The 10 Best Fishing Knots Every Angler Should Know

From flicking a float out for roach to casting a fly on a breezy river, the knot you tie really matters. 
There’s a saying — “If you don’t know what knot, use lots.” It might raise a smile, but in truth, using the right knot is what really makes the difference. 
It's not only about catching fish. An easy fish knot also means better care for the fish, less harm to the environment, and not losing expensive gear. If you tie a knot wrong or don't use the right one, it might break under strain, leaving a hook in a fish, wasting your gear, and ruining a beautiful day. 

That's why every angler, no matter how long they've been fishing or how new they are, should learn a few good knots. You only need to know a couple of them thoroughly to get through most scenarios on the sea. 

This guide goes over 10 important easy fishing knots, from simple ones that are easy for beginners to use to reliable ones for leaders, rigs, and terminal tackle. These knots will work for you if you're tying braid, fluorocarbon, or monofilament.

Also Read: Fishing Hook Sizes

Essential Tip: Always moisten your knots

Before you pull on a fishing knot, damp it with water or saliva. This keeps the knot from getting too heated from too much friction and lets it settle in well and correctly.

1. Half Blood Knot (Improved Clinch Knot)

Best for: Mono/fluoro to hook, lure, or swivel 
A classic knot — quick to tie, reliable, and perfect for many general setups. 

How to tie a fishing knot: 
•    Thread the line through the eye. 
•    Wrap the tag end around the standing line 5–7 times. 
•    Pass the tag through the small loop next to the eye. 
•    (Improved version: pass the tag end back through the big loop you just formed.) 
•    Moisten, pull tight, and trim.

2. Grinner Knot (Uni Knot)

Best for: All line types; general terminal tackle 
A strong, dependable knot that works especially well with braid.
 
How to tie a fishing knot: 
•    Thread your line through the eye. 
•    Double back and form a loop. 
•    Wrap the tag end around the double line and through the loop 4–6 times. 
•    Moisten and pull tight.

3. Double Uni Knot

Best for: Joining braid to mono/fluoro 
A smooth, strong connection — ideal for joining mainline to a leader.
 
How to tie: 
•    Overlap the ends of both lines. 
•    Tie a Uni Knot in the braid with 6–8 wraps. 
•    Tie another Uni Knot in the mono/fluoro with 4–6 wraps. 
•    Moisten, then slowly pull the knots together. 
•    Trim both tag ends.

4. Palomar Knot

Best for: Braid or mono to hook/lure 
One of the strongest knots around — especially good with braided line.
 
How to tie: 
•    Fold the line in half and put the loop through the hook eye. 
•    Make a loose overhand knot. 
•    Put the hook or lure through the loop. 
•    Moisten and tighten evenly.

5. Figure of Eight Loop

Best for: Creating a fixed loop 
Great for rigs and loop-to-loop connections, especially in coarse fishing.
 
How to tie: 
•    Create a loop in the line. 
•    Twist it into a figure of eight. 
•    Feed the loop end through the lower twist. 
•    Moisten and pull tight.

6. Albright Knot

Best for: Braid to heavy mono or fluorocarbon 
A go-to for lure and sea anglers needing to join fine braid to thicker leader.

How to tie: 
•    Form a loop in the mono. 
•    Insert the braid through the loop and wrap it around both lines 10–12 times. 
•    Feed the tag end back through the loop the same way it came in. 
•    Moisten and pull tight.

Also Read: Best Lures for River Fishing

7. Non-Slip Loop Knot (Rapala Knot)

Best for: Tying lures for better movement 
Creates a loop that won’t tighten — letting lures swing freely for better action.
 
How to tie: 
•    Tie a loose overhand knot in the line. 
•    Pass the tag through the lure eye, then back through the overhand knot. 
•    Wrap the tag around the standing line 3–5 times. 
•    Feed it back through the overhand loop. 
•    Moisten, pull tight, and trim.

8. Snell Knot

Best for: Keeping hooks in line — perfect for hair rigs and bait setups

How to tie: 
•    Pass the line through the hook eye from the back of the shank. 
•    Lay the tag end along the hook. 
•    Wrap it around both shank and line 6–8 times. 
•    Feed the tag back through the eye from the same direction. 
•    Moisten, pull tight, and trim.

9. Hair Rig (Knotless Knot)

Best for: Carp fishing with boilies, soft baits — also brilliant for live baiting 
A modern classic — essential for bait separation and better hook-ups.

What you need: 
•    Barbless hook 
•    Hooklink (mono, braid, or coated braid) 
•    Bait stop & baiting needle
 
How to tie: 
•    Cut hooklink to 8–12 inches. 
•    Tie a loop (approx. 1cm) at the end using a figure of eight knot. 
•    Feed the line up through the eye of the hook. 
•    Leave 1–2cm below the hook to form the “hair.” 
•    Hold the hair along the shank and wrap the hooklink up 5–8 times. 
•    Pass the end back through the hook eye from behind. 
•    Moisten and pull tight. 
•    Thread bait onto the hair using a baiting needle. 
•    Secure it with a bait stop.

10. Surgeon’s Knot

Best for: Quick mono/fluoro joins or tippet-to-leader in fly fishing
Quick, reliable, and ideal in low light or when your hands are cold.
 
How to tie: 
•    Overlap your two lines. 
•    Tie an overhand knot using both lines. 
•    Pass the ends through the loop again. 
•    Moisten and tighten. 
•    Trim excess.

Practice, Patience, and a Bit of Spit

You don’t need dozens of knots. Just 10 solid ones like these will cover 95% of your fishing. Whether you’re wondering how do I tie a fishing knot or just looking for some easy fishing knots, this list has you sorted.
 
And always — moisten before you tighten. It's a little thing that makes a tremendous difference. 

So get some extra thread, make a cup of tea and practise until tying knots comes naturally.
 
Tight lines, sharp hooks — and easy fishing knots that never slip.