Uni Knot

Terminal Connection beginner ~80% Strength

Quick Answer

To tie a Uni Knot, thread the line through the hook eye, form a loop alongside the standing line, wrap the tag end through the loop 5-6 times, moisten and pull tight. It retains about 90% line strength and is one of the most versatile fishing knots.

The Uni Knot (also known as the Duncan Loop or Grinner Knot) is arguably the most versatile knot in all of fishing. It can be used for terminal connections, joining two lines (as the Double Uni), and even spooling line onto a reel. Its consistent performance across all line types makes it a favorite among both freshwater and saltwater anglers.

How to Tie the Uni Knot

Step-by-Step Diagram

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Step 1 diagram for tying the Uni Knot
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Step 2 diagram for tying the Uni Knot
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Step 3 diagram for tying the Uni Knot
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Step 4 diagram for tying the Uni Knot
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Step 5 diagram for tying the Uni Knot
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Step 6 diagram for tying the Uni Knot
  1. Pass the line through the eye of the hook and pull about 8 inches of tag end through.
  2. Bring the tag end back alongside the standing line, forming a loop.
  3. Make 6 wraps with the tag end around both lines and through the loop.
  4. Moisten the knot and pull the tag end to snug the wraps together.
  5. Slide the knot down to the hook eye by pulling the standing line.
  6. Trim the tag end close.

When to Use This Knot

The Uni Knot is your all-purpose go-to knot. It works in virtually every terminal connection situation and is especially useful when you want one knot that does it all. Its sliding nature also allows you to create an adjustable loop before final tightening.

  • General freshwater and saltwater hook connections
  • Attaching lures when you want a slight loop for action
  • Spooling line onto reels (as an arbor knot)
  • Beginners learning their first fishing knot

Pro Tips

  • Use 6 wraps for monofilament, 8 wraps for braided line
  • Before cinching tight, you can leave a small loop for lure action
  • The Uni cinches to a tight knot when pulled, or leave it as a loop knot
  • Pair two Uni Knots together for the Double Uni (line-to-line connection)

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Extremely versatile — works for almost any fishing connection
  • Easy to learn and teach to beginners
  • Works with all line types
  • Can function as both a fixed knot and a loop knot

Cons:

  • Slightly weaker than the Palomar with braided line
  • Requires more wraps with slippery braid
  • Not the slimmest profile for passing through guides
  • Can be tricky to adjust loop size consistently