What is the strongest fishing knot in the world? Improved Clinch knot vs Clinch knot breaking strain tests!

Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

How many times has it happened to you guys that you snag and brake your fishing line and you want to tie a new hook to as fast as possible to continue fishing because every second that you're out fishing and you are not fishing is a huge loss! You are rushing to tie a fishing hook to a line and your hands are dirty, no luck. The weather is changing and you are trying to setup your fishing rig. You are tying your swivel and you made a Clinch knot but you don't have a long enough tag end to make one more tuck at the loop and it comes to mind that it's the same thing it's going to hold enough with or without the extra tuck. Is it worth it to untie and tie again? We are going to find out the answer very soon.

 In this article we will see fishing knots strength comparison,chart and table of two fishing knots, Clinch knot  and Improved Clinch knot.
We will compare them to see which one is better and is the Improved really more reliable than the ordinary Clinch knot.

In this testing we want to avoid any possible human influence in the test, so that means we will use standardized knots. All fishing lines are cut before tying fishing knots, every single one of them will be the same length and it will be tied the same way which means the same number of loops.

Equipment we use in this test:
*Mustad Hooks Big Red 1/0
*Monofilament 10lb 4.6kg Dia .30mm
*Portable Electronic Fishing Scale

Fishing video with our test on the Clinch and Improved clinch fishing knot.

Here are the results of the tests. The results are a little bit shocking for me and I expected much better results from both, at least 20%.
Clinch knot broke three times at 2.575 kg , 2.410 kg and 2.185 kg which gives an average breaking point of 2.390kg which is only 52% of the full line capacity!
Improved Clinch knot broke three times at 2.825 kg, 4.080 kg and 3.735 kg which gives us an average breaking point of 3.547 kg which is 77% of capacity of the fishing line.

Final word and conclusions

 3.547/2.390=1.48
The Improved Clinch knot is stronger 48% which is amazing to know. The Clinch knot has a problem with slipping when it's exposed to high tension and your tag end is gone in seconds.

So don't be lazy when you tie your swivel, hook or lure, do one more step: tuck the line through the last loop. If you don't have a long enough tag end, do it from the beginning. Remember what you read here  and maybe you will hook your dream fish and you don't want to lose it because of a knot.

Enjoy fishing, tight lines!

The Global Divide: European Prestige vs. Australian Pest

 When we talk about carp fishing, location is everything. The perspective on Cyprinus carpio changes drastically depending on which hemisphere you are standing in.

1. The Prestigious Pursuit in Europe

In the UK and across Europe, the Common and Mirror Carp are viewed as the pinnacle of freshwater angling. European anglers treat these fish with extreme care, often using "unhooking mats" and antiseptic gels to ensure the fish is returned to the water in perfect condition.

• Targeting Giants: European "carpy" culture is built on catching massive, named fish that can weigh over 30kg (66lbs).

• The Sport: It is a game of patience, high end electronics and incredibly complex baiting strategies.

2. The Invasive Pest in Australia

Flip the globe and the story changes. In Australia carp are considered a significant environmental pest. Introduced in the mid 1800s, they have dominated the Murray-Darling Basin, muddying the water and outcompeting native species like the Murray Cod.

• Environmental Impact: Their "mucking" feeding habit uproots vegetation and destroys habitats.

• Management: In many parts of Australia is actually illegal to return a carp to the water and anglers are encouraged to "bash a carp" to help restore the local ecosystem.

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Essential Carp Rigs for Every Scenario

To catch these powerful fish whether for sport or removal your carp rigs need to be tied with precision. Carp are notoriously "hook shy" and you should use small hook for big fish.

The Hair Rig (The Gold Standard)

The most famous of all carp rigs is the Hair Rig. Instead of putting the bait (like corn or a boilie) directly on the hook, you attach it to a small "hair" trailing behind the hook.

• Why it works: The carp sucks in the bait, feels the hook is "bare," and tries to spit it out. In the process, the bare hook catches the bottom lip.

The Chod Rig

Perfect for fishing over "silt" or "weed" (common in European lakes).

• The Mechanic: It uses a stiff filament that allows the bait to sit naturally just above the debris on the lake floor, ensuring the carp can see it clearly.

The Simple Running Lead (Best for Australian Rivers)

If you are targeting carp in Australia's fast moving rivers:

• Use a running sinker so the fish doesn't feel any resistance when it picks up the bait.

• This is highly effective for "pest control" sessions where you want a simple, durable setup.

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Top Bait Tips for Success

Regardless of your location, carp follow their noses. To increase your catch rate, consider these baits:

• Sweet Corn: The universal "carp candy."

• Boilies: Hard, boiled dough balls (essential for European prestige fishing).

