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How to Tie an Improved Clinch Knot

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The Improved Clinch Knot is used by anglers to tie the terminal tackle to a monofilament line. It can also tie a line to a swivel, clip, or an artificial fly. 

This knot has become popular enough that most people use it rather than the original Clinch Knot. That’s because the improved version is easy to tie and offers more strength than the original clinch style. 

Improved Clinch Knot Tying Instructions

Improved Clinch Knot
  1. Pass one of the fishing lines through the hook eye.
  2. Wrap the line at least five times around the standing part of the line.
  3. Pass the line through the first loop, and then under the bigger loop, you just made.
  4. Pull-on, both ends of the line, to tighten and complete the knot. 
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How to Tie an Improved Clinch Knot
The Improved Clinch Knot is a stable knot every angler should know.

Uses for the Improved Clinch Knot

  • The improved clinch method can tie a clip, terminal tackle, artificial fly, or swivel to a fishing line.
  • The knot can tie the leader to a fly.

Tips

  • The harder you pull at the end, the stronger your improved clinch will be.
  • For this method to work, make sure that you have enough line to work with because you will need to wrap it multiple times to make a sturdy improved clinch.
  • If your line is massive, wrap it four times, not 5.
  • Keep the fishing line moist to make it flexible enough to be pulled. Use a Chapstick for this.
  • A single loop will not work. 

Improved Clinch Knot Advantages

  • The improved clinch is quite easy to tie onto a hook.
  • The knot does not come undone during the action.
  • Anglers can affix a small tippet to a large wire hook easily by using this knot. 

Disadvantages

  • You may face difficulty if you try and tie the improved clinch on heavy lines. To close the knot on lines that can withstand a 30lbs test or more can be tough. You should look into alternatives if you are fishing for big fish. 
  • The improved version of the knot does not close securely enough with braided lines

Alternative Knots

  • Trilene Knot – As one of the secure knots to tie, the Trilene knot is an excellent alternative to the improved version of the clinch knot. It is ideal for tying mono to fishing lines. 
  • Palomar Knot – This knot tie a hook, snap or swivel to a fishing line. It is quite easy to recreate if you have enough practice, and with time, tying it in the dark will be quite straightforward. Just follow the instructions. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the improved clinch knot good?

A: The improved knot includes an extra tuck on the final turn, which makes it stronger than the original version. 

Q: As one of the best fishing knots, is the improved clinch knot good for fluorocarbon?

A: Yes, it is suitable for fluorocarbon lines but not with braided ones.

Q: Can I make a single loop?

A: A single loop will compromise the strength of the fishing knot

Jon Stenstrom
Founder & Angler
Jon Stenstrom is a fishing enthusiast. He has over 25 years of fishing experience, and 6 years of spearfishing experience, and is currently learning how to boat. Jon has his Open Water PADI Certification and FII Freediver Level 1 Certification. Jon has traveled the world to fish and dive, most notably in the Great Barrier Reef, Baja Mexico, Thailand, and Malaysia. More Articles
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