Tying on a crankbait is an essential step in fishing, as it ensures that your lure is securely attached to your fishing line. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to tie crankbait:
Materials Needed:
- Crankbait lure
- Fishing line
- Scissors or line cutters
Steps:
- Select the Right Line: Choose a fishing line that matches the recommended line weight for your crankbait. Monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided lines are commonly used for crankbait fishing.
- Thread the Line Through the Lure: Hold the crankbait with the front (nose) facing you and the hooks pointing downward. Insert the end of your fishing line through the front split ring or the line tie eyelet on the lure’s nose.
- Create a Loop: Leave about 6 to 8 inches of line tag end extending from the lure. This will give you enough line to work with for tying knots.
- Tie an Improved Clinch Knot:
- Pass the tag end of the line through the loop you created.
- Wrap the tag end around the standing line (the line leading back to your fishing rod) 5 to 7 times.
- Insert the tag end through the loop that has formed just above the eyelet or split ring.
- Carefully pull the tag end to tighten the wraps.
- Finally, trim the tag end with scissors or line cutters, leaving a small tag to prevent the knot from slipping.
- Trim the Tag End: Use your scissors or line cutters to snip off the excess tag end as close to the knot as possible without cutting the knot itself.
- Test the Knot: Gently tug on the standing line to ensure that the knot is secure and won’t come undone during fishing.
- Check the Knot Position: Ensure that the knot is positioned correctly and tight against the lure’s eyelet or split ring. This helps maintain the lure’s proper action in the water.
- Attach a Split Ring (if necessary): Some crankbaits may have a split ring attached to the line tie eyelet. If your lure doesn’t have one, you might want to add a split ring to give the lure more freedom of movement and prevent line twist.
- Inspect the Knot: Before you cast your crankbait, take a moment to visually inspect the knot and the entire setup to make sure everything is secure and properly attached.
- Go Fishing: With your crankbait securely tied on, you’re ready to cast and retrieve, enticing fish to strike your lure.
Remember that practice makes perfect when it comes to tying knots. It’s important to have confidence in your knot-tying skills to prevent losing your bait while fishing. If you’re unsure about the specific knots or techniques for tying crankbaits, you might also consider watching instructional videos or seeking guidance from experienced anglers.
How do you tie a loop knot on a crankbait?
Tying a loop knot on a crankbait can give the lure more freedom of movement and enhance its action in the water. One common loop knot used for this purpose is the “Non-Slip Loop Knot,” also known as the “Kreh Loop Knot.” Here’s how to tie it:
Materials Needed:
- Crankbait lure
- Fishing line
Steps:
- Thread the Line Through the Lure: Hold the crankbait with the front (nose) facing you and the hooks pointing downward. Insert the end of your fishing line through the front split ring or the line tie eyelet on the lure’s nose.
- Create a Loop: Leave about 6 to 8 inches of line tag end extending from the lure. This will give you enough line to work with for tying knots.
- Form a Simple Overhand Knot: Take the tag end and cross it over the standing line to create a simple overhand knot.
- Pass the Tag End Through the Eyelet: Thread the tag end through the eyelet or split ring from the top side of the lure to the bottom side.
- Create a Second Loop: Hold the tag end and create a small loop by folding it back toward the lure’s eyelet. The loop should be large enough to easily pass the tag end through.
- Wrap the Tag End Around the Standing Line: While holding the loop in place with one hand, wrap the tag end around the standing line and the loop a total of 4 to 6 times. The wraps should be made in the direction away from the lure.
- Thread the Tag End Through the Loop: After making the wraps, pass the tag end through the loop you created in step 5. The tag end should go through the loop from the same direction it came from initially.
- Moisten and Tighten the Knot: Before fully tightening the knot, moisten it with saliva or water. Then, gently pull the standing line to tighten the knot. As you tighten, make sure the wraps are snug against each other.
- Trim the Tag End: After the knot is tight and secure, use scissors or line cutters to snip off the excess tag end close to the knot.
- Test the Knot: Give the knot a firm tug to make sure it’s securely tied and won’t slip.
- Check the Knot Position: Ensure that the knot is positioned correctly and tight against the lure’s eyelet or split ring.
- Attach a Split Ring (if necessary): If your crankbait doesn’t have a split ring, you might consider adding one to the line tie eyelet for additional movement.
- Inspect the Knot: Before you start fishing, double-check your knot and the overall setup to ensure everything is secure.
Tying a loop knot on a crankbait can improve the lure’s action and increase your chances of attracting fish. Practice tying the knot a few times to become comfortable with the process before heading out to fish.
How to tie crankbait: What knot to use for crankbaits?
When tying on a crankbait, you’ll want to use a knot that provides good strength, security, and allows the lure to move freely in the water to maintain its intended action. One popular knot for attaching crankbaits is the “Improved Clinch Knot.” Here’s how to tie it:
Materials Needed:
- Crankbait lure
- Fishing line
Steps:
- Thread the Line Through the Lure: Hold the crankbait with the front (nose) facing you and the hooks pointing downward. Insert the end of your fishing line through the front split ring or the line tie eyelet on the lure’s nose.
