Iconic angler Larry Dalhberg once said, “I only need to know three knots: the Bimini twist, the uni-knot and the nail knot.” Well, regardless of the number of knots you think you need to know, let me share with you a couple of tips on how you can improve the ones you prefer.
Always give yourself plenty of line to start. This is one of the most common mistakes I see students repetitively making when they start tying knots on their own. Thankfully, it’s an easy fix. Give yourself 30 percent more line than you think you’re going to need to tie your knot. And always remember, it’s equally important for you to properly dispose of your remnant line.
Lubricate your knot before tightening it and understand why. The reason we pre-lubricate knots is they slip otherwise, and when they slip, they often break. Two lines rubbing together creates friction, which creates heat, so technically the knot doesn’t break as much as it burns up.
If you can’t tie your favorite knot in the dark, you best start practicing now. The last time I checked, my eyesight wasn’t improving. In fact it was a little less clear than it was 10 years ago. Practice tying knots without looking at them.
Use knots you have faith in and ones that have as close as you can get to 100 percent breaking strength, fitting each knot with each fishing situation.
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