Close-up of hands tying a fishing knot
Gear needed
- A length of nylon line for practice
- A few hooks and swivels
- Line clippers or nail scissors
- Water to wet the knot
Steps
- Learn the Palomar knot for hooks
- Join lines with a blood or double knot
- Tie swivels with an improved clinch knot
- Wet the knot before tightening
- Trim the tag end to about 1–2 mm
Common mistakes
- Cinching dry and burning the line
- Too few wraps so it slips
- Cutting the tag too close so it slips
- Using one knot for every line size
Safety notes
- Point the hook away when tying
- Wear gloves when load-testing a knot
- Stow clippers safely after use
- Re-check main knots before fishing