A fishing hook is the most common object used to catch a fish. Fishing hooks are made of metal and designed to hold firm in a fish's mouth once the bait has been taken. Hooks are frequently used when live or animal baits are used to catch fish. Several types of artificial baits can also be tied to a line with a hook. A hook is tied to a fishing line by a knot around the eye of the hook. Several different knots can be used to secure a fishing hook to a line.
Palomar Knot
The palomar knot is one of the easiest knots to use when fishing. Start by doubling over 6 inches of the line, forming a loop at one end. Thread the loop end through the hook's eye. Take the doubled-over line at both ends and form an overhand knot--the type of knot used to tie your shoes. Do not tighten the overhand knot. Instead, take the free end of the loop and pull it over the hook, making sure the hook comes completely through the loop. Grab the hook and line between the knot and rod. Pull both ends to tighten the knot. Cut off any extra line left hanging after the knot.
Improved Clinch Knot
Pass the fishing line through the eye of the hook, then bend it back up toward the main line. Make several rotations with the tag end around the main line above the eye. Typically, lines over a 30 pound test should have three or four rotations, while lines under a 30 pound test need five rotations. After making the rotations, bring the line back to the hook. Thread the line through the loop between the eye of the hook and the first rotation. Wet the line and firmly pull on the tag and standing ends of the line to tighten the knot.
Snell Knot
Snell knots are employed when a leader line is used to prevent line breaks. To make a snell knot, thread the end of your leader line through the hook's eye, creating a tag end of about 2 to 4 inches. Feed the end of the other leader line through the eye in the opposite direction, leaving another tag end of 2 to 4 inches. Place the hook shaft and leader end line between your thumb and forefinger of your left hand, letting the excess leader line hang. Grab the excess loop in your right hand and wrap it over and around the hook shaft and your standing line, making seven to eight revolutions. Make sure to keep the wrapped line tight around the shaft. Pull the short end of the leader with your right hand until the rest of the excess leader loop is fully threaded through. Be sure to allow the line to cinch up and coil tightly together as the line tightens. Pull both ends of the leader at the same time to tighten the knot and cut off any excess line on the tag end.
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