The only thing keeping your fish from escaping is how well you have tied the knot that secures your hook to your fishing line. The last thing you want to worry about while reeling in a prize-winner is your knot coming loose and the big one getting away. The knot traditionally used to secure a fishing hook is called the clinch knot. You may wish to practice tying the knot at home a few times before your first fishing trip, as poked fingers and dropped hooks can make for an unpleasant outdoor adventure.
Step 1
Feed the fishing line through the eye of the hook. The eye is the circular hole at the back of the hook, away from the pointy end.
Step 2
Pull about 6 inches of fishing line through the eye. You may need more or less depending on your experience and manual dexterity. Practice will show you how much line you need to pull through.
Step 3
Pinch the line at the eye to keep the line steady and in place.
Step 4
Wind the tail end of the line---the end you pulled through the hook---around the main line five times. Leave a small gap about 1/2-inch long between the eye and the first twist.
Step 5
Feed the line through the small gap between the eye and the first twist. This will make a larger loop of line.
Step 6
Feed the line through the large loop you just made. Pull the tail end of the line slowly and smoothly until the knot begins to tighten.
Step 7
Scrunch the knot toward the eye of the hook by running your fingers down the line and over the knot a couple of times. Tug on the tail end of the line to tighten the knot further.
Tips and Warnings
- If you have difficulty practice with a larger eye and a thicker string. Practicing on yarn and an eyebolt a few times will allow you to see how the knot comes together, making it a bit easier when working with a hook and fishing line.
- Do not attempt to untie the knot when you are done fishing or wish to retie your hook. Instead, use scissors or a knife to sever the fishing line and free the hook.
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