If you are running to the end of the line on your reel, then you may be interested in tying two ends together to get the most out of your supply – watch the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves after all! Tying fishing line together also has quite a few benefits and is a lot easier than you think!
Can You Tie Fishing Line Together? Yes, you can! If you are running to the end of your line, you can use a variety of knots to ensure that your line doesn’t separate. You can also tie a leader line or tippet to your main fishing line, and even tie two lines with different diameters together as well.
Now that we know we can tie fishing line together let’s talk about how to do it perfectly every time, even if you are just starting out!
Can You Tie Fishing Line Together?
If you are just starting out, then you may be nervous about the idea of tying fishing line together. It is actually a common practice that a lot of anglers do, and it is easier to do than you may think it is. Depending on the type of line you are using, there may be certain ways to tie the lines together better. Let’s talk about a few reasons why you may need to tie line together.
The simplest reason is that you may be running out of line on your reel! You do not want to run into a situation where you run out of line while trying to land that lunker you have been after for hours. Running out of line could also result in damage to your rod and reel if you are not careful. It’s also possible to tie two different diameters together assuming you use the correct knot to secure them.
Leader lines are another popular reason why you may be tying fishing line together. This is often used if you are looking to strengthen the main line that you are using. It can help to protect against damage and breakage as the leader takes most of the abuse in the water – as well as helping with your bait presentation.
There are ten popular knots that all anglers tend to use. We are going to talk about what these knots are, how to do them, and when you should be using them while fishing. First, let’s figure out which line is right for what you are doing.
What Type of Fishing Line Is Right for You?
There are quite a few types of fishing line, and they all have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Since some lines are better suited to certain knots, knowing more about the type of fishing line you may need can come in handy.
Monofilament Line
Monofilament line is popular because not only is it the most inexpensive option, but it also comes in a variety of colors and diameters. Depending on where you are fishing, and even what you are fishing for. A different type of monofilament line may work better.
Monofilament is great for tying together with knots. One of the big disadvantages of this line is that it is not as strong as other lines, and it also can break down if exposed to sunlight over time.
Braided Fishing Line
Braided line is almost double the strength of monofilament line. If you use braided line, then you will have a farther cast, deeper troll, and a faster sink than just using monofilament line. This also will last you longer since it doesn’t break down when exposed to sunlight.
One of the downsides of braid is that it is slippery, so it does not hold knots very well. It also does not have a great presentation in water since it is not invisible in water. Most fishermen (myself included) tend to use a leader so they can keep the line as hidden as possible.
Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
Fluorocarbon is most often used as a leader line since it is completely invisible in water. Some fishermen tend to use it as a main fishing line, as well. While fluorocarbon has some stretch to it, it has nowhere near the stretch that mono line has.
Depending on your preference, then the fact that it sinks could be considered a disadvantage. Fluorocarbon line can also get damaged much easier than mono or braid line.
Wire Fishing Line
Wire fishing line is often used if you are facing strong currents. Since it is heavier and thinner than a mono or braid would be, it has less resistance to passing water. This was the most popular before braid came onto the market.
Wire comes in a variety of options, and it must be connected with a twisted loop. If you are trolling, then wire fishing line is one of the best options that you can use.
What Types of Knots Should You Be Using?
The type of knot that you should be using to connect your fishing line together reflects not only on your skills but also what you are tying together. Some knots are better than others in some circumstances, so let’s talk more about the ten most popular type of knots.
Surgeon’s Knot
This is one of the easiest knots to tie together when joining fishing line as well as tying together two different diameters. It is also used to tie a knot of different materials together as well. The surgeon’s knot is essentially two overhand knots with the leader pulled through the knot every time. To seal the knot, you will pull on all four strands at one time. There are four main steps to tying the knot perfectly each time.
- Place the leader line next to the main line
- Create an overhand knot by passing the longest end of the leader and the tag end of the mainline through the loop.
- Create another overhand loop by passing the same ends through again
- Moisten the knot, and tightly pull on the four ends, and trim tags.
Double Uni Knot
This is a knot that you can use in both fresh and saltwater if you are tying together lines with similar or different strengths. The double line creates a more secure knot, but it can get confusing if you are not careful. This is basically a uni knot, but you are going to tie two of them together by the time you are finished. This knot is typically seen as easier to tie than a blood knot, and it can be just as reliable.
- Overlap the end of the lines you want to tie together.
- Take the end of the line from the left, double back.
- Make 3 wraps around both lines and then through the loop
- Pull tag to tighten, and repeat with the right line.
- Pull the knots together, clip ends.
Albright Knot
The Albright knot is one of the most reliable knots if you are joining lines of different diameters or materials. This is commonly used by fly fishermen to attach their leader line as well. It runs quite smooth through the guide if the fish pulls out a lot of line as well. If you are worried about it, some fishermen also use rubber cement to make it even smoother.
- Make a loop in the thicker line, run the lighter line through the loop.
- Hold the 3 lines, and wrap the light line back over itself and both loop strands.
- Tightly wrap the lighter wire around ten times, feed the tag back through the loop and exit on the same side that you entered the loop on.
- Pull both the heavy and light line to tighten the knot, trim the tag ends.
