Tying Essential Fishing Knots

Updated Aug 2026 ~5 min read

The improved clinch knot and the Palomar knot are two of the most widely used general fishing knots for tying line to a hook, lure, or swivel. Both are general fishing technique, not specific to any app.

Key Facts
Improved clinch knot
5 steps
Palomar knot
4 steps
In-app tutorials
Fishing School knot guide

Improved Clinch Knot

  1. Thread the line

    Pass the end of the line through the eye of the hook, lure, or swivel.

  2. Wrap the tag end

    Wrap the tag end around the standing line 5 to 7 times.

  3. Thread back through

    Pass the tag end back through the small loop formed just above the eye.

  4. Thread through the big loop

    Pass the tag end through the larger loop that was just created.

  5. Moisten and tighten

    Moisten the knot, pull it snug, and trim the excess tag end.

Palomar Knot

  1. Double the line

    Double about 6 inches of line and pass the loop through the eye of the hook or lure.

  2. Tie an overhand knot

    Tie a loose overhand knot in the doubled line, letting the hook or lure hang below it.

  3. Pass the loop over

    Pass the loop over the hook or lure.

  4. Moisten and tighten

    Moisten the knot, pull both the loop and the tag end to tighten it against the eye, and trim the excess.

Learn Knots In-App

ProFish's Fishing School includes step-by-step fishing knot tutorials, part of a structured lesson library covering beginner through advanced skill levels.

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