Fishing Knots That Work Best in Miami Waters
Learn which knots hold up to tarpon runs, reef snapper bites, and everything in between.
Do Different Fish Need Different Knots?
Not exactly, knots aren’t really about the type of fish, they’re about the way you’re fishing for that fish.
So technically, any strong knot can work. Some knots are better depending on line type, bait/lure, and fish species.
Let’s break it down…
Why Knots Differ
Fishing Method – Live bait, cut bait, and artificial lures all put different stress on the line. For example, a loop knot gives lures more action, while a snell knot positions a hook straight for live bait.
Line Type – Braided, monofilament, and fluorocarbon lines have different slickness and stiffness, so some knots hold better depending on the material.
Hook/Eye Setup – Some rigs (like circle hooks or double-hook rigs) are designed to work best with specific knots that keep the hook at the right angle.
The Role of Fish Species
The fish itself doesn’t “need” a special knot, but its environment and behavior matter:
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Strong, hard-fighting fish (like tarpon, snook, tuna) require knots that maximize line strength and won’t slip under heavy pressure.
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Fish in rocky or weedy areas benefit from knots that keep the leader in line, reducing snagging or chafing.
Bottom Line…
The answer is: different fish don’t demand different knots, but the way you target them does. Anglers choose knots based on line type, bait/lure presentation, and the strength needed to land the fish.
Best Knots by Situation
Inshore Fishing
(Bonefish, Snook, Tarpon)
Non-Slip Loop Knot →
lets lures and flies move naturally.FG Knot →
strong leader connection for braid to fluoro.
Best for flats, mangroves, and light tackle species.
Offshore Fishing
(Mahi, Sailfish, Grouper)
Bimini Twist →
doubles line strength for offshore trolling.Snell Knot →
keeps live bait hooks strong and aligned.
Built for trolling, heavy leaders, and big game fights.
General Purpose
(Easy to Learn)
Palomar Knot →
quick, strong, great for mono and braid.Improved Clinch Knot →
simple and effective for smaller species.
Quick knots for everyday rigs, tie fast, fish more.
Step-by-Step Tutorial
Non-Slip Loop Knot
How to Tie the Non-Slip Loop Knot
Make an Overhand Knot
– About 8–10 inches above the lure or hook, tie a simple overhand knot in the line (but don’t tighten it). This forms a guide for the loop.Pass Through the Eye
– Take the tag end of the line and thread it through the eye of your hook or lure.Back Through the Overhand Knot
– Run the tag end back through the overhand knot you made earlier.Wrap Around the Main Line
– Make 4–5 wraps around the standing line (for heavy mono/fluoro, 3–4 wraps is enough; for braid, go 6–7 wraps).Thread Back Through the Overhand Knot
– Pass the tag end back through the overhand knot the same way it came in.Tighten the Knot
– Moisten the line, then pull on the standing line while holding the tag end and lure. This will slide the wraps down snugly and form a secure loop.Trim the Tag End
– Clip off the excess tag end, leaving a small tag for safety.
FG Knot
How to Tie the FG Knot
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Lay the Leader on the Braid
– Hold your leader line tight and lay the braid across it. Keep the braid under tension (you can anchor the rod butt or hold it in your teeth to maintain tension). -
Start the Wraps
– Wrap the braid over and under the leader alternately. Each wrap should criss-cross, locking the leader in place. Do about 16–20 wraps. (For heavy braid/leader, 12–14 is enough; for lighter lines, use more.) -
Lock the Wraps
– After finishing your wraps, pinch everything tight. Then make a couple of half hitches with the tag end of the braid around both the leader and mainline. This secures the structure. -
Test the Tension
– Pull hard on both lines to seat the wraps. The braid should “bite” into the leader without slipping. -
Trim the Leader Tag
– Carefully cut the leader’s tag end very close to the wraps. That’s what makes the FG knot slim and smooth. -
Finish with Half Hitches
– Make 3–4 more half hitches with the braid around just the mainline to lock everything in. For extra security, some anglers tie a final Rizzuto finish (a series of hitches that whip the end). -
Trim the Braid Tag
– Cut the excess braid, leaving a short tag.
✅ Tips
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Wet the knot before cinching tight to prevent heat/friction damage.
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Practice is key: the wraps must alternate tightly without gaps.
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The FG works best with braid to fluoro/mono; it’s not designed for mono-to-mono.
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Slide it through guides → smoother casting, less wear on guides and knot.
