Tying monofilament line to a fishing lure requires using a reliable knot designed for this purpose. Several knots work well with monofilament, providing strength and security. A simple yet effective method involves steps similar to those used in the strong and easy-to-tie Palomar knot, which involves creating a loop and passing the lure through it.
Mastering the Knot: A Step-by-Step Guide
While many knots exist, the Palomar Knot is highly regarded for its strength with monofilament line and is relatively simple to learn. The steps described in the provided reference, specifically tying an overhand knot and then passing the lure through the resulting loop, are key steps in completing the Palomar knot.
Here’s how to tie a common, strong knot suitable for monofilament, incorporating the actions mentioned in the reference:
The Palomar Knot
The Palomar knot is known for retaining a high percentage of the line's breaking strength. It's particularly good for tying line to swivels, snaps, and lure eyes.
- Double the Line: Take about six inches of the end of your monofilament line and double it back on itself, creating a loop.
- Pass Through Eye: Pass the end of this doubled-up loop through the eye of your lure or hook.
- Tie an Overhand Knot: Hold the lure in one hand. With the doubled line, tie a loose overhand knot. This is the step where you tie an overhand knot as mentioned in the reference. Do not tighten it down completely yet. The lure should be hanging from one side of this knot.
- Pass Lure Through Loop: You will now have a large loop formed from the doubled line passing through the overhand knot. Take the whole lure and pass it completely through this large loop. This crucial step involves taking the whole lure and going through that loop, as described in the reference. Ensure the loop goes over the entire lure.
- Moisten and Tighten: Pull gently on both the main line and the tag end to snug the knot down towards the eye of the lure. Moisten the knot with saliva or water before the final tightening to reduce friction and prevent weakening the line. Pull firmly and evenly to seat the knot securely against the lure eye.
- Trim Tag End: Trim the excess tag end, leaving about 1/8 inch.
This method, especially steps 3 and 4 which directly correspond to the referenced actions (tying an overhand knot and passing the lure through the loop), results in a robust connection.
Other Effective Knots for Monofilament
While the Palomar is excellent, other knots are also popular and effective for tying monofilament to lures, each with its own advantages:
- Improved Clinch Knot: A very common knot, relatively easy to tie, and strong. It involves passing the line through the eye, twisting it around the standing line, passing the tag end back through a loop near the eye, and then through the larger loop just formed before tightening.
- Uni Knot (or Duncan Loop): Versatile and strong, the Uni knot can be used for tying to hooks/lures or for joining lines. It involves creating a loop with the tag end around the standing line and making several wraps within the loop before tightening. Can be tied as a snell or loop knot variation.
- Non-Slip Mono Loop: Creates a non-slip loop at the end of your line, giving the lure more freedom of movement, which can improve its action in the water. Starts with an overhand knot, passes the line through the lure eye and back through the overhand knot loop, wraps the tag end around the standing line, and passes the tag end back through both the initial overhand knot loop and the wraps.
Choosing the Right Knot
The best knot often depends on factors like line strength, lure size, and personal preference.
| Knot | Key Benefit | Difficulty | Common Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palomar Knot | Very Strong, Easy to Tie Properly | Easy | Tying to hooks, swivels, small lure eyes | Excellent for monofilament and braid. |
| Improved Clinch | Common, Reliable | Medium | General hook/lure tie | Good all-rounder for various lines. |
| Uni Knot | Versatile, Strong | Medium | Tying to lures, joining lines, snelling | Can be tied in various configurations. |
| Non-Slip Mono Loop | Allows Lure Freedom | Medium | When maximum lure action is desired | Creates a small loop at the end. |
Remember to always practice tying your chosen knot before hitting the water to ensure you can tie it correctly and efficiently. Proper knot tying and moistening before tightening are crucial for maximum knot strength with monofilament.
