Rapala Knot
Rapala Knot
A non-slip loop knot that gives lures and flies maximum action. The loop allows the lure to swing freely rather than being pinned at the eye — the best terminal knot for hard baits, crankbaits, and jerkbaits.
Video by Sportfishing Report on YouTube
About the Rapala Knot
The Rapala Knot was developed and popularized by Rapala to maximize the action of their lures. When you tie a standard knot directly to a hard bait's eye, the lure's action is dampened — it can't swing freely. The Rapala Knot creates a small non-slip loop that lets the lure move completely freely at the eye.
The result is noticeably more erratic, lifelike action from crankbaits, jerkbaits, walking baits, and swimbaits. For any hard bait where action is the point, the Rapala Knot is consistently more effective than tying direct to the eye.
Best Used For
Ideal applications
- ✓ Hard baits (crankbaits, jerkbaits, walking baits)
- ✓ Any lure where free movement at the eye improves action
- ✓ Fly fishing for large fish where free swing matters
- ✓ Monofilament and fluorocarbon
Not ideal for
- ✗ Braided line (slips — use a loop-to-loop connection instead)
- ✗ Hook-to-line connections where loop is unnecessary
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these 5 steps to tie the Rapala Knot. Watch the video above while following along.
Step 1: Tie an overhand knot
Tie a loose overhand knot in the standing line about 8 inches from the end. Do not close it yet.
Step 2: Thread through the lure eye
Pass the tag end through the lure eye, then back through the overhand knot from the same direction it came from.
Step 3: Wrap 3 times
Wrap the tag end around the standing line 3 times above the overhand knot, moving away from the lure.
Step 4: Thread back through the overhand knot
Pass the tag end back through the overhand knot — from the lure side going out.
Step 5: Thread through the new loop and tighten
Pass the tag end through the loop that just formed. Wet generously. Pull the standing line to slide the knot toward the lure eye while maintaining a small loop. Seat firmly with the loop at the desired size. Trim the tag end.
Pro Tips
- The loop size is set before final tightening — decide how large a loop you want
- Three wraps is standard — use 4 for heavier mono
- Keep the overhand knot loose throughout steps 1-4
- Wet heavily before seating — the knot slides best when saturated
Common Mistakes
- Tightening the overhand knot before the final step
- Threading back through the overhand knot from the wrong direction
- Closing the loop completely — it should remain open
- Using on braid — use a Palomar or loop connector instead