How to Tie an Improved Clinch Knot: Steps and Tips

How to tie an improved clinch knot? Pass the line through the hook eye, wrap the tag end around the standing line about five times, push the tag end back through the small loop next to the eye, then tuck it under the last loop you just made. Wet the knot, pull it tight and trim the tag end.

Below are the steps, what the knot is good for, how it differs from the plain clinch knot and common mistakes. Fishing on a cold morning? Take a look at our fishing sweatshirts and hoodies.

How to tie an improved clinch knot step by step

Animated Knots describes it this way: "Pass the end of the line through the eye. Wrap it around the standing end about five complete turns. Pass the end back through the loop beside the eye. Then pass the end under the final turn. Tighten the knot and trim the end." (Animated Knots)

1. Thread 6 inches or so of line through the eye of the hook, lure or swivel.
2. Wrap the tag end around the standing line about five times.
3. Bring the tag end back through the first small loop just above the eye.
4. Pass the tag end through the big loop you just created (the "improved" tuck).
5. Wet the knot with water or saliva.
6. Pull the standing line slowly so the wraps slide down tight against the eye.
7. Trim the tag end, leaving a short tag.

What is the improved clinch knot good for?

Animated Knots calls it "one of the most widely used fishing knots" and "a good method of securing a fishing line to a hook, lure, or swivel." It is "commonly used to fasten the leader to the fly" and is "regarded as a fisherman's reliable standby."

Clinch knot vs improved clinch knot

The difference is one extra step. The "improved" version "includes an extra tuck under the final turn." According to Animated Knots, "the extra final tuck improves your chances of holding a strong fish." If you skip the final tuck you have a plain clinch knot.

How many turns should you use?

Use about five wraps on most lines. Animated Knots says that "although five or more turns are recommended, with heavier lines this may be reduced to four." Wind the loops in a neat spiral and hold them under your fingers while you wrap.

When not to use it

"Because it is harder to tie in heavier lines it is not recommended if you are using over 30 lb test line," notes Animated Knots. For heavy line, choose another knot suited to that line.

Common mistakes

• Tightening it dry. Always wet the knot before you pull it down to reduce friction on the line.
• Too few or messy wraps. Keep the wraps neat and close together.
• Forgetting the final tuck. Without it, it is only a plain clinch knot.
• Trimming too close before testing. Pull firmly on the line to test the knot first, then trim.

New to rigging? Our guide on how to cast a fishing rod is the next step, and these cold weather fishing tips help when your fingers are cold.

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FAQ

What is the improved clinch knot good for?

Tying fishing line to a hook, lure or swivel, and fastening a leader to a fly.

What is the difference between a clinch knot and an improved clinch knot?

The improved version adds an extra tuck of the tag end under the final turn.

How many wraps for an improved clinch knot?

About five turns; with heavier lines this may be reduced to four.

Can you use an improved clinch knot on braid or heavy line?

Animated Knots does not recommend it with line over 30 lb test because it is harder to tie in heavier lines.