Knowing how to tie a fish hook on a line is one of the skills fisherfolk must know, especially if they are on a beginner’s level. So if you don’t know how to do this, you will end up not advancing further into the angler’s journey since you can’t bait, hook, and release your fish. Fortunately for you, we have just the information you need to ensure you are ready to get started. Feel free to use this guide to master hook tying.
The Basic Terms You Must Know for Fish Hook Tying
Before going through the steps, there is some terminology that you need to remember. Remember the following:
Standing line: A standing line is the fishing line that goes upwards to the reel on the line. You don’t utilise it for your knot tying.
Tag end: The tag end is the fishing line’s tail and the perfect area to tie your knot for the hook.
Turn: When you wrap the tag end around the standing line until there’s none left, that’s what you call the turn. Some experienced anglers also refer to it as the wrap.
The Steps of Fish Hook Tying
Hook threading
To begin, hold the hook in one hand while gripping on the line’s tag with the other hand. You need to use small movements to thread the hook like you are threading the eye of a needle for sewing. Then, you grab the tag end between your thumb and index finger, allowing about an inch or more to stick out.
Afterwards, you cling to the hook eye upwards and shoot the line through the centre carefully. Once through, pull the tag end with the hand used to grip the standing line up until you are at approximately 8-10 inches.
Initiate turning
To start turning, first, you need to clasp on the tag end while seeing the stand on the other side. Then, fold the tag end going towards the standing line to ensure the hook is still through. Just ensure both sections are parallel, or you could end up with a messy fishing line.
Once done, you can turn the end around until rolled around completely. This process is usually done five times until there’s something that looks like a wrapped cord that connects to a loop attached to the hook’s eye.
When you hold it upwards, the line must resemble a noose. Once the turns are accomplished, you should grip the tag end and thread it back through the loop attached to the hook eye. It should form a loop with the wrapped area of your line.
Thread the newly formed loop, damp it, and pull the line
With the second loop formed, you can tug on the end of the line back through it and towards your standing line. Your tag end should be through the loop that is carrying the hook and through the loop with the wrapped area. Remember to keep the loops loosened.
Then, you should wet it with either some saliva or freshwater, allowing you to keep the knot in place once you are finished tying it. It should also allow the line to go through smoothly against itself for knot tightening.
Once dampened, you can take the remaining tag end with the standing line, specifically with your dominant hand. The other hand should hold the hook. You then pull them apart in a steady motion. This should allow the loops to close, so you do this gently to avoid damaging the line.
Tighten the knot, clip the tag end, and seal it
Once you can see the loops closing up, continue pulling the knot to tighten it. You can do this properly with an ample amount of pressure and a steady pace. Ideally, you want the knot to be secured properly to reel in your fish. After tightening the knot, take the line end, then clip it with scissors. It should be between ¼-inch and ⅛-inch.
At this point, your line end should have a clear cut since you are now going to take a match, ignite it, then snuff it out. While hot, touch the end until it forms a bubble-like form. There must be a round ball on the end to prevent your line from coming undone and breaking while being tugged.
Conclusion
Learning fishing line knots and tying hooks can be challenging, but if you take the time to learn, it can be doable. Just ensure you practice, remember all the steps and information listed above, and don’t give up until you try it. If you want to do it quickly and effectively, you can go for our multi-functional fishing knot tying tool!
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