Knots
Tips
When choosing a rod and reel combination, make sure they have have a balanced feel in your hand once they are secured together.
When you have the proper combination of rod, reel and line, make sure the knot you use to secure your hook, swivel or lure is strong enough to withstand the shock of a fish strike.
Remember: The knot you tie is the weakest point in your line. A good knot will retain more than 90% of the strength, while an improper knot will have less than one half of the line strength.
Trilene Knot
Highly Recommended, Very Strong
Insert tag end through eye; reinsert tag end back through eye forming a double loop. Double strands that pass through eye should not cross or overlap.
Wrap tag end around standing line; make 6 turns with light line (2–6 lb.), 5 turns with medium line (8–12 lb.), 4 turns with heavy line (14–-20 lb.).
Pass tag end through double loop at eye formed in Step 1.
Maintain tension on tag end; draw knot tight by pulling on standing line; trim tag end.
Palomar Knot
Offers Maximum Strength and Versatility
To tie the palomar knot, bend the line back on itself to form a double strand 6 inches long.
Next, pass this double strand through the hook eye and tie a loose overhand knot, leaving a loop deep enough so the hook (or lure) can pass through it.
Pass the hook through the loop.
Then tighten the knot by pulling on the hook with one hand and the double strand of line with the other. Trim the tag end.
Clinch Knot
An Old Standby
Insert tag end through eye leaving at least 6 inches of line to tie the knot. Wrap tag end around standing line; make 6 turns with light line (2-6 lb), 5 turns with medium line (8–12 lb.), 4 turns with heavy line (14–20 lb.).
Pass tag end through loop formed at eye.
Insert tag end back through second loop formed in Step 2.
Maintain tension on tag and draw knot tight by pulling on standing line; trim tag end.
Knotting a Braided Line
Strongest Braided Line Knot
See the video below from Total Fisherman for a strong knot using using braided line.