Blood Knot
This is one of the most popular knots among fly fishermen, and it is ideal for tying strings of the same diameter together. If you have ever heard of a “Cat o’ Nine Tails” whip, that is where this knot gets its’ name. It creates a strong knot and is very compact and versatile among fishermen. This knot is also used if you are tying a leader. This is one of the preferred knots to use if you are connecting two lines together.
- Overlap the ends of line that you want to join.
- Twist one line around the other between five and nine times.
- Bring the tag line back between the two lines.
- Wrap the other end in the opposite direction with the same number
- Pull lines in the opposite direction and clip the ends.
Palomar Knot
Palomar knots are often used with braided fishing line. It is one of the most reliable knots, and if tied properly, it is one of the strongest as well. The Palomar knot also retains almost all of the strength from the original line and can resist slippage too.
- Take 8 to 12 inches of line and double it. Pass through the eye of the hook.
- On the double line, tie an overhand knot.
- Pull the end of the loop down over the hook.
- Moisten the knot, and pull both ends
Improved Clinch Knot
This is another knot that is quite common among fishermen. It is a great way of securing your hook or lure to your fishing line. It is great for securing the leader to the fly, as well. It is an improved version of the older Clinch Knot. The improved version is more popular because it is quick to tie and easy for beginners. It is not recommended on lines greater than 25 pounds.
- Pass the end of the link through the eye.
- Take 8 inches and double it against itself
- Twist five to seven times
- Pass end through loop formed above eye
- Moisten know and pull tag, trim excess.
Turle Knot
This knot is most often used to connect a fly with a turned up or turned down eye to a line. The knot allows the line to emerge perpendicular to the shaft. It can also be used on a variety of diameters of line. This knot was named after a popular English angler, Major William Greer Turle, but never claimed to actually have invented it.
- Pass the tag end through the eye.
- Create two large loops and tie an overhand knot around them.
- Pass the loops over the hook, tuck under the loops.
- Moisten knot, tighten the line, trim the ends.
Arbor Knot
This line is typically used to connect line to an arbor or spool. It is based on a noose knot, so the more the knot is pulled, the tighter it will become. It is a great knot for monofilament and fluorocarbon lines. One of the biggest benefits of this line is that it is simple to do, and it is quite effective.
- Wrap the line around the spool with the tag end.
- Tie an overhand knot around standing part with tag end.
- Tie a second knot in the tag end an inch away from the knot.
- Pull standing line to slide know down to the spool. Then the second knot should jam against the first not, and trim the ends.
Yucatan Knot
This is somewhat similar to the Albright Special. The knot gets its name from being used off the coast of Cancun and Isla Mujeres. With the Yucatan knot, you are going to tie the heavier double line around the leader or lighter line. It is a very strong knot, and the Yucatan knot is one of the best ways to tie mono lead to a braided line knot.
- Lay the lines parallel to each other — double the main line.
- Wrap the doubled line around the lighter line 4 to 6 times.
- Feed the end of the lighter line through the loop at the end of the doubled line.
- Pull in opposite direction to tighten the knot, trim ends.
Seagaur Knot
If you are trying to tie a mono line to a fluorocarbon line, this is the perfect know for you. Not only is it an easy knot to tie, but it also is reliable for connecting them as well. It was actually introduced by Seagaur company who made fluorocarbon line. This knot is timed in a similar way to the King Sling Loop Knot, but uses two separate lines instead of a double line.
- Create a loop in the line and the leader line. Hold loops side by side.
- Insert your index finger into the loops, and twist the loops counter-clockwise three times.
- With the loops open, the feed tag end of main line and the entire leader line through the loop.
- Moisten the lines and pull all four ends to create a figure-eight knot. Trim ends
What Is a Leader Line?
You may consider using a leader line if you are looking to strengthen your line, increase your stealth, or help with your abrasion resistance. This is separate from your main line and is tied to a rig or lure. Using one of the previously mentioned knots.
Because leader lines are less visible to fish, they are great to use in clear water. With a leader line, you also do not have to worry about a fish possibly biting through your line. Leaders are very popular among fly fishermen. Because the fly line is thicker a leader line helps them present more natural in water.
Even if you are using braided line, using a leader line is still a good idea. While it is one of the stronger lines you can buy, there are still benefits to using a leader line. In addition to the benefits they provide other lines, a leader will save line, help the line sink, and gives you a longer cast as well.
Monofilament Leader Line
Monofilament is a popular choice because it resists damage, and it is a very cheap option as well. The bad part about a monofilament line is that it is very porous and soaks up water, which leads to mono line having a large amount of stretch. This is recommended for floating lines.
Fluorocarbon Leader Line
Fluorocarbon, on the other hand, does not soak up any water, and it is even more resistant to abrasion damage. Because of it’s like reflecting properties, it is difficult for fish to see, and is the preferred option for leader lines. This is a great option for nymphing fly line specifically.
Tying Fishing Line Together
The good news is that you can tie your lines together without any problems. By knowing about the kind of line you are using, you can find knots that work for you in terms of what you are fishing for and even where and how you will be fishing.
The knots mentioned above are great for tying pieces of line together, tying leaders to different lines, and they even can be used to secure hooks or lures to lines as well. The best way to learn knots is by practicing, and they will become second nature to you!