Fishing knots

Improved clinch knot

The classic knot for tying hooks, swivels or lures to monofilament line.

easy Line: Monofilament, Fluorocarbon

How to tie it

Pass the end of the line about 10 cm through the eye of the hook.
Wrap the end 5 to 7 times around the main line. With thick line, fewer turns are enough.
Push the end through the small loop right next to the eye.
Then pass the end back through the big loop you have just made.
Wet the knot and pull slowly on the main line until the turns sit neatly together.
Trim the tag end to a few millimetres.

Tip: Wet the knot with water or saliva before tightening and pull evenly. For braided line, use the Palomar knot instead.

Common mistakes

The last step through the big loop is missing. Then it is only the simple clinch, which slips more easily.
Pulled tight dry and with a jerk: the line heats up and gets weak at that point.

Sources (2)

Last checked 2026-10-10. Found a mistake? Write to [email protected].

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