- Create a Loop: Leave about 6 to 8 inches of line tag end extending from the lure. This will give you enough line to work with for tying knots.
- Pass the Tag End Through the Loop: Form a loop with the tag end and pass it through the loop you created, forming a simple knot around the standing line.
- Wrap the Tag End Around the Standing Line: While holding the tag end and the lure, wrap the tag end around the standing line about 5 to 7 times. The wraps should be made away from the lure.
- Pass the Tag End Through the Loop Again: After making the wraps, pass the tag end through the loop that was formed in step 3.
- Moisten and Tighten the Knot: Moisten the knot with saliva or water, then gently pull on the standing line to tighten the wraps snugly against the lure’s eyelet or split ring.
- Trim the Tag End: Trim the excess tag end with scissors or line cutters, leaving a small tag to prevent the knot from slipping.
- Test the Knot: Give the lure a gentle tug to ensure the knot is secure and won’t come undone during fishing.
- Check the Knot Position: Make sure the knot is properly positioned and snug against the eyelet or split ring.
- Attach a Split Ring (if necessary): If your crankbait doesn’t have a split ring, consider adding one to the line tie eyelet for better lure movement.
- Inspect the Knot: Before casting your crankbait, inspect the knot and the entire setup to ensure everything is secure.
The Improved Clinch Knot is a reliable choice for crankbaits and is relatively easy to tie. It offers good strength and is widely used by anglers for various types of fishing lures. However, if you’re looking for a knot that provides even more freedom of movement for the crankbait, you might consider using a loop knot, such as the Non-Slip Loop Knot (Kreh Loop Knot), as mentioned in a previous response.
Is the loop knot best for lures?
A loop knot can be an excellent choice for certain types of lures, including crankbaits, jerkbaits, and other lures that are designed to have a natural and fluid movement in the water. Loop knots allow the lure to move more freely, which can enhance its action and make it appear more lifelike to fish. This can be especially effective when you’re trying to trigger strikes from finicky or cautious fish.
Advantages of using a loop knot for lures:
- Enhanced Action: Loop knots allow lures to move more naturally in the water, mimicking the movement of prey and potentially attracting more fish.
- Attractiveness: The increased movement and realistic action of the lure can make it more attractive to fish, increasing the chances of getting a strike.
- Versatility: Loop knots work well for a variety of lures, such as crankbaits, jerkbaits, topwater lures, and other lures that require a lifelike presentation.
- Preventing Line Twist: Loop knots can help reduce line twist, which can be a concern when using lures that spin or rotate in the water.
However, it’s important to note that loop knots may not always be the best choice for all types of lures or fishing situations. For example, with lures that require a specific orientation or action, using a loop knot might alter their intended behavior. Additionally, loop knots can be slightly less secure than some other knots, so it’s essential to test the knot’s strength and retie it if necessary.
Ultimately, the choice of knot depends on the specific lure, fishing conditions, and personal preference. It’s a good idea to experiment with different knots and observe how they affect the lure’s performance. Some anglers prefer using loop knots for lures, while others stick to knots like the Improved Clinch Knot, Palomar Knot, or Snell Knot. The key is to choose a knot that provides both secure attachment and the desired action for your specific fishing situation.
What is the strongest fishing knot for lures?
The strength of a fishing knot depends on various factors, including the type of line being used, the knot’s proper tying technique, and the specific application. While there isn’t a single “strongest” knot that suits all situations, there are a few knots known for their strength and reliability when attaching lures. Some of these knots include:
- Palomar Knot: The Palomar Knot is highly regarded for its simplicity and strength. It’s suitable for a wide range of lures and works well with braided, monofilament, and fluorocarbon lines. It retains a high percentage of the line’s original strength and is relatively easy to tie.
- Trilene Knot (Improved Clinch Knot): The Improved Clinch Knot, often referred to as the Trilene Knot, is a popular choice for attaching lures. It’s easy to tie and offers good strength, especially with monofilament and fluorocarbon lines.
- San Diego Jam Knot: The San Diego Jam Knot is known for its exceptional strength and is often used with heavier lines. It’s well-suited for larger lures and is especially effective with braided lines.
- Uni Knot (Duncan Loop Knot): The Uni Knot, also known as the Duncan Loop Knot, is versatile and strong. It can be used for attaching lures, hooks, and other tackle to the line. It’s particularly strong when used with braided lines.
- Double Uni Knot: The Double Uni Knot is often used to join lines of different diameters or materials. While it’s not the simplest knot, it can be quite strong when properly tied.
- Non-Slip Loop Knot (Kreh Loop Knot): The Non-Slip Loop Knot, also known as the Kreh Loop Knot, is a loop knot that provides excellent movement for lures while maintaining good strength. It’s particularly useful for lures that need freedom of motion in the water.
Remember that regardless of the knot you choose, it’s essential to tie it correctly, ensuring that wraps are snug and well-seated before tightening. Testing the knot’s strength before fishing by giving it a firm pull can help ensure its reliability.
Different knots work better with different types of lines, so consider the type of line you’re using and the characteristics of the lure you’re attaching. Ultimately, the “strongest” knot for lures will depend on your specific fishing needs and preferences.
