The loop knot (Rapala knot)

A loop knot leaves a small open loop between the line and the lure, and that makes all the difference for lures that live on their own movement. Instead of the pull locking the lure’s nose, the wobbler or spoon can swing freely, which gives a livelier and more natural action. It is often called the Rapala knot and is a good complement to the fixed clinch knot.

Why an open loop

When you tie a lure hard against the hook eye, every movement in the line goes straight into the lure, which can damp its action. With a loop the lure sits loose in the loop and can move independently of the line’s tension. The effect is clearest in slow fishing and on lures with their own play, where a wobbler suddenly waddles more alive and a spoon gets a freer swing. For a passive fish that extra life can be what triggers the take.

Step by step

  1. Make a loose overhand knot. Tie a simple overhand a little way from the tag, without tightening, so you get a small loop.
  2. Thread through the lure. Pass the tag through the lure’s hook eye and then back through the overhand loop.
  3. Wrap. Wrap the tag 3–4 turns around the main line, upwards from the knot.
  4. Back through the loop. Pass the tag down through the overhand loop again.
  5. Wet and adjust. Wet, pull gently so the turns seat, and set the loop size before you tighten fully.
  6. Tighten. Tighten against the main line and trim the tag.

Keep an eye on the loop

The point is the loop, so do not let it slide shut. Make it reasonably small, large enough to give movement but not so large that it snags or looks unnatural. Check the knot now and then during the session, especially after a fish, and retie at the slightest doubt. Always wet before you tighten, just as with other knots, so the line is not weakened by heat.

When you choose the loop

Use the loop knot for lures with their own play, and a fixed knot for lures where you supply the movement yourself. If you want to freshen up the fixed variant, see the clinch knot, and for an overview of which knots you need, read all fishing knots.

FAQ

Why use a loop knot instead of a fixed knot?

The loop leaves the lure free to move. The pull is not transferred straight to the lure’s nose, so a wobbler or spoon gets a livelier, more natural action — especially in slow fishing.

Which lures does it suit best?

Lures that live on their own movement: wobblers, spoons and running ledgers. For lures where you supply the movement yourself, such as a jig, it matters less.

Does a loop knot hold as well as a fixed knot?

Tied properly it is strong enough for put-and-take fishing. Always wet and tighten well, and check the knot now and then so the loop has not slid shut.

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