Knots

[RSBreth]

I've used a no name knot for decades to join lines, I'll try to describe it.

Lay your two lines together going opposite directions. Turn a loop, about 1/2" in diameter, with the lines mated. Take one loose end and make three wraps around the two lines in the loop. Take the other loose end and do the same, only wrap it in the opposite direction. Gently pull all four ends up tight.

I've only seen the no-name knot used with a loop on one line, is that what you're doing or trimming all four tag ends?

[jeb]

I tried the Fishin' Fool for a while last year after it won that knot wars. But found it hard to tie, especially in any wind. So I switched to the San Diego knot and am liking it quite a bit. Easy to tie (super easy on lures that have any weight, like jigs, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, etc) and I'm usually not breaking the line at the lure anymore. I normally use FC. Still use the palomar knot on drop shots, of course.

[CaptainJoe]

I always enjoy line and knot threads. Thanks for starting a new one.

I have read about and tried a number of different knots in the last two years. I highly recommend the Tackle Tour web site for their line and knot direct comparison articles. Their results may cause you to rethink what you do now.

Based upon what I've read and what I can do in the field, I now use a variation of the palomar known as the double palomar. The loop goes through the eye twice before you finish the knot. Furthermore, with braid I double the overhand as if it were a surgeons knot. The only problem I've had is when lead or paint causes the eye to be rough and the line scrapes itself as you draw it tight. I found the Fish N Fool knot hard to tie consistently well. But then, I may be a fat fingered old school impossible to teach type.

I guess I should add I do not fish pure fluorocarbon. I fish either good mono or a co-polymer coated with fluorocarbon made by Yozuri. Fluoroclear and Lake Fork are similar to Yozuri.

I use the Palomar and loop the eye twice, but I am still having problems. I also use the co-polymer Yozuri or P-Line Floroclear. The second link that I provided in my original post shows an easy way to tie the Fish N Fool knot. I will take a look at the Tackle Tour site. Thanks.

For a line to line knot, I have been using the uni-to-unit knot and that knot is very good.

[CaptainJoe]

I've used the Fish-N-Fool knot for a year now, and I like it a lot. It's easy to tie and I've had no problems with breakage. I use PowerPro braided line, mostly.

For me, the big advantage of the Fish-N-Fool is that you don't have to pass the lure through a loop like with the Palomar knot. Tying the Palomar knot is OK with a single hook, but boy, if a lure has a couple of treble hooks ........

Sam....I know you use the Fish N Fool knot for mostly braid, but have you had any problems using it with mono, floro, or a hybrid line? thanks in advance....

[denjac]

Nobody has mentioned the improved clinch knot. Am I the only one that uses it? Also tie the palomar knot for single hooks.

[mosouthpaw]

Nobody has mentioned the improved clinch knot. Am I the only one that uses it?

i use it, mainly because i can tie the thing in my sleep...

[Gary Lange]

I too have been using the Fish-n-fool knot since it won Knot Wars competition against the Palomar Knot. It takes a little practice but is not that hard to tie once you get the hang of it. Here is a video of how to tie the Fish-n-fool knot.

http://www.versuscountry.com/itemdetail.aspx?id=3515

[Gary Lange]

Capt. Joe I use the fish-n-fool on Florocarbon and it works very well with no problems at all. I grew up with Fishing Facts and used the Figure Eight knot for years as it is easy to tie and has good strength also. I started using the Fish-n-fool after finding it on Knot Wars and although it is harder to tie then the Figure eight it seems to be stronger.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I've only seen the no-name knot used with a loop on one line, is that what you're doing or trimming all four tag ends?

I was afraid I would have trouble explaining it. The lines, or line and leader, are coming at one another from opposite directions and laid together. When the loop is made they are treated as one. The loose ends are then wrapped around the loop strands, one from each direction. These are trimmed after the knot is tightened.

Hope that helps. I've used this knot seemingly forever to attach leaders. After braid came on the scene I found it seems to work well with it also. On most of my bass rods I'm using 6/20 braid, moving to 8/30 when I change lines, with a leader. So far I like the combination because it very flexible. I can tie on a leader long enough to reach the reel, not through the level wind, of whatever seems appropriate. It gives me something to sacrifice to knots, to fit conditions of abrasion or water clarity, and the braid last an incredible length of time.

[Gavin]

I use the palomor, improved clinch, clinch, non-slip loop, and Davy knot to tie line to lures and flies.

Mono to mono...blood or a triple surgeons knot.

Braid to mono or flouro...triple surgeons knot, because uni to uni is a PIA.

It really doesnt have to be the strongest knot on the planet in my book...its just got to be easy to tie and hold well.