Common Fishing Main Line Knots You Need to Master: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Ugh, Back to Work & Craving Fishing Fixes

Can you believe it’s already my third week back at work? Ugh, adulting strikes again-now I can only fish on weekends, which is so not enough for someone whose fishing addiction is off the charts. Tonight, I’m bored out of my mind, so I thought I’d share the common knots I use for my fishing main lines. Trust me, these knots are make-or-break: the top (where it connects to the rod tip) and the bottom (where it links to the swivel) are the first spots to snap when you hook a big one. Snapping the bottom? No biggie-you just lose a hook and some lead. But snapping the top? Say goodbye to your float too! So yeah, nailing these knots is non-negotiable.

Main Line Top Knots (Connecting to Rod Tip)

I’ll start with the top knots first-super crucial for keeping your line attached to the rod. Pro tip: Grab a thick red string for practice (I skipped the space beans for clarity here).

Basic Figure 8 Knot (Great for Small Fish)

This is the OG knot-everyone starts here. Let’s break it down:

1. Fold your red string in half.
2. Loop it through the folded end twice (don’t tie it tight yet!).
3. When you pull it tight, it forms an 8-shape-hence the name “Figure 8 Knot.”
4. Snug it up and trim the extra line.
5. Add a tiny knot above it to stop the space bean from sliding.

This one’s perfect for small fish like crucian carp or bluegill-simple, quick, and gets the job done. But if you’re chasing bigger guys? Keep reading.

Reinforced Figure 8 Knot (For Medium-Sized Fish)

Want to beef up the basic knot? Here’s how:

1. Start with the same Figure 8 Knot steps-but don’t tighten it.
2. Loop it two more times (total of four loops) instead of two.
3. Pull it tight slowly-make sure all loops are even.
4. Trim the excess line.

This extra looping distributes tension better, so it’s way stronger than the basic version. I use this for bass or catfish up to 10 pounds-no more panicking when they tug hard!

Giant Fish Knot (With Cotton Line Reinforcement)

Going after monsters (20+ pounds)? This knot is your BFF. The secret? Adding a cotton line to spread the load:

1. Grab a yellow cotton line (or any thin string) and fold your red main line in half.
2. Tie the Figure 8 Knot with both the main line and cotton line together-don’t tighten yet.
3. Loop it four times for extra strength.
4. Pull the cotton line tight first (this locks the loops), then snug the main line.
5. Trim the cotton line and extra main line.

I’ve used this for carp and even a 25-pound catfish-no slips, no snaps. Worth the extra step, trust me.

Main Line Bottom Knots (Connecting to Swivel)

Next up: the bottom knot, linking your main line to the swivel (I used a key ring for demo-don’t judge, my swivels were MIA).

Simple Loop Knot (For Casual Small Fish Trips)

This is the one everyone learns first-super easy:

1. Thread your main line through the swivel (or key ring).
2. Loop the end back around the main line 3-4 times.
3. Thread the end through the small loop near the swivel.
4. Pull both ends tight and trim the extra.

Great for weekend wild fishing-most days, you won’t hook anything huge, so this works just fine.

Double-Strand Loop Knot (Stronger for Medium Fish)

Want more strength? Use double the line:

1. Fold your main line in half (so it’s two strands thick).
2. Thread the folded end through the swivel.
3. Loop it around the double strand 3 times.
4. Thread the folded end back through the loop near the swivel.
5. Pull tight-double the line = double the strength!

This is my go-to for bass or medium catfish-way sturdier than the single-strand version.

Triple-Thread Loop Knot (Maximum Strength)

For when you really don’t want to lose that big catch:

1. Thread your main line through the swivel three times (yes, three-extra friction = extra hold).
2. Loop the end around the main line 2-3 times.
3. Thread the end back through the small loop by the swivel.
4. Press the loops with your finger and pull tight-done!

This one’s similar to the double-strand knot but with more threads. Perfect for when you’re targeting monsters.

Bonus: Leader Line to Swivel Knot

While we’re at it, let’s cover leader line knots-super useful for both hand-tied and store-bought leaders. There are two swivel types:

• Quick-snap swivels: Fast to change leaders, but they slide off if you don’t check them often (lost a leader this way once-total bummer).
• Regular swivels: Sturdier, but you can’t reuse the leader. Worth it for big fish!

Here’s the most common leader knot:

1. Thread the leader end through the swivel.
2. Loop it around the leader 2-3 times.
3. Thread the end back through the loop near the swivel.
4. Press the loops and pull tight-don’t trim the end! The extra line adds friction.

Final Thoughts (From a Fellow Fishing Addict)

These are just the knots I use-there are tons more out there! The key is to pick the right one for your target fish: basic for small guys, reinforced for medium, and over-the-top for monsters. And hey, don’t get discouraged if you mess up at first-I used to tie knots that fell apart mid-cast! My trick? Keep a small string in your pocket and practice while waiting for coffee or sitting on the bus. Seeing it 10 times isn’t enough-you have to do it.

Oh, and one last thing: Red string is great for practice, but real fishing line is thinner-so take it slow when you switch. Let me know if you try these knots, or if you have a secret knot I should add to my list. Tight lines, everyone-hope your next weekend trip lands you a whopper!