Improved Clinch Knot
Also known as:Clinch Knot
Description
An improvement on the basic clinch knot where the tag end is passed back through the loop before the coils, creating a cinching action that grips the hook eye securely.
Common Uses
Tying hooks, swivels, and lures to fishing line. One of the most widely used fishing knots.
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 tag end through the eye of the hook and pull out 6 inches.
- 2Wrap the tag end around the standing line 5-7 times.
- 3Pass the tag end back through the small loop just above the hook eye.
- 4Then pass the tag end through the large loop you just created.
- 5Moisten the line and pull both ends to tighten slowly.
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.