Knots are tied to hooks for specific purposes. The best knot to tie line to a hook for most fishing purposes is the palomar knot. It is strong and versatile. Savvy anglers, however, use other knots for specific circumstances or specific types of line.
The Palomar Knot
The palomar knot is a superb knot for attaching hooks to monofilament or fluorocarbon line. The Fish4Fun website says it is consistently the strongest knot for terminal tackle. Run the line through the hook eye and form a 4-inch loop by running the tag end of the line back through the eye. Using the loop and the main line, start an overhand knot but do not pull tight. Pass the hook through the loop. Wet the line and slowly pull the knot tight.
The Snell Knot
The snell knot is used with a leader. Run one end of the line through the hook eye. Leave a 1-inch or 2-inch tab of line. Run the other end of the leader in the opposite direction through the eye. Pinch the hook and leader ends with a thumb and forefinger. The line will lie in a large loop. Using your other hand, wrap that large loop of line around the hook shank, starting near the eye and working toward the hook's bend. Wrap seven or eight times. Take the end of the leader running through the eye and pull it slowly. Slide the knot up against the eye. Grip the short end of the leader and pull tight. Use a pliers if necessary. Pull both ends of the line to tighten the knot.
The Trilene Knot
The trilene knot works well with monofilament line. Push the end of the line through the hook eye twice in the same direction. Leaving a small loop next to the eye, wrap the tag end of the line around the main line five or six times. Run the tag end of the line through that first small loop that you left next to the eye. Wet the line, pull tight and trim the tag end.
The Surgeon's Loop
The loop knot forms a loop at the end of a line to allow a lure maximum freedom of movement. Make a loop at the end of your line. Use the loop to make an overhand knot. Pass the loop through the hole you've just created. Adjust the loop to the size you want it. Wet the line and pull the knot tight. Trim the tag end.
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