What are the Best Knots to Tie with Lures and Hooks?

Make sure your hard lures, soft baits, hooks and other tackle are secure for a day on the water with this introductory guide to the best fishing knots.

Tying Fishing Knots

If you don't tie firm knots before you drop your line in the water, your prized baits and tackle will end up being the biggest catch of the day. There are a lot of fishing knot types — but which are most useful? TackleDirect has chosen the best fishing knots for hooks and lures that cover many situations beginner and intermediate anglers encounter.

With all knots, it is important to note that the strength of the knot depends on how well it is tied. Always make sure to tie your knots correctly and test them before casting. It is also a good idea to lubricate the knot before tightening it to ensure that it does not weaken the line.

Robert Field lubricating a knot

Best Knots for Tying Lures & Hooks

1. Snell Knot

In terms of sheer hook-to-line strength and easiness to tie, the snell knot is the best fishing knot around. It is great for connecting fishing line directly to baited hooks. Snell knots were originally conceived for eyeless hooks but can be used on many other types of hooks and lures. Use a snell knot for a variety of saltwater fish along with freshwater bass, catfish and carp.

Snell knot diagram

To tie a Snell Knot:

• Pass the line through the hook to create a loop
• Turn the loop around the hook's shank several times while working your way towards the curve
• Tighten the knot by pulling the main line

2. Improved Clinch Knot

This versatile knot is ideal for lure fishing and can also be used to attach hooks and swivels. Since it keeps up to 95% of the line's strength, many anglers use clinch knots for strong fish. The knot is best for monofilament and lighter fluorocarbon.

Improved Clinch knot diagram

To tie an Improved Clinch Knot:

• Pass 6-12 inches of line through the hook/lure/swivel eye
• Twist the tag end around the standing line 5-6 times while leaving a small space between the eye and the line
• Run the tag end through this space to create a second loop
• Then run it through this new loop
• Slowly pull the tag end and line away from the hook to tighten

3. Rapala Knot

Created by Lefty Kreh and perfected by the Rapala lure company, this knot is commonly used for tying a lure directly to a fishing line. It keeps line strength well and gives the lure a more natural motion when fly fishing on fluorocarbon.

The Rapala knot is known for being strong and reliable, and it is often used for fishing for larger game fish. The double overhand knots create a secure grip on the lure or hook, and the doubled line helps to distribute the pressure evenly when fighting a fish.

Rapala knot diagram

To tie a Rapala Knot:

• Start by creating a loose overhead knot
• Thread the tag end through the lure eye and back through the original knot
• Give the tag end three turns around the main line before passing it through the overhead knot again
• Then pass through the new loop you just made
• To tighten, moisten the line, then hold the tag end close to the knot while pulling both the tag end and standing line

4. Uni Knot

This knot is excellent for connecting eyed hooks to a line or leader, and it is strong enough to withstand the pressure of a large fish. Anglers also use it to attach fishing lines to reel arbors and swivels. You can tie a uni knot on any line type for freshwater and saltwater tackle.

Uni knot diagram

To tie a Uni Knot:

• Pass the line through the hook eye and double it back
• Place the tag end over this doubled line to create a loop
• Turn it around the line 5-6 times
• Pass the tag end through the loop
• Hold both ends in one hand and pull until almost tight.
• Moisten the lines
• Pull the standing line away from the hook to fully tighten