Put and Take Sverige
Fishing knots for put and take
The knot is cheap insurance. It is often the weakest link between you and the fish, and still the thing that is easiest to get right. For put and take you do not need a dozen knots; it is enough to know a couple really well. Learn Palomar and Clinch, and you tie on hook and lure safely whatever the method.
Two knots go a long way
The Palomar knot is strong and simple, and it holds especially well on braid, which makes it an excellent first choice. The improved Clinch knot is the classic for monofilament and fluorocarbon. If you want a quick overview of which knot you use for what, see tying on hook and lure.
When you want to take the next step there are two more knots worth knowing: the loop knot gives the lure free movement and a livelier action, and the blood knot joins two lines into a slim, strong splice when you build a leader. If you fly-fish and want a really smooth join between fly line and leader, the needle knot is worth learning.
A knot for each job
If you need a knot for a particular situation, find the right one here:
- Tying on hook, lure or swivel: Clinch, Palomar or uni (grinner). See also tying on a swivel and snap.
- Give the lure free movement: loop knot.
- Splice two lines: blood knot or double uni.
- Fasten a leader to fly line: leader to fly line (loop-to-loop or needle knot).
- If you fish braid: see which knot for braid.
Two rules for every knot
Two habits make the difference between a knot that holds and one that fails. The first is always to wet the knot before you tighten, otherwise the line is burned by friction and loses strength. The second is to tighten evenly and firmly and trim the tag short. A sloppily tightened knot is the most common cause of a lost fish.
Practise at home
Knots sit in the fingers, not in the head. Practise a few times on the sofa with a bit of line and a hook with the point snipped off, so it goes quickly and safely at the water when the fish are on. The right line for the right fishing you find under lines and leaders.
FAQ
Which knot should I learn first?
The Palomar knot is strong, simple and a good first choice, especially for braid. The improved Clinch knot is the classic for monofilament. With those two you handle most of it.
Why do I lose fish at the knot?
Most often because the knot was tightened dry or not tight enough. Always wet before you tighten, and trim the tag. A poorly tightened knot loses breaking strength.
Do two knots really suffice?
Yes, for put and take they do. Palomar and improved Clinch cover tying on hook, swivel and lure on all ordinary lines. More knots you can learn later for the fun of it.