Clinch Knot
Description
The clinch knot is a popular fishing knot used to attach a fishing line to a hook, swivel, or lure. It is tied by passing the line through the eye, wrapping around the standing part several times, and passing the end back through the initial loop.
Common Uses
One of the most commonly used fishing knots for attaching terminal tackle to monofilament or fluorocarbon fishing line.
When to Choose This Knot
Choose this knot when connecting line to hooks, lures, swivels, leaders, or other line. Fishing knots are sensitive to line material, diameter, wetting, and how evenly the coils seat.
Safety Notes
- Wet monofilament or fluorocarbon before tightening to reduce friction damage.
- Trim tags only after the knot is fully seated and pull-tested.
- Use eye protection when testing line under tension.
How to Tie
- 1Pass the fishing line through the eye of the hook or lure.
- 2Wrap the tag end around the standing part five to seven times.
- 3Pass the tag end through the small loop just above the eye.
- 4Pass the tag end through the large loop that formed.
- 5Pull the standing end to slide the wraps into place against the eye.
- 6Trim the excess tag end close to the knot.
Common Mistakes
- Burning or weakening line by tightening too quickly while dry.
- Leaving crossed coils that cut into each other.
- Using a knot that is not suited to braided, fluorocarbon, or monofilament line.