• Bread Crust: Perfect for "surface fishing" when you can see the carp gulping air at the top.

• Feature	Europe	Australia
  Status	Highly Protected / Prestigious	Invasive Pest
  Common Method	Catch and Release (High Care)	Removal / Culling
  Primary Gear	High-tech carp rigs, Alarms	Simple bait setups, Bowfishing
  Average Size	Can exceed 35kg	Usually catch 2 to 8kg

The Trilene Knot: Small Knot, Big Confidence on the Water (Step-by-Step)

If you’ve ever lost a fish and sat there staring at your line wondering what went wrong, you already understand why knots matter. It’s usually not the rod. Not the reel. Not even the line. It’s the knot.

And that’s exactly why the Trilene Knot has earned such a loyal following among anglers. It’s simple, strong, and ridiculously reliable, especially when you’re fishing with monofilament or fluorocarbon.

Let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense.

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What Is the Trilene Knot?

The Trilene Knot is a fishing knot designed to tie your line directly to a hook, swivel, or lure. It’s known for maintaining a very high percentage of your line’s original strength, which is exactly what you want when a big fish decides to test your setup.

It was popularized by the fishing line company Berkley, specifically for use with their Trilene monofilament line. But over time, anglers realized it works great with many types of mono and fluorocarbon lines.

In short: it’s built for strength and consistency.

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Why Anglers Love It

Here’s why so many people keep this knot in their regular rotation:

1. It’s Strong

The double pass through the eye of the hook creates extra friction and reduces slippage. That means fewer heartbreaking break-offs.

2. It’s Simple

You don’t need three hands and a YouTube tutorial to tie it. After a few tries, muscle memory takes over.

3. It’s Reliable With Mono & Fluoro

Some knots slip with slick fluorocarbon. The Trilene Knot holds tight.

4. It’s Compact

It doesn’t create a bulky mess at the eye of your hook.

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How to Tie the Trilene Knot (Step-by-Step)

Here’s the clean version without overcomplicating it:

1. Pass the line through the eye of the hook 

   
   
   

2. Pass it through the eye again, forming a small loop. 

   
   
   
   
   

3. Wrap the tag end around the standing line 4 to 6 times. 

   
   
   

4. Feed the tag end through the loop near the eye. 

   
   
   

5. Lubricate the line. (Yes, this matters.) 

6. Pull slowly and evenly to tighten.

7. Trim the excess tag end. 

   
   
   

That’s it.

The key detail people forget? That second pass through the eye. That’s what gives this knot its extra grip.

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When Should You Use It?

The Trilene Knot shines when:

• You’re bass fishing with monofilament

• You’re using fluorocarbon leaders

• You need maximum line strength

• You’re tying directly to hooks, swivels, or hard baits

It’s especially popular among freshwater anglers chasing species like bass, walleye and trout.

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When Not to Use It

No knot is perfect for everything.

The Trilene Knot isn’t ideal for:

• Braided line (there are better options)

• Very small hook eyes where doubling the line won’t fit

• Quick retying in freezing conditions (it takes a few extra seconds)

For braid, many anglers prefer knots designed specifically to prevent slipping.

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A Quick Personal Note

There’s something comforting about a knot you trust. When you’re standing on a dock at sunrise or knee deep in a river, the last thing you want is doubt.

The Trilene Knot isn’t flashy. It won’t impress your fishing buddies with complicated twists and loops. But it works. And when a fish hits hard and your drag starts singing, that quiet confidence matters.

Because in fishing, the smallest details often make the biggest difference.

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How to Tie the Snell Knot Masterclass Series #4 — Fast, Easy & Super Strong

 How to Tie the Snell Knot (And Why I Use It for Big Fish)

Over the years, I’ve tried just about every fishing knot out there. Some are quick and easy. Others are strong, but complicated. But when I’m targeting bigger fish, especially with spade end hooks, I  always go with the Snell knot.

It’s simple, strong and gives me better hook sets than most other knots.

Why I Like the Snell Knot

What makes the Snell knot different is the way it wraps around the hook shank instead of just tying at the eye. That straight pull makes a real difference.

Here’s what I’ve noticed:

• Better hook penetration

• Strong, clean hook sets

• Great performance with circle hooks

• Very reliable with mono or fluoro leaders

When I’m fishing for Blue Groupers with heavier tackle this is the knot I fully trust.

When I Use It

I mostly use the Snell knot when:

• Fishing with eyeless hooks

• Using live or cut bait

• Targeting bigger, harder-fighting fish

• Building bottom rigs

If I need something quick for lighter fishing I might use a Palomar. But for strength and hook performance Snell wins for me.

