If you only know one knot, the Improved Clinch is the one to know. And I am constantly surprised by the number of fishermen I run into who don't know how to tie this simple basic knot the right way. You should use it for tying your line to a hook, snap or snap swivel, or directly to many lures. The Improved Clinch is so universal that it is often called the "fisherman's knot."

You should be familiar with the various snaps, snap swivels and leaders. In many cases, they are useful. But my general rule is: don't put anything on the end of your line you don't need to. Many lures work best tied directly to your line.

1. Pass line through eye of hook, swivel, or lure. Double back and make five turns around the standing line. Hold coils in place; thread end of line around first loop above the eye, then through big loop as shown. 2. Hold tag end and standing line while coils are pulled up. Take care that coils are in spiral, not lapping over each other. Slide tight against eye. Clip tag end.

If you only know one knot, it should be the Improved Clinch or Fisherman's Knot

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