Terminal Tackle Knots

How to Tie Terminal Tackle Knots

The majority of anglers take it upon themselves to be educated on the more expensive items like rods and reels. However, we often don’t take the time to understand our terminal tackle and the knots for terminal tackle.

 

This is a step by step guide for tying the most common knots used for terminal tackle.

Palomar Knot

Terminal knots are primarily for tying on swivels, snaps and hooks. The palomar knot is considered the most dependable and strongest terminal knot with between 95 and 100% line test strength.

 

Double 6 inches of line and pass it through the eye of the hook.

 

Tie a loose overhand knot in the double line with the hook hanging as seen below.

 

Hold the overhand knot and then pass the loop of line over the hook.

 

Finally, pull both the standing line and the tag end in order to tighten the knot down and then trim any excess.

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Improved Clinch Knot

This is a strong, secure knot and is considered reliable. It’s also quick and easy to tie, making it a quick learn for any novice angler.

Thread the end of the line through the hook’s eye, then double-back and make 5 turns as indicated in the image below.

 

Thread the end of the line through the first loop formed, right behind the line and back through the large loop.

 

Moisten the knot and then pull it slightly on the tag end and then pull on the standing line to form the knot with each coil pressed snugly together and in good form.

Once done, trim the excess.

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Return Knot

The return knot is good for baitfishing with small hooks. It works well with standard baits for small fish as well as with flies.

 

Pass the end of the line down through the hook’s eye followed by passing the tag after the first turn, pointing it in the same direction.

 

Continue passing the tag back in front of the hook.

 

Hold the knot together where all strands cross the eye while pushing the uppermost loop back over the hook. Be sure to pull slowly and steadily.