How to Tie a "Knotless" Fishing Knot

With this set of instructions, you will learn how to tie a "Knotless" fishing knot which is primarily used when fishing with live bait. This knot provides a very strong hold and actually gets stronger as more pressure is applied to the hook it is attached to.

• A hook of any desired size
• Monofilament or Braided fishing line
• Scissors or fishing pliers to cut away excess line

You want to start out with a section if fishing line big enough to work with easily, this will be about 12-18 inches of line. Try to keep the line from twisting and straighten it out if needed. Make sure the end of the line has been cut cleanly and is not frayed.

• Ensure the eye of the hook is clean and free of any obstructions
• Take the end of your fishing line and feed it through the eye of the hook
• Leave approximately 2-3 inches of tag end through the eye

• As you are wrapping the line, keep a firm hold on the hook to make sure it does not slip
• You want to make the wraps tight next to each other
• DO NOT overlap the wraps

• When you have the line wrapped 5 to 7 times around the shank of the hook, give the mainline a strong tug
• Place your finger on the wrapped line so they do not come undone

• Keeping your finger on the wrapped line, take the end of your mainline and feed the line through the eye of the hook
• Once the line is fed through the eye of the hook, give the line a strong pull to tighten and hold down the wrapped line on the shank

• Grab your scissors or fishing pliers and cut off the tag end of the line that was initially fed through the hook in step 1
• Leave a small bit of line exposed so the wrapping does not come undone

• At the top of your mainline, you want to tie a loop so you can attach it to another line or even to other tackle like a snap swivel
• Use an overhand knot or even better, a figure 8 knot for maximum strength

• Once the loop has been tied, take your scissors or fishing pliers and cut off the excess line that was left from tying the loop
• Make sure to leave a small amount of line after the knot so there is extra for when the line is stretched when fishing

• Double check to make sure the knot tied around the shank of the hook is well secured by pulling on the line while holding the hook with your other hand
• Check the loop by placing a finger in the loop and pulling the hook in the opposite direction with your other hand

Take necessary precautions to avoid getting hurt. Since you will be dealing with a sharp hook, keep your fingers clear of the hook's tip and barb if it has one. Also take precaution while cutting the line, use scissors and or pliers carefully to avoid slipping and cutting yourself.

• If the hook does not have a very long shank, the knot may be a bit more difficult to tie
• If the line you are using keeps twisting up it is best to just cut another section and start over
• If you are having trouble keeping the coils in place, increase the amount of pressure you keep on the line while wrapping it around the shank