Knot Guides by Fishing Type

If you're new to fishing, you don't need to learn 30 knots — you need to learn 5. Master these and you'll be ready for 95% of fishing situations.

Bass fishing demands knots that grip slick braided line, hold up to violent hooksets, and let lures swim with full action. These 6 knots cover every bass technique from drop-shotting to flipping.

Saltwater fish are bigger, stronger, and meaner than freshwater fish. These 6 knots are tested by Sportfishing Report on yellowtail, tuna, calicos, and stripers off the SoCal coast — and they're what you need from inshore flats to offshore canyons.

A fly fishing rig has 4 distinct knots from reel to fly — and each one serves a different purpose. These are the 6 knots that build a complete fly leader system from backing to tippet to fly.

Surf fishing means casting heavy weights long distances, then fighting big fish in heavy current. These 5 knots handle the shock-leader-to-mainline connection that's essential for safe casting and the big-fish strength you need on the beach.

Ice fishing knots have to be tied with cold hands, in low light, often with gloves on. These 4 knots are the ones that work when your fingers are numb — and that hold up to lake trout, walleye, and pike runs.