First 3 Essential Knots Every Angler Should Learn & Master

We’ve all learned the Clinch knot. You’ll hear it referred to as the “Fisherman’s Knot” and it is/was a staple in the fishing world for quite some time. Here are the next 3 essential fishing knots you should learn after you master the clinch knot!

Improved Clinch Knot - The V.2 of the clinch knot with a slight twist. Basically this is a clinch knot that is fed back through the knot created between the last twists and the first loop created. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough to get the novice anglers up to speed:

Thread about 6-8 inches of line/leader through the eye of the hook.
Run the tag line against itself, doubling it back parallel against the running line.
Twist the tag end of the line six times around the running line.
After your last twist, take your tag end of the line, and feed it through the loop created between the hook eye and the first twist.
Then, take the tag end and thread it through the loop you JUST created.
Wet your line/knot, and slowly & firmly cinch tight.

Seems complicated? It isn’t! Give it a few practice attempts before getting out on the water.

The Alberto Knot - This knot is a great first knot to learn how to tie two lines together, even if they aren’t of the same material. I use the Alberto knot frequently to create leaders on my braid to fluoro rigs. Here is a quick breakdown of the tying process:

Double your fluorocarbon leader butt section over to make a loop in your butt section, and hold it between your thumb and forefinger.
Thread the braided running line through the newly formed loop of fluoro from the opposite direction, and create at least 6 wraps over the doubled over fluorocarbon leader butt section.
Switch the pinched knot to your other hand, and now wrap the braided line back over the doubled fluoro line the same number of times as before.
Pass the braid back through the first loop of fluorocarbon the same direction as in step 2.
Wet all parts of the knot, and slowly but firmly pull all tag and running line ends opposite the way the are going. Be sure to push the braided wraps to the center, and that they do not overlap one another. Snug the knot, and snip the excess.

This is one of the easier knots to tie with any length of leader material that will allow you to adjust the leader length after you tie the leader on. It takes practice and patience, but you can also tie leaders on from the comfort of your home of truck.

The Palomar Knot - The Palomar knot is often used to secure braid or larger diameter super line to a hook. There are a few ways to tie the Palomar knot, but here is an easy method for new anglers to learn:

Double your tag line parallel to your running line about 3-4 inches long, and feed it through your hook eye.
Tie a basic overhand knot with the entire doubled line, with your hook in the center of the knot.
Lastly, feed the entire hook through the loop you created in the beginning (by doubling over your tag end of the line).
Wet the knot well, and thoroughly cinch the knot down tightly.

This knot self seats, and will work better for some lines than others. You should practice the Palomar knot frequently before taking it out on the water.

Hopefully this helped the new anglers as well as the more advanced outdoorsmen with a friendly reminder of these three knots. The Improved Clinch, the Palomar, and the Alberto Knot are great knots that all anglers new and expert should know and learn! Tight lines, and go catch a monster bass!