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How to Tie a Uni Knot

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The uni knot is also known as the Duncan loop knot and the Grinner knot and is considered to be ideal when it comes to connecting monofilament with terminal tackle. It’s used for tying a line to an arbor and for attaching hooks, swivels, lures, and snaps to the end of a line.

Some anglers believe it is easier to tie than the improved Clinch Knot and is equally reliable, even with a rope. The uni-knot is also considered one of the 12 best fishing knots that anglers can use besides the double uni knot. The best form of this fishing knot is two opposing knots that are arranged as uni knots. 

Uni Knot Tying Instructions

UNI KNOT
  1. To tie the uni knot first, run the line through the eye and double back to create a circle or loop.
  2. Wrap the tag end around the double you created at least six times and pass it through the loop.
  3. Add moisture to the line and pull the main one tight to create to tighten. 
  4. Slide the knot down to the hook or lure by pulling the mainline to close it. 
YouTube video
 
How to tie a Uni Knot
Be sure to cut the tag end down to your liking.

Advantages

  • Uni knots can be used to tie two fishing lines together without breaking.
  • The uni knot retains much of the strength of the main fishing line when it is tied.
  • The uni knot is an incredibly versatile fishing knot. If you want to tie two lines, tie it around the other line, and for Snelling, tie the uni knot around the hook shank. 
  • It works well with both mono and fluoro lines.

Disadvantages

  • The unit knot weakens when it is used to tie two lines together. At that point, its breaking strength goes down to 75%.

Alternatives

  • Improved Clinch Knot – This fishing knot is a popular choice for tying terminal tackle to a mono leader line.
  • Centauri Knot – This knot can be tied in any size mono for attaching the terminal tackle. It is also used for connecting a fishing line to a reel because of the sliding loop it forms. 
  • Palomar Knot – Considered to be the best fishing knot anglers can use, the Palomar knot can maintain 100% of the original line strength. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How strong is the uni-knot as a fishing knot?

A: The breaking strength of the uni knot is about 85%, and it is stronger than the blood knot. That number can be increased to 100% if you double the strands of the line before tying it. However, the single uni knot is more than adequate for most applications. Plus, the strength of the unit knot is not compromised when the line is pulled with a jerk. To break it, you will need to apply slow and steady pressure.

Q: Is a uni knot good for braid?

A: The uni knot is considered the only one out of popular fishing knots that can be used for braided and mono lines. 

Q: What is the double uni knot, and how do I make one?

A: The double uni knot is typically used to connect two lines and tie a hook to a line. You need to combine two lines to make a double uni knot, and both have to be made from different materials and have to be of different sizes. 

Q: How do I tie a uni knot to braid to fluorocarbon?

A: You will need to make a double uni knot to tie the braid line to fluorocarbon. First, overlap the ends of the fluorocarbon and braided line by about 6 inches. Make a line with the former around both by making five turns. Then feed the tag end of the line through the loop and pull it tight around the standing part. Repeat the steps before moistening the knots and sliding them in the opposite direction to slide them together. Make sure that you cut off the tag ends as close as possible to the uni knot. 

Q: How do I attach a line to a baitcasting reel?

A: To do this, pass the end of the fishing line around the spool. Then take hold of the tag end and the standing line with the fingers of your left hand and create a uni knot using the method mentioned in this guide. Then cut off the knot to close it and pull on the standing line with slow and steady pressure to pull the loop snugly against the spool. 

If you are using a spinning reel, all you need to do is create a large loop at the end of the line that has the uni knot and drop it over the spool. Then pull on the standing line to tighten it. Whichever method you use, make 2 or 3 wraps to create the knot.

Q: Does a knot weaken a line?

A: Yes, every time you tie a knot in a line, you weaken it, but some are stronger than others. For example, the knot double uni knot is considered to be stronger than the single variety. 

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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