Beginner · 6-step tie

Improved Clinch Knot

Tying line or leader to hooks, swivels, and small lures

Standing LineTag EndHook Eye
1

Through the eye

Pass the line through the hook eye and double back parallel to the standing line.

Step 1: Through the eyeThe navy standing line passes through the hook eye. The teal tag end doubles back beside it with no wraps or extra loop.Standing LineTag EndHook Eye
2

Make five wraps

Wrap the tag end around the standing line exactly five times, progressing away from the hook.

Step 2: Make five wrapsThe teal tag end makes exactly five complete wraps around the continuous navy standing line, progressing away from the hook. It has not entered either loop.Standing LineTag End5 wraps
3

Enter the small loop

Bring the tag end back toward the hook and pass it through the small loop nearest the hook eye.

Step 3: Enter the small loopAll five wraps remain. The teal tag end returns toward the hook and passes through only the small loop nearest the hook eye, creating a larger loop below the wraps.Standing LineTag EndSmall loop
4

Enter the large loop

Pass the same tag end through the larger loop created by the small-loop pass.

Step 4: Enter the large loopThe five wraps and small-loop pass remain. The same teal tag end passes down through the larger loop without cinching the knot yet.Standing LineTag EndLarge loop
5

Moisten and cinch

Moisten the knot, then pull the standing line and tag end in opposing directions to cinch the wraps toward the hook eye.

Step 5: Moisten and cinchAfter moistening, the standing line and tag end are pulled in opposing directions. The five orderly wraps begin sliding toward the hook eye while the loops close.PullPullMoisten
6

Seat and trim

Seat the completed knot against the hook eye and trim the tag end to about 1/8 inch.

Step 6: Seat and trimThe completed Improved Clinch Knot is seated against the hook eye with five compact wraps and a short trimmed teal tag end.Standing LineTrimmed Tag EndHook Eye

Why it matters

A simple starter knot for tying terminal tackle when you are learning.

Beginner check

Practice this one first. It is not the strongest knot for every situation, but it is easy and useful.

Instruction reference: FWC Fishing Basics

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