Fishing Knots Every South African Angler Should Master

If there’s one skill that separates a good angler from a great one, it’s knowing the right fishing knots. A strong knot means the difference between landing that PB (personal best) carp or bass… and telling your mates about the one that got away.

Whether you’re fishing South African dams, rivers, or hitting the coast, here are 5 essential fishing knots every angler should know.

The Improved Clinch Knot – For Hooks, Swivels & Lures

The Improved Clinch Knot is one of the most common and reliable knots for securing your line to a hook, swivel, or lure.

How to tie it:

• Thread the line through the hook eye and wrap it 5–7 times around itself.
• Pass the tag end through the small loop near the eye.
• Bring it back through the big loop you just created.
• Moisten and pull tight.
• Best for: Bass lures, small hooks, light tackle.

The Palomar Knot – For Maximum Strength

If you want a knot that won’t slip under pressure, the Palomar is a must. It keeps almost 100% of the line’s strength.

How to tie it:

• Double about 15cm of line and pass it through the hook eye.
• Tie a simple overhand knot with the doubled line.
• Pass the hook through the loop.
• Moisten and pull both ends evenly to tighten.
• Best for: Braided line, strong hooks, big carp rigs.

The Uni Knot – Versatile & Easy to Learn

The Uni Knot (also called Duncan Knot) is simple, strong, and works for almost anything.

How to tie it:

• Pass the line through the eye, then double back and make a loop.
• Wrap the tag end 5–6 times around the double line and through the loop.
• Moisten and tighten by pulling on the main line.
• Best for: Mono or braid, hooks, swivels, and lures.

The Double Surgeon’s Knot – For Joining Lines

Sometimes you need to join two pieces of line (like leader to mainline). The Double Surgeon’s Knot is quick and strong.

How to tie it:

• Overlap the two lines.
• Tie a simple overhand knot with both lines together.
• Pass both tag ends through the loop again.
• Moisten and pull tight.
• Best for: Leader-to-mainline connections.

The Loop Knot – For Natural Lure Action

If you want your lure or fly to move more naturally in the water, use a Loop Knot instead of tying it stiff.

How to tie it:

• Tie an overhand knot, leaving a tag end.
• Pass the tag end through the hook eye.
• Bring it back through the overhand knot.
• Wrap once around the standing line and return through the overhand knot.
• Tighten to create a small loop.
• Best for: Topwater lures, crankbaits, soft plastics.

Pro Tips for Knot Success

Always wet your knot before tightening (reduces friction & weak spots).

Trim tag ends neatly, but leave a few mm to prevent slippage.

Practice at home don’t wait until you’re bankside!

Mastering these knots will make your fishing more efficient, your rigs stronger, and your days more successful. Whether you’re chasing carp in a dam, bass in the rivers, or yellowtail off the coast, a good knot is your strongest ally.