| Lou Mackiel's Two Favorite
All-Purpose Knots
The Uni-Knot can be used for leader to hook, leader to lure,
braid to hook or swivel ...and for joining two lines (mono to
backing, braid to mono, wire to leader, leader to leader, etc.)
Line splices travel through the guides easily. Lou's secret: for
17# line or stronger, you only need 3 wraps through the loop
with the tag for a dependable knot. It is easy to remember and
you can tie it in the darkness.
Uni to
terminal tackle.
Joining two lines
The Palomar Knot is recommended by Berkley for attaching
braided (e.g. Fire Line) to a swivel. It is also easy to tie in
the dark.
Remember to wet
the line (lick it) and snug the knot down slowly, pulling on
both the line and the tag end. Tip: use a cup hook fastened to
your boat or workbench to hold the swivel, snap or hook so you
can snug the line and tag with your hands while also pulling
against the object you're tying. Always test your knot well
before you clip off the tag.
Lou says he has never lost a fish due to a failed knot, using
these two all-purpose knots. That's good enough for me.
(Images courtesy of Ande Monofilament Lines and Berkley Lines.) |
