One of the most painfully disappointing experiences on a fishing trip is when we land a decent fish and begin to reel it in only to find the line go limp because the hook gets off your line. Such disappointments are avoided if we learn the fundamentals of how to properly tie a knot along with a few best knots that serve specific purposes.  A good knot helps your fishing line withstand adverse fishing conditions. Getting your hands on the best fishing tools in Goa and then learning to use them right is very essential for successful fishing. 

Let’s take a look at the 5 knots that every angler should master before getting onto a fishing trip. 

1.The Fisherman’s Knot 

The name of this knot may sound very cliche and rightly so as this is one of the most popular fishing knots. It is also called the Improved Clinch Knot. This knot is very popular as it is easy to tie and also securely holds your catch. This is how you tie the Fishermen’s Knot: 

• Start by threading the working end of your fishing line through the hooks eye 
• Hold the loose end of the line and wrap it around the standing line for at least 5 times 
• Pass the loose end through the first loop that is next to the eye and then through the bigger loop that gets formed 
• Pull on to both ends so that the knot gets tightened 

2. The Blood Knot

If you want to tie two lines together then there is no better knot than this one. This is a highly strong knot that does not easily break, it is very versatile and works well on lines that are of different diameters or materials. This is how you tie the Blood Knot: 

• Start by placing the two lines against each other for a few inches and wrap one around the other for 5 times 
• Now wrap the second line over the other for 5 times 
• Pass both ends of the line through the central loop that gets formed 
• Pull the standing parts to tighten the knot 
• Snip off the tag ends

3.The Palomar Knot

The Palomar knot is the best knot that can be used to tie a fluorocarbon and monofilament fishing line to a hook. It is believed that this knot can retain the original strength of the fishing line. This simple knot can even be tied with wet hands during night fishing when it is dark. This is how you tie the Palomar Knot:

• Start by doubling your line into a loop and passing it through the eye of your hook  
• Now pass the loop behind the standing line and make a loose overhead knot 
• Thread the loop firmly around the hook 
• Pull the standing line to finally tighten the knot 
• A good tip to bear in mind is to wet the line before tying the knot, this reduces friction and makes a firm connection.

4.The Surgeon’s Loop Knot

The function of a surgeon’s knot is much different from the ones discussed above. This knot forms a loop at the end of the fishing line which helps give the lure or the hook a bit of wriggling space. This helps in better baiting your catch as spoons move freely underwater where the action is critical. This is how you tie the Surgeon’s Loop Knot: 

• Start by doubling your line by folding over the end 
• Next, tie an overhead knot and thread the loop through the hole. Do this twice. 
• Tighten the knot  

5.The Snell Knot

If you wish to tie a leader or tippet to a baited hook then learning to tie the snell knot is very helpful. This knot makes for a very strong line-to-hook connection and is great to use for live baits. It works very well for fluorocarbon, monofilament, and braided lines. This is how you tie the Snell Knot:  

• Make a loop by passing the line twice through the hooks’ eye 
• Create tight coils by passing the loop around the standing part of the line 5 times 
• Now tighten by pulling on the standing line 

 Knowledge of how to tie fishing knots is very essential to have when you pick up the best fishing rod & reel combos in Goa for a fishing trip. Various situations during your trip can call for the need to tie any of these basic fishing knots. Take a bit of extra line and keep practicing on these 5 knots and you’ll be super confident over time.