Skip to content
PierCast

Knots

Knots that hold at the rail

A knot is the weakest point in everything you tie. These are the ones worth learning, with the strength each keeps and the line it works on.

Rig diagramsBait guide
beginner

Improved Clinch Knot

95% strength

Tying line to hooks, swivels, and lures

  • Monofilament
  • Fluorocarbon
beginner

Palomar Knot

98% strength

Strongest knot for tying line to hooks and jigs

  • Braided
  • Monofilament
  • Fluorocarbon
intermediate

Dropper Loop

85% strength

Creating a loop in the middle of your line for attaching a hook or sinker

  • Monofilament
  • Fluorocarbon
beginner

Uni Knot (Duncan Loop)

90% strength

Versatile knot for hooks, swivels, and joining two lines

  • Monofilament
  • Fluorocarbon
  • Braided
intermediate

Blood Knot

85% strength

Joining two lines of similar diameter

  • Monofilament
  • Fluorocarbon
intermediate

Snell Knot

95% strength

Attaching a hook for a straight-line pull

  • Monofilament
  • Fluorocarbon
advanced

Spider Hitch

90% strength

Quickly doubling your line for added strength

  • Monofilament
  • Braided
beginner

Surgeon's Knot

85% strength

Joining leader to main line (different diameters)

  • Monofilament
  • Fluorocarbon
  • Braided

Strength percentages are the share of the line's rated breaking strength a well-tied knot keeps — a 95% knot in 20 lb mono gives out around 19 lb. Wet every knot before you tighten it and trim the tag end close.