Kids Stuff - knots
by Michael Bok
In fishing one of the most important things that you can learn is to tie a good knot.
There is nothing worse than tying a hook, swivel, lure or what ever onto a line only to have it break of when you hook that big fish. When you tie your knots always wet the knot before tightening as this creates a lubricant that prevents the line from cutting into itself - and tighten them slowly.
To practice your knots, try tying them with old flyline, its thicker and easier or find some thicker line. The more you practise, the easier knots are to tie. You should get to a stage where you can tie a good knot in very poor light.
Locked Blood Knot
One of the most useful knots is the locked blood knot. This can be used to join line to hooks, swivels and other tackle. Simply thread the line through the hook or swivel, go around the line six times (more on very thin line - less than thick line), thread the line back through the gap above the hook eye and then back through the loop to lock it off.
Dropper Loop
Another useful knot to know how to tie is the dropper loop. This can be used to make up a Paternoster rig. This rig is useful for bottom fishing and for surf fishing.
Palomar Knot
The Palomar knot is easy to tie and useful for attaching hooks and swivels. This is also a great knot for using with spiderwire.
