03/30/13

Knots to Know and Use:      Back to HOME PAGE

Improved Clinch Knot (aka Fisherman’s knot and clinch knot)—Used to tie on hooks, swivels, snaps, jigs, lures, and weights.  Easy to tie, strong and reliable.  Good for Mono, Dacron, Nylon, and Fluorocarbon.  Not good for Super Line (Spider Wire, Power Pro)

Palomar Knot—Used to tie on hooks, swivels, snaps, and small jigs and lure.  Easy to tie, very strong, and reliable.  Good for Mono, Dacron, Nylon, Fluorocarbon, and Super Line.  Awkward to tie on treble hook lures.

Surgeon’s Knot—Used to join lines and leaders together.  Easy to tie, very strong, good for joining lines and leaders of different diameters.  Good for Mono, Dacron, Nylon, and Fluorocarbon.  Not recommended for Super line without glue.

Surgeon’s Loop—Used for end loop on line or leader.  Easy to tie, very strong, and reliable.  Good for Mono, Dacron, Nylon and Fluorocarbon.  Fair for Super line.

Uni-Knot—Used to tie on hooks, swivels, snaps, jigs, lures, weights, for joining lines, and backing up Super Line Knots.  Easy to tie, strong, reliable, and versatile.  Good for Mono Dacron, Nylong and Flurocarbon.  Fair for Super Line.

Rigs to Know and Use

Swivel, Leader and Hook or Lure—The most basic kind of inexpensive rig.  Used for chumming, live lining, trolling, jigging, drifting, bottom fishing and surf fishing.  Simple to rig up and use and has many variations such as Carolina Rig, Fish Finder Rig, and In-Line Rig.

Three Way Rig—Used for Bottom Fishing, surf fishing, drifting, and trolling.  Simple to rig up and use, inexpensive and very flexible.

Double Hook Bottom Rig—Used for Bottom Fishing, Surf Fishing, Drifting and Trolling.  Easy to use, comes in many configurations, is available everywhere at a modest cost.

Planer Rig—Used for trolling with medium to heavy tackle.  Requires additional terminal tackle to rig up.  Cost is moderate and some experience is needed to use it effectively.

Umbrella Rig—Used for Trolling with heavy tackle for big fish.  Requires some knowledge to rig up and use.  One of the most costly rigs to make or buy.

Slip Float Rig—Used for live bait fishing.  Easy to rig up and use and easy to control depth at various levels.  Can cast out to desired spot much better than with a fixed float.