In "The Complete Book of Fishing Knots," author Geoffrey Budworth states that the two most important aspects of a fishing knot are its strength and security. Loop knots provide a fishing hook with a greater range of movement on the line, but can sometimes compromise the line's tensile strength. Two knots that strike a balance between lure mobility and strength are the perfection loop and the uni-knot.
Perfection Loop
Step 1
Form a 2-inch loop at the end of a piece of standing line by crossing it down and over itself. Pinch the newly formed loop between your fingers at the point where the line crosses.
Step 2
Pass the open end of the line, called the tag end, through the eye of the hook you will be attaching.
Step 3
Wrap the tag end around the standing line again to form a second loop that supports the hook. Pinch the second loop between your fingers so both loops intersect the same point of the standing line.
Step 4
Pull the tag end of the line over top of the point where the first and second loops meet. Hold it in place with one hand and, with the other hand, pull the hook up through the center of the first loop.
Step 5
Wet the line with water. This will prevent any friction in the knot from weakening the integrity of the line. While holding the tag end, pull up on the hook to cinch the knot in place. Trim off any excess line from the tag end with the scissors when finished.
Looped Uni-Knot
Step 1
Pass the line through the eye of the hook you are attaching and form a loop by wrapping the tag end back upon itself.
Step 2
Cross the still open portion of the tag end perpendicularly over the standing line so a small loop forms that encompasses the hook. Pinch this loop and the eye of the hook between your fingers so they maintain position while you complete the knot.
Step 3
Bring the tag end around the standing line and through the center of the first loop you created. Wrap the tag end around the standing line and loop five more times.
Step 4
Pinch the hook loop tightly in your fingers so it does not move. Wet the line and pull on the tag end firmly to cinch the knot in place. When done correctly, the uni-knot will be wrapped securely around the standing line and a loop of the size you chose will remain below that to hold the hook. Cut off any excess line from the knot with the scissors.
Things You'll Need
- Fishing line
- Hooks
- Scissors
Member Comments