knots

How to Tie The Five Strongest Fishing Knots

Joe_Cermele — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 11:31:54 -0500

The Test: To determine the winners I tested a total of 18 established knots on my Chatillon DFE digital force gauge, for which I paid an obscene amount. Basically, two small fixtures hold the line (or knot) and pull slowly apart, while a precisely calibrated gauge records the force at which a break occurs.

Knots often break because they aren’t firmly and evenly tightened, so lubricate yours with saliva and pull them tight. Also, knots that require multiple turns of line must lie and draw up neatly, without line overlapping where it shouldn’t.

Field & Stream's Guide to Basic Camping and Fishing Knots (Now With More New Knots!)

fieldandstream-editor — Thu, 15 Jun 2006 05:00:00 -0400

The Knot of the Month

fieldandstream-editor — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 05:15:00 -0400

This Month's Feature:
The Blood-Knot Dropper
A dropper line above your fly, lure, or bait is the perfect way to rig split shot. When you snag, the weight will pull free and you'll keep your terminal tackle.

Knots for Fishing
The Blood-Knot Dropper
A dropper line above your fly, lure, or bait is the perfect way to rig split shot. When you snag, the weight will pull free and you'll keep your terminal tackle.

The Triple Surgeon's Knot
Use this simple knot to join two lines that are similar in diameter. Do not use it with so-called superbraid lines or the knot will slip.

The Albright Knot
As you rig tackle for spring fishing, chances are you'll need an Albright knot. It's used to connect two lines that differ greatly in diameter (say, adding a heavy shock leader to light spinning line). This version includes a lock option to keep the knot from coming undone.

The Palomar Knot
This is the most widely useful-and easiest-of all terminal knots used in freshwater and inshore saltwater fishing. It works well with both nylon monofilaments and superbraids. When you're tying on a hook, swivel, snap, or most lures, the Palomar knot is less complicated and usually stronger than the more common improved clinch knot.

The Trilene Knot
Named after Berkley's Trilene monofilament, the Trilene knot is a stronger variation of the commonly used improved clinch knot. Tied carefully, it tests at close to 100 percent of line strength. I often use it for tying lures or hooks to nylon monofilaments testing from 4 to 12 pounds. Tightening this knot with heavier lines is too difficult.

Knots for Camping and Hunting
The Running Bowline
Use it to hang gear, drag game, or form a snare. The beauty of this knot is that it does not weaken rope and is easy to untie.

The Transport Knot
This is one of a sportsman's most important knots, used to secure cargo to a cartop or river raft. It is adjustable and won't put a permanent loop in the middle of a line.

The Figure-Eight Bend
Joining together two ropes is one of the most common camping tasks. The figure-eight bend, also known as the Flemish bend, is one of the strongest knots for tying together ropes of uneven diameters.

The Butterfly Coil
The butterfly coil is the simplest and quickest way to coil and securely store a length of rope longer than 20 feet. It uncoils easily without forming kinks.

Tying the Butterfly Coil

fieldandstream-editor — Fri, 16 Sep 2005 13:05:00 -0400

Step 1 Double your rope, then hold it at its midpoint. With your hand open and perpendicular to the ground, drape a 3-foot length over the top, forming 11/2-foot coils that hang to either side. Repeat until 6 feet of rope remains.
Step 2 Starting from the bottom, wrap the coils tightly, making sure to wrap over your first turn so that the wraps won't unwind. Stop a few inches from the top, double the rope you're wrapping with, and pass this loop through the opening left by your hand. Bring the tag ends over the top of the coil and through that loop.
Step 3 Pull tight. For more security, you can tie an overhand knot around the final loop to keep it from sliding.

Tying the Butterfly Coil

fieldandstream-editor — Fri, 16 Sep 2005 13:05:00 -0400

Step 1 Double your rope, then hold it at its midpoint. With your hand open and perpendicular to the ground, drape a 3-foot length over the top, forming 11/2-foot coils that hang to either side. Repeat until 6 feet of rope remains.
Step 2 Starting from the bottom, wrap the coils tightly, making sure to wrap over your first turn so that the wraps won't unwind. Stop a few inches from the top, double the rope you're wrapping with, and pass this loop through the opening left by your hand. Bring the tag ends over the top of the coil and through that loop.
Step 3 Pull tight. For more security, you can tie an overhand knot around the final loop to keep it from sliding.