Swivels & Knots

Let’s start with the easy one, swivels. Swivels allow us to connect our various lines together, but more importantly, they help to minimize line twisting. That’s because they…you guessed it…swivel! They also are graded in various strengths/sizes, but here it’s more important to get a manageable size. So try for the smallest one that you can manipulate easily – including those times when your hands are wet or covered in fish slime or in low/zero light. I like a 20mm size (approx 120lb strength) in any colour.

Some swivels also come with snaps. However, they’re expensive to lose, so I don’t use them.

Knots are important because they keep everything togther. Special fishing knots were designed for special uses and for strength. A knot will cut itself if tied incorrectly. So knots are graded on their strength as a percentage of the line strength: from approx 65% up to 100% of the line strength.

So for example, a 50% knot on your 30lb line turns everything into only a 15lb set-up. Bad knot! You always want to try and use a knot that will give as near to 100% strength as possible.

There are some general purpose and special purpose knots. Finally, the key to knots is to lubricate (saliva) and tighten evenly. Knots do require some practice, again for those times when your hands are wet or covered in fish slime or in low/zero light. Another great way to past the time on a rainy Sunday morning. Just be sure not to get any little pieces of line in the cat bowl. (Sorry about that again Tommy Lee)

Improved Clinch Knot

The Improved Clinch is a time-tested and a very popular choice for tying terminal tackle to monofilament line. It is quick and easy to tie and reliable. It can be difficult to tie in lines testing greater than 30 pounds breaking strength. It is not recommended for braided line.

1. Thread end of line through eye of hook. Double back making 5 or more turns around standing line.

2. Bring end of line back through the first loop formed behind the eye then through the big loop.

3. Wet knot and pull on tag end to tighten down the coils. Slide tight against the eye and clip tag end close.

4. Some persons like to tie this knot with a double line. Feel free to experiment.

Blood Knot

Used for joining two lines together, the Blood Knot is a tried and true fishing knot. The strength of the knot is increased by making at least 5 and up to 7 wraps on each side of the knot. It works best with lines of approximately equal diameter. If you are trying to join lines of significantly different sizes, try doubling the smaller line.

1. Overlap ends of lines to be joined. Twist one around the other making 5 turns. Bring tag end back between the two lines.

2. Repeat with the other end, wrapping in opposite direction the same number of turns.

3. Slowly pull lines in opposite directions. Turns will wrap and gather. Clip ends close to the knot.

Dropper Loop

Using a dropper loop is a method of attaching one or more hooks / rigs to a single fishing line.

1. Form a loop in the line at the desired location. Pass line from one side of loop through and around that side of loop. Make 5+ wraps and keep new loop, which is formed, open.

2. Push bottom of original loop up through new opening and hold with teeth. Wet knot with saliva and pull both ends in opposite directions.

3. Pull ends of line evenly until coils tighten and loop stands out from line.

Palomar Knot (for tying your hook to your dropper loop)

The Palomar Knot comes close to being a 100% knot when tied properly. Be sure that when the hook or lure is passed through the loop that all parts of the knot cinch up together. Many depictions of this knot elsewhere make it look like the loop part of the knot goes up against the bottom of the eye of the hook or lure. The knot can fail if tied in that manner. (This is also the best knot to use with braided fishing line.)

1. Double 6 inches of line and pass end of loop through eye of hook.

2. Tie a loose overhand knot with hook hanging from bottom.

3. Holding overhand knot between thumb and forefinger, pass loop of line over the hook. Slide loop above eye of hook.

4. Pull on both the standing line and tag end to tighten knot down onto eye. Clip tag end close.

Haywire Twist – for joining your leader wire to hook and swivel

Tip: Use a vise grip to hold and twist off tag end. This is crucial to having a smooth, non-protruding tip. If it’s not smooth you WILL puncture your finger sooner or later…not fun!

30lb. test strength High-Visibility Yellow Mono line

3oz. lead egg “running” sinker

Clinch Knot of mono to swivel

Haywire twist of leader wire to swivel 20mm swivel (nickel or black)

12in. – 14in. of 45lb. test leader wire (Brown)

Haywire twist of leader wire to hook

5/0 or 6/0 “J” hook

2/0 or 3/0 size “J” hooks tied to Dropper Loop with Palomar Knot

Dropper Loop

Dropper Loop 20lb Clear Mono

2/0 or 3/0 size “J” hooks tied to Dropper Loop with Palomar Knot

1oz to 3oz lead sinker – tied to snap release or directly to line