Bimini Twist
How to Tie the Bimini Twist
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Double the Line
– Pull out 4–5 feet of line (longer for heavy tackle). Fold it to create a loop, with the tag end in one hand and the double line in the other. -
Start the Twists
– Twist the loop around the standing line about 20–30 times for mono, or 40–50 times for braid (since braid is slicker). Keep tension so the twists stay even. -
Spread and Roll the Loop
– Place the loop over your knee, foot, or a rod butt. Pull back on the tag end while keeping tension on the standing line. The twists will compress and roll back down the line toward the loop. -
Lock the Knot
– When the twists reach the end, hold tension and make a series of half hitches with the tag end around both strands of the double line. Do at least 3–4 hitches. -
Finish with Singles
– Make 2–3 extra half hitches around just one leg of the double line to tighten it down. -
Trim the Tag End
– Cut the tag close to the last hitch. Some anglers finish with a small drop of glue for insurance.
✅ Tips
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The Bimini Twist is easiest with some form of tension (using your knee, rod butt, or a partner).
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Longer twists = more shock absorption, useful for big game fish.
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This knot is most common in offshore fishing — it’s the foundation for wind-on leaders, double lines, and IGFA-legal big game setups.
Snell Knot
How to Tie the Snell Knot
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Thread the Line Through the Hook Eye
– Pass the tag end of the leader through the eye of the hook from the point side and pull 6–8 inches of line through. -
Lay the Line Along the Shank
– Lay the tag end straight down the hook shank so it runs alongside the mainline. Pinch them together just below the eye to hold in place. -
Wrap Around Shank and Line
– Using the tag end, wrap tightly around the hook shank and the standing line, moving down the shank toward the bend.
– Make 6–8 wraps for mono/fluoro, or 8–10 wraps for braid. Keep each wrap snug and side-by-side. -
Pass Tag End Back Through the Eye
– After the wraps, pass the tag end back through the eye of the hook from the same side you started. -
Tighten the Knot
– Moisten the knot and pull slowly on the standing line while holding the hook to snug everything down. The wraps should coil neatly and lock in place. -
Trim the Tag End
– Clip off the excess tag end close to the wraps.
✅ Tips
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Always feed the line through the eye from the point side of the hook — that’s what makes the snell so effective.
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Perfect for circle hooks when fishing live bait (it helps the hook set naturally in the corner of the fish’s mouth).
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Works best with heavier mono or fluorocarbon leaders.
Palomar Knot
How to Tie the Palomar Knot
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Double the Line
– Take about 6–8 inches of line and double it over to form a loop. -
Pass Through the Eye
– Thread the loop through the eye of the hook, lure, or swivel. -
Tie an Overhand Knot
– With the doubled line, tie a loose overhand knot, keeping the hook/lure hanging down. Don’t tighten yet. -
Pass the Hook Through the Loop
– Take the hook/lure and pass it through the loop at the end of the doubled line. -
Tighten the Knot
– Moisten with water or saliva. Pull evenly on both the standing line and the tag end to cinch down the knot. -
Trim the Tag End
– Clip off the extra tag, leaving a small bit for safety.
✅ Tips
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Works great with braid, mono, and fluorocarbon.
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Be careful not to cross the lines when tightening — keep them parallel for full strength.
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Avoid using it on very large hooks with tiny eyes (the doubled line might not fit through).
Improved Clinch Knot
How to Tie the Improved Clinch Knot
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Pass the Line Through the Eye
– Thread 6–8 inches of the line through the hook or lure eye. -
Wrap Around the Standing Line
– Wrap the tag end around the standing line 5–7 times (use more turns for light line, fewer for heavy mono/fluoro). -
Back Through the First Loop
– Take the tag end and pass it through the small loop right next to the hook eye. -
Through the Big Loop
– Now, pass the tag end through the larger loop that just formed. -
Tighten the Knot
– Moisten the line, then pull on both the standing line and the tag end until the coils snug neatly against the hook eye. -
Trim the Tag End
– Clip the extra tag, leaving a small bit for safety.
✅ Tips
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If the wraps bunch up unevenly, retie — the knot’s strength depends on neat, parallel coils.
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Great for mono and fluorocarbon, but with braid it can slip — use more wraps or choose a different knot (like Palomar or Uni).
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Often considered a “go-to” all-purpose knot for freshwater and saltwater fishing.
Pro Tips for Fishing Knots
🧵 Always wet your knots before cinching them down to prevent heat and friction damage.
🎣 Pull slowly and evenly when tightening so coils seat neatly and don’t cross.
🔄 Practice braid vs. mono knots—braid often needs extra wraps to avoid slipping.
✂️ Trim tags carefully but leave a little—a short tag end prevents unexpected slip.
🪝 Match the knot to the situation—use loop knots for lures, snells for live bait, and strong connectors (like FG) for leaders.
📏 Check knot strength by pulling hard before casting—better to break in your hands than on a fish.
⏳ Retie after every big fight—knots weaken under heavy stress or abrasion.
🧭 Keep a small knot guide handy (laminated card or this page) for quick refreshers on the water.
🐟 Avoid oversized knots near the tip—slim connections like FG slide through guides better.
🔗 Double your line (Bimini Twist) before making leaders offshore for added shock strength.