How I Tie the Snell Knot

Here’s the simple way I tie it:

1. Run the tag end of the line through the hook eye from the point side.

2. Lay the tag end along the hook shank.

3. Wrap the tag end around the shank and standing line about 7–10 times.

4. Hold the wraps in place and pull the main line to tighten.

5. Trim the tag end.

That’s it.

One tip: keep your wraps tight and neat. If they cross over each other the knot won’t sit properly.

Final Thoughts

The Snell knot isn’t flashy but it works when you’re fighting a strong fish. It is very reliable if tied properly.

If you haven’t tried it yet, tie a few at home and test the strength. This is very important!

 After landing a few solid fish with it, you’ll understand why so many anglers swear by it.

  

This video is part of the Fishing Knot Masterclass course – Learn Every Knot fast. I build a full library of essential knots for all anglers in 1 minute tutorials. Watch Masterclass series fishing knot course #1 Palomar Knot , #2 Improved Clinch Knot and #3 Uni Knot to complete the foundation. If this tutorial helps you, please like and subscribe for more knot tips, rig setups and fishing techniques. 🎣 Masterclass Playlist #1minute #1minuteknot #uniknot #fishingknot #tutorial #education #fishinglesson

How to Tie the Uni Knot Masterclass Series #3 — Fast, Easy & Super Strong

 Masterclass Series #3 – Uni Knot (Duncan Knot or Grinner Knot)

Learn how to tie the Uni Knot fast, clean and reliable fishing knot. This knot is one of the strongest and versatile knots in fishing. It is universal knot and yu can use for tying hooks, swivels, lures and leaders. In this tutorial I will show you a simple step by step method with clear angles so you can follow along easily, even if you are a beginner. The Uni Knot is loved by anglers worldwide because it is: ✔ Easy to learn ✔ Very strong ✔ Works with mono, fluoro and braid. ✔ Perfect for hooks, leaders, swivels and lures. ✔ Great when you need a quick but trusted knot on the water.

This video is part of the Fishing Knot Masterclass course – Learn Every Knot fast. I build a full library of essential knots for all anglers in 1 minute tutorials. Watch Masterclass series fishing knot course #1 Palomar Knot https://youtu.be/epwalCbdArg and #2 Improved Clinch Knot https://youtu.be/8dG_l1gTVKE to complete the foundation. If this tutorial helps you, please like and subscribe for more knot tips, rig setups and fishing techniques. 🎣 Masterclass Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkAilp7JgDUu38PEYlSFEEv1Dj5nUtvkL #1minute #1minuteknot #uniknot #fishingknot #tutorial #education #fishinglesson

How to Tie the Improved Clinch Knot Masterclass Series #2 — Fast, Easy & Super Strong

 Learn how to tie the Improved Clinch Knot in this fast and easy step by step tutorial. This knot is one of the most reliable and popular fishing knots for attaching your hook, lure or swivel to the line. Perfect for beginners and experienced anglers.

This is Masterclass Series #2, where I show every knot clearly, without unnecessary talking, just clean, simple, and effective demonstration so you can learn quickly. ✔ Fast & easy to follow ✔ Perfect for monofilament & fluorocarbon ✔ Super strong and reliable ✔ Ideal for fishing beginners

📌 Masterclass Series Fishing Knot Course: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkAilp7JgDUu38PEYlSFEEv1Dj5nUtvkL Learn every essential fishing knot clear, concise and dynamic tutorials designed for maximum strength and real life use. 👉 Next knot in the series: Uni Knot (Masterclass #3) https://youtu.be/5rYKzSxpefA 👉 Previous knot: Palomar Knot (Masterclass #1) https://youtu.be/HC4GoXaCwYE If you find this tutorial helpful, consider liking the video and subscribing for more fishing knot tutorials! 🎣 Tight lines!

🎣 How to Tie the Palomar Knot (Masterclass Series #1) Fast, Easy & Super Strong Fishing Knot Tutorial

The Palomar Knot is one of the most trusted and widely used fishing knots in the world. Known for its strength, simplicity and excellent performance with mono, fluoro and braided line, the Palomar Knot is the perfect choice for beginners and experienced anglers alike.

In this Masterclass Series, we break down every knot into fast, clear, step by step tutorials designed to help you learn quickly without confusion. If you want a knot that never slips, holds firm under heavy load and works in almost any fishing scenario the Palomar Knot should be the first knot you master.

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🐟 Why the Palomar Knot Is So Good

The Palomar Knot is famous for three reasons:

✅ 1. Extremely High Strength

It consistently tests at 95–100% line strength, making it one of the strongest terminal connection knots.

✅ 2. Perfect for Braid

Unlike many fishing knots, the Palomar does not slip with braided line a huge advantage for lure fishermen.

