Knots

The Grinner Knot

The grinner knot is also commonly called the uni knot and is suitable for attaching hooks and swivels to braid and mono fishing lines, a personal favourite of mine, a strong and reliable knot which is very easy to tie. For lines up to 20lb I use 4 to 5 turns, for braid I use 6 to 7 turns, and for tying rigs to 60lb leaders I use 3 to 4 turns.

The grinner knot

Tips : Use saliva to moisten the knot, don't pull the line hard against the swivel/hook but put your finger in the loop between the swivel and knot, this will stop the line kinking, pull the tag end gently until the knot is tight. Then using you finger and thumb slide the knot down, and to finish a firm tug to set the knot.

The Half Blood Knot 

Suitable for attaching hooks and swivels to mono fishing lines, this knot was the first knot I ever used, and is maybe a little different to a to other half blood knots as the tag is passed through the large loop for extra security as this knot can slip under pressure. This is possibly the easiest knot to tie and is fairly reliable, and I have found that when tying hooks for clip down rigs, this knot is a lot easier to judge the length than a the grinner knot. I use about 6 to 7 turns with 10lb line reducing the turns down to 3 to 4 on 60lb,.

The half blood knot

Tips : Use saliva to moisten the knot. Do not use with braids as it can slip, but admittedly not all braids. Don't cut the tag to close to the knot. To avoid kinking, gently pull tag end until the knot is formed but not tight, then use finger and thumb to slide knot to the hook, then give it a firm tug to set knot, you will normally feel this as it happen. then pull the tag firmly again before cutting.

The Uni To Uni Knot 

Also known as the double uni knot, this knot is used to tie mono fishing lines together, or tapered leaders too main lines, extremely strong and easy to tie. A must have knot for all types of fishing. The number of turns is dependant on the line being used. When tying two lines of the same diameter, use the same amount of turns on each line, but generally use less turns on the thickest line, I have known people to only use one turn on the thickest line, but I have never been brave enough to , I use 3 turns as a minimum regardless of line diameter.

The uni to uni knot

Tips : Think of this knot as two identical knots, tie one first and gently pull the tag a few millimeters and then the lead line a few millimeters at a time until the knot forms, but do don't pull tight. And do the same for the next knot, once both knots are tied using yours finger and thumb slide the two knots together, then pull firmly to set the knot, again use saliva to lubricate the line. Don't use this knot to tie braid to mono lines, I have had it slip a few times, Its because of the different streatch in the lines. I now use the allbright knot for mono to braid.

 The Allbright Knot

The allbright knot

The Stop Knot

The stop knot