Best Knots for Lures: A Beginner’s Guide for 2024

Best Knots for Lures: A Beginner’s Guide for 2024 Reading Time: 5 minutes

Lures draw hard-hitting strikes that test the limits of your line’s strength. That means you need a strong knot for your lures to prevent losing them. There’s nothing worse than losing a fish because your knot failed! 

Learning to tie a few different knots proficiently will improve your lure game. The knot options aren’t too complicated but one missed step can lead to failure. This is why it’s better to tie one or two knots perfectly as opposed to knowing many without being great at any of them. 

We’ve put this guide together to help you learn a few knots that have great shock absorption specifically for lure fishing. Ready to learn? Let’s dive in!

First Steps: Building a Leader 

Before learning the best knots for lures, it helps to know your leader construction. It’s entirely possible that you’ll tie the lure directly to the main line. But, in most cases, you’ll build a leader system to protect your main line while adding shock absorption to the lure. However you decide to rig the lure, it’s a good thing to know your options for leaders and terminal tackle. In many environments, a leader is essential for rigging lures.

Connecting Your Braided Line to Leader Materials

You can tie braided lines directly to the lure – and this also works well with a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader system. If you want a leader section, use an Albright knot to splice your leader material to the braided line. It’s a very strong knot and also pulls easily through the guides. Having a knot that doesn’t hang up is critical for casting and for landing bigger fish.  

Leader to Swivel

With a section of leader material attached, you can tie the leader directly to the lure or you can use a swivel. The swivel makes it really easy to change lures without tying additional knots. It also means you can tie the swivel on at home, taking the time to perfect the knot rather than risking an error in the field. The knot to your swivel can be the same as if you tied directly to the lure as well.

Leader Direct to Lure

My personal favorite way to rig is by tying a section of leader to the main line and tying the lure directly to this leader. This is very secure when done properly, and changing lures is still easy in the field. It also means I can use different knots for different lures. For example, I may want a loop knot to impart more motion on a certain lure or a solid knot against the hook eye for other lures.

Which knots are best for lures?

There are tons of options out there and it’s a good idea to experiment and find your favorite. The following selection are some of the more popular and proven knots for tying on lures. Each is relatively easy to learn and they’re all very strong when tied properly.

Improved Clinch Knot

Photo courtesy of Zach Lazzari

For lighter lines and small lures, this knot is excellent. However, its value diminishes as you begin increasing line tests beyond 12 pounds or so. It works best with mono and fluoro lines. 

1. Pull the tag end through the hook eye. Pinch the hook in one hand and use the other to make 6–7 wraps with the tag end around the main line.
2. Pass the tag end through the loop that forms at the base of the wraps (at the hook eye).
3. Pull the tag end through the loop that forms from the previous step and slowly pull on the main line while holding the tag end to tighten the knot.

Palomar Knot

This is a super easy knot that’s also very strong. It works with mono, fluoro, and braided lines. Here’s how you tie one: 

1. Create a loop in the line and pull it through the hook eye.
2. Tie an overhand knot with the loop and the mainstem of the line. Leave this loose with a section of the loop available for use.
3. Pass the loop over the lure before pulling the knot tight.

Uni Knot

This knot is rock solid and is a favorite for anglers chasing bigger fish. If you need a knot to absorb serious shock, consider the Uni knot.

1. Pass the line through the hook eye and make sure you have a good 6–8 inches pulled through.
2. Pinch the two line segments at the hook eye to stabilize things for the next step.
3. Fold the tag end to create a loop and add it to the pinched section. 
4. Wrap the tag end through the loop and around both line segments. Make 6–8 wraps, working away from the hook.
5. Pull the tag end and main stem away from the hook to form the knot. Lastly, pull the main line to snug the knot at the hook eye.

Loop Knot

Loop knots leave more room for action on the lure. They’re also very strong and work well with heavier leader materials. This non-slip loop knot is my favorite for lures.

1. Tie an overhand knot in your leader but don’t pull it tight. Leave 6–8 inches of tag end as well.
2. Pass the tag end through the hook eye. Wrap the tag end around the main line 4–6 times, all while keeping the original overhand knot untightened.
3. Pass the tag end back through the original overhand knot.
4. Hold the tag end while pulling on the main line to tighten the knot.

Knots for Lures: The Difference between Success and Failure

Without practice, tying knots is tricky on the water. The best way to learn and build muscle memory is by practicing at home. Pick one knot for your lures and tie it repeatedly at home so you know it will be easier on the water. There really is no substitute for practicing in a low-pressure environment. If you rush on the water, mistakes are more likely and knot failures follow.

So, practice your knots to preserve more lures and land more fish! I hope you’re already getting your lines and knots out…

What are your favorite knots for lures? Tell us about the tried and true options you like to use in the comments below!!

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