Two knots cover nearly all trolling connections. Tie a Palomar to attach a swivel, snap, or hook: double the line, pass the doubled loop through the eye, tie a simple overhand knot, pass the object through the loop, wet it, and cinch it down tight. Tie a surgeon's loop for a loop in the end of a leader or line: double the line and pass it through the overhand twice instead of once, then cinch. Wet every knot before you tighten it so the line keeps its strength.
What is the best knot for tying on a swivel or hook when trolling?
The Palomar. Catch America Pro Staff calls it the unbeatable, ultimate fishing knot and uses it to tie on trolling swivels, snaps, and hooks. It is strong and simple, and it is the knot that anchors nearly every terminal connection in a trolling rig.
How do I tie a Palomar knot?
Take your line and double it over, then pass the doubled line through the swivel or hook eye. Tie a simple overhand knot with the doubled line so you form a loop. Pass your swivel, snap, or hook through that loop. Wet the knot, then draw it all the way down tight and trim the tag end.
How do I tie a loop knot in my leader?
Use the surgeon's loop, which fishermen call a surgeon's knot and surgeons call a fisherman's knot. Double the line over as if starting a granny knot, but pass the doubled end through the loop twice instead of once. Pay attention as you work it down slowly, then cinch it into a clean, strong loop.
What is the difference between a granny knot and a surgeon's loop?
They start the same way, doubling the line into a loop. A granny knot passes the tag through that loop only one time. The surgeon's loop passes it through twice, which is what gives you a reliable fixed loop in the end of your line or leader instead of a weak single pass.
Why should I wet a knot before tightening it?
Catch America Pro Staff wets the Palomar before drawing it down. Wetting the knot lets it seat smoothly under tension instead of binding dry, which protects the line from friction damage. Cinch it down slowly and evenly, then trim the tag end close.
Which two knots should every troller know?
The Palomar for terminal connections to swivels, snaps, and hooks, and the surgeon's loop for putting a loop in the end of a leader or main line. Between the two you can build a full trolling rig and swap leaders quickly all day.
Watch the technique
Fishing knots for trolling FAQ
Catch America Pro Staff calls it unbeatable and the ultimate fishing knot. It is the go to connection for tying a swivel, snap, or hook to the line, and it holds up to the steady load of trolling.
They are the same knot with two names. Fishermen call it a surgeon's knot, and surgeons call it a fisherman's knot. It creates a loop in the end of your line or leader.
A granny knot passes the doubled line through the loop once. The surgeon's loop passes it through twice, which turns a weak single pass into a secure fixed loop.
Yes. Wet the knot before you draw it down, as shown with the Palomar. It seats the knot smoothly and helps the line keep its strength.
The Palomar. Double the line, pass it through the eye, tie an overhand, pass the lure or swivel through the loop, wet, and cinch.
Tie a surgeon's loop in the end of a leader or main line to create a quick connection point, which makes swapping leaders on the water fast and simple.