✅ 3. Very Fast to Tie

Even beginners can learn it in under a minute. No complicated wraps, no risk of crossing lines.

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🔧 Step by Step: How to Tie the Palomar Knot

Here’s the exact process:

1. Double your line

Take about 15–20 cm of line and fold it in half.

2. Pass the loop through the hook eye

Make sure both strands go through evenly.

3. Tie a loose overhand knot

Just as if you're starting to tie your shoes but keep it loose enough to pass the hook through.

4. Pass the hook through the loop

Bring the hook through the large loop you created.

5. Moisten & tighten

Pull both ends of the line at the same time until the knot seats neatly against the hook eye.

That’s it  Palomar Knot finished.

If you want to see the full process in action, watch my 1 minute Masterclass tutorial here:

👉 YouTube Video: How to Tie the Palomar Knot (Masterclass Series #1)

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🎯 When to Use the Palomar Knot

The Palomar Knot performs best in:

• Bass fishing

• Saltwater lure fishing

• Fishing with braid

• Drop shot rigs

• Light and medium spinning setups

• Any situation where knot strength is critical

It’s incredibly reliable which is why so many pro anglers use it for everything from freshwater finesse to heavy saltwater spinning.

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🪝 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple knot can fail if done incorrectly. Avoid these:

❌ Twisting the doubled line

Keep both strands parallel.

❌ Tightening before moistening

Friction can weaken the knot.

❌ Looping the hook incorrectly

Always pass the entire hook through the loop.

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📌 Why This Knot Belongs in Your Masterclass Series

The Palomar Knot is the foundation of many other fishing knots. By mastering this one knot, you build:

• Better line control

• Understanding of terminal knots

• Confidence when tying knots in low light or tough conditions

It’s the perfect starting knot before moving into more advanced knots like the Improved Clinch, Uni Knot and Snell Knot.

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⭐ Recommended Gear for Practicing

• Bright colored braid

• Size 2–2/0 hooks

• Swivels or lures for larger practice loops

• Scissors or braid cutters

How to Tie the Palomar Knot (Step-by-Step Guide)

In this page we are going to talk about the Palomar knot, when to use it, what type of line you should not use and in general all the pros and cons that go with this knot. Instructions on how to tie the knot will also be included and a video too.

 What Is a Palomar Knot?

The Palomar knot is an essential knot that every fisherman needs to know. I would say this is awesome fishing knot. It is very easy to tie, you need only 10-15 seconds depends on how much you practice. Once you start using the Palomar knot, it will be possible to tie it with closed eyes and you must agree there are not much reliable knots that a majority of fisherman can tie without looking. This is essential when the sea is rough and you try to balance in the boat.

When to Use the Palomar Knot

A big advantage of this knot is that it can be used for different purposes. As well as tying it to a fishing hook, you can also tie it to anything with an eye or ring like a swivel, lure, bottom sinker... Some fantastic fishing rigs are also possible with this knot like a drop shot fishing rig. Fishing lines that you can use to tie a Palomar knot are monofilament, fluorocarbon, especially braided fishing lines which many experience fisherman prefer...

I almost forgot to mention one of the most important characteristics of this knot is strength which is going over 90% of a fishing lines capacity if the knot is tied properly which we'll talk about later.

How to tie the Palomar Knot?

 Step by Step Instructions

Step 1.  

Double the fishing line and pass through the hook eye or ring depends on what you're tying.

 

It is very important that you don't cross the fishing line because the line can later cut itself and reduce knot capacity.

Step 2.

 Make a simple overhand knot with the double line, but don't pull the overhand knot too tight.

 Step 3.

Put the hook through the loop formed on the main line. 

 

Step 4.

Don't forget to wet your fishing line (water or saliva both work fine) to reduce friction otherwise you're going to damage your fishing line.

Step 5.

Pull the main line and tag end evenly to snug the knot.

If someone didn't understand the instructions, here is the video tutorial:

Video Tutorial

Common Mistakes

If you use for very thin braided line sometimes Palomar can slip away but in that case solution is very easy just make double overhand knot. So instead do it once do it twice and problem is solved.

FAQ

1. Can I use it for braided line? 

Yes you can use it for braided line.

2. How strong is Palomar knot? 

Palomar knot is one of the strongest knots that zou can tie, loss of line capacity is very small and usually in low single digits. Around 95+% is knot potential which means it will break your little damaged or scratched line before your knot breaks.

3. Can I use Palomar knot for swivel? 

Yes, you can use it for swivel, for hooks, for sinkers, for lures, for snap, anything with hole that you can make large loop enough to put the object through.

For more fishing tutorials subscribe to How to Fish youtube channel @HowToFish !

Enjoy fishing and tight lines!

@Ivo