How to Tie a Fishing Hook

How to Tie a Fishing Hook

Fishing is about having the best material to hunt for each different prey fish you are targeting, and among the first critical lessons you must know is how to tie a fishing hook. There are many fishing knots that you can use, but first, you must practice how to make them. Tying the knot the wrong way can be the difference between failing and a successful fishing expedition. 

The reasons why sometimes fishing hooks fail is because they break apart or sometimes fall off the hook. Therefore, constantly checking for tension is a necessity when you are out fishing. 

Because there are so many fishing knots, it can be a challenge to know all of them. A safe way to learn how to tie a fishing hook is practicing the ones you already know. There is no need to learn all the fishing knots available to the fisherman. 

Different Approaches on How to Tie a Fishing Hook

How to Tie a Fishing Hook to a Weight

We know why you need a fishing hook because you must catch fish, but not so many people know why tying a fishing hook to a weight is essential. Weights are sinkers that give your fishing line momentum and ensure you cast your line even further. 

The weight will make the bait sink to depths where the fish are, making it possible to catch more fish. 

Tying the Fishing Hook and Weight

The right knot will ensure that the weight is held firmly in place and will not detach. The fastest way to attach weight to a fishing line is by using a clinch knot. It is stress-free and also reliable. 

  1. Take some inches of the fishing line and then pass it inside the eye of your fishing hook. 
  2. Once you do this, hold the line tight and wrap it around the hook making at least five or more turns. Through the loop you have established, try passing the line through, resulting in a smaller loop. 
  3. Now pass the remaining line on the larger loop and tie the line together very firmly. Cut the extra line.
  4. Adding weight to a fishing line requires that you put it at least one foot above your angler’s hook. Take your fishing line and head out to the waters to test it. 
  5. The choice to add weights when fishing solely depends on the kind of fish you aim to catch. 

How to Tie a Fishing Hook to a Swivel

The Fisherman’s Knot

It is also called the Improved Clinch knot, but the word fisherman’s knot results from so many anglers that use this knot for tying their fishing hooks. It is probably the first knot most fishers learn when they are new to fishing and want to hook to the fishing line. 

Fisherman's Knot
How to Make a Fisherman’s Knot
  1. Start by running the tag of the fishing line straight through the hooks eye. Pull between 7-10 inches of the line through.
  2. Follow this act by wrapping the tag end around the standing end between 5-8 turns or wraps should suffice.
  3. After, pass along the tag end inside the loop you have made next to the eye of your fisherman’s hook. 
  4. Through this action, you will have formed another loop, including your turns and wraps. 
  5. Ensure that the tag end passes through the loop you have made. 
  6. The final process should be to wet the fishing line with your saliva to lubricate the knot you are making.
  7. Holding the tag end on the one hand together with the standing end, then the fishing hook, on the other, gently pull the tool while applying steady pressure. 

The hook is sharp, and for safety, you can hold it with pliers and still pull gently. Ensure that you make the knot as tight as it can be without breaking the fishing line

Clip the ends of your tag but remember to leave some ample space so that it does not slip off. A fingernail clipper can be used to clip off the tag ends smoothly. 

How to Attach a Swivel to a Double Line

Offshore Swivel Knot

Offshore Swivel Knot

It is a special knot that best attaches a swivel to a double line. The process is also relatively simple. 

  1. Holding the end of your double line, pass it through the eye of the fishing swivel. 
  2. Rotate its end, making a half-turn, then put a single twist in between one end of your loop and the eye of the swivel.
  3. Hold the loop that has the twists and pass it over your swivel. Holding the end of the loop you have formed, allow the swivel to slide towards the end of the double loop already in place. 
  4. While still holding the loop and the double line in one hand, use the other hand to rotate your swivel through all the loops at least five or six times. 
  5. Release the loops slowly while keeping the pressure on all parts of the double line. If you pull the loops and the swivel, you will see loops forming. 

Palomar Knot

Palomar knot is the most reliable and strongest knot you can use to attach a hook or a swivel to a fishing line. It is also the simplest to make and takes such a short time to learn. 

Palomar Knot
  1. Start by making a loop and passing it through the eye of your fishing hook.
  2. Then make an overhand knot on the eye.
  3. Afterward, extend your loop and then pass your fishing hook through it.
  4. Finish the knot by pulling both the hook and the tag in opposite directions. Moisten both the hook and line with saliva and pull to tighten. Trim the ends of the line when you are done. 

Conclusion

If you want, you can learn other ways of how to tie a fishing hook. There are many, and it is not necessary to learn all of them. But if you know the basics, you will solve most problems associated with new anglers going fishing for the first time. 

You also get lots of experience from practicing a lot. There is no perfect knot over another as long as you tie them right. 

Be sure to check out our article on the best fishing lures.