Essentials: the knots you need to know

There are literally hundreds of fishing knots out there. However, the good news is that you only need to know how to tie a select few. Here are the 5 knots you MUST KNOW how to tie:

Click on the pics to enlarge them. Now, here are two other knots worth knowing.

This knot is known as the Blood Knot. It is used to join two lengths of mainline together (in case if your adding more line to the reel, or if you snapped your line and need to join it back together). You will find it easier to tie this knot if you use a ruler, disgorger or screwdriver (to prevent the twists from coming undone).

To tie this knot, lay the two lenghts of the line (about 10cm each) side by side. Stich a twig or or other straight edged item between the two lines. Now, on the right hand side of the twig, twist the lines round eachother 5 times. Do the same for the left hand side but in the OPPOSITE direction. Now feed the ends of the line through the gap in the middle (which has been provided by the twig) as shown. Pull the ends together and moisten the knot before fully tying. Trim the tag ends off, as this will prevent the mainline being snaged on the knot.

Another knot worth knowing is the Four Turn Water Knot.

This is used to tie on paternoster rigs for legers and feeders. It can also be used to mark your casting distance for distance casting - such as in feeder fishing.