Anglers need to know a few knots to help construct their rigs. Most likely you will tie a line to a hook / swivel, join two lines together, create a ‘snood’ (cut loop) or set up to use a float. Tying knots in nylon based lines including fluorocarbon and braided line is not as simple as tying knots in string. They are smooth and slippery so ordinary knots slip undone. Practice tying them at home which is far easier than trying whilst out on a boat rolling about or on a cold and windy seashore when you can’t feel your fingers. Try to keep the number of knots to a minimum when making up rigs as they weaken the line and once knotted when strained to its breaking point, it almost always fails at the knot or close to it, unless it is defective or damaged elsewhere. A golden rule; always wet the line, spit will do, before pulling knots tight. Wetness acts as a lubricant and helps the loops to slide and pull up tight and neat. Over the years anglers have devised knots that don’t slip, and here are some of the easiest and best.

The Dropper forms a loop anywhere along the main line. If made large this can be cut to create a ‘snood’ to which you can attach a hook or weight.

The Full Blood aka Blood joins two lines together. The knot easily passes through the rings on the rod enabling casting and retrieving line with no problems.

The easiest and quickest method to attach line to hook or swivel. It is very important to make at lease six turns before threading line back thorough initial loop. Always make the line wet before tightening as this helps and test to make sure it is secure before cutting off any surplice. The Half Blood has been known to fail if not enough turns are made so the Clinch or Palomar can be a safer bet.

Using the same method of tying the Half-Blood except on passing end of line through initial loop do not tighten until the line is thread through the final loop. This knot has better holding properties than the Half-Blood.

The Palomar has a reputation of being one of the most favoured and reliable of knot. Easy and quick to tie, even with numb fingers, for all types of fishing line. Hardest part is to get a loop through the eye.

The Stopper, placed on the main line, can be moved up or down and stop the float at the right depth for bait to be presented. Using some of the main line to make the knot will be sufficient to stop the float and be small enough to pass through the rod rings whilst casting or retrieving line.

There are numerous varieties of knots available to use, the 'Ashley Book of Knots published in 1944 is said to have more than 3800 entries and almost double the number of illustrations, each has certain properties that make it suitable for a specific task.

Tried and tested method to tie a spade shank hook to trace line. Ensure at least 5 turns around line and shank before pulling tight. Use spit to help lubricate tightening of knot.