The knots

Reel knot · Spool knotTying line to the bare arbor of a reel spool before winding it on. The first overhand closes on the arbor like a noose, held by a stopper knot in the tag.

Bobber stopper · Float stop · Slip float stopSetting the depth of a slip float. The stop grips the main line firmly enough to stop the float, stays small enough to reel through the rod guides, and does not carry the fish.

Fig 8 knot · CentauriSliding-collar mono terminal that also serves as a simple spool attachment; low-friction close on nylon.

Simple clinch · Basic clinchA quick knot for tying a hook, lure or fly to mono or fluoro line, when speed matters more than the improved clinch's extra tuck. Not a knot for braid.

DavyTying a small fly to tippet with a quick, compact knot. NetKnots recommends it for flies in sizes 18 to 22.

Double DavyDavy with an extra security pass for larger flies or slightly heavier tippet.

Double Uni · Uni to UniReliable way to join two lines of similar or moderately different diameters. Works for mono-to-mono, fluoro-to-mono, and many braid-to-leader pairings when wrap counts are adjusted.

Easy snellA simple way to snell a hook, with 5 to 7 wraps around the shank and line, for a straight-line pull when you set the hook.

Clinched knot · Improved clinchTying a hook, lure or swivel to monofilament line. NetKnots does not recommend it for braid, and it is hard to tie in heavy line.

Handshake loop · Loop-to-loop joinJoining two finished loops, such as a fly-line loop and a leader loop, so the leader can be changed without cutting either line.

Orvis tippet knot (terminal form)Ties tippet to a hook or fly with a small knot built on a figure eight. Animated Knots says it works in light and heavy line and in any tippet material.

PalomarTies line to a hook or lure with the line doubled through the eye. Animated Knots recommends it for braided line; pick it when the eye takes two strands side by side.

Angler’s loopA small fixed loop in the end of a leader, tippet or fly line that lies in line with the standing line. Commonly used for loop-to-loop connections between fly line and leader.

Surgeons knot · Double surgeon’sJoining a tippet to a leader, including lines of moderately unequal size. The whole tippet passes through the loop on each pass, so it suits a tippet or short section of line.

Double surgeon’s loopA fixed loop tied quickly in the end of a line, for a loop-to-loop connection or to let a lure or fly move freely on the loop.

Duncan loop · UniTying a hook, lure or other terminal tackle to braided or monofilament line. The barrel slides down to the eye, or stops short and locks to leave a small loop.

World’s Fair Knot · Worlds Fair KnotTying mono or fluorocarbon line to a hook or lure with a doubled loop through the eye. On a drop-shot rig the tag is left long to hold the weight.