbon) tied to the end of the main line to provide invisibility and abrasion resistance near the bait.
Knot Categories
Terminal connection — A knot that connects the fishing line to a hook, lure, swivel, snap, or other end tackle. Examples: Palomar Knot, Improved Clinch Knot.
Line-to-line — A knot that joins two separate pieces of line together. Most commonly used for braid-to-leader connections. Examples: FG Knot, Double Uni Knot.
Loop knot — A knot that creates a fixed loop at the end of the line or at a point along the line. Examples: Non-Slip Loop Knot, Dropper Loop.
Specialty knot — A knot designed for a specific purpose that does not fit standard categories. Examples: Arbor Knot (spooling reels), Bobber Stopper Knot (slip float rigs).
Connection Hardware
Swivel — A rotating connector that prevents line twist. Attached to the line with a terminal knot.
Snap — A clip-style connector that allows quick lure changes without retying. Attached to the line with a terminal knot.
Split ring — A small double-loop ring used to connect hooks and lures. Line is tied to the split ring, not directly to the hook.
Hook eye — The loop at the top of a fish hook where the line is tied. Can be turned up, turned down, or straight (in line with the shank).
Related Guides
- Put these terms into practice with our beginner’s guide to fishing knots.
- Learn the fundamentals of tying with our how to tie a fishing knot guide.
- See how knots compare by strength in our fishing knot strength chart.