In the vast world of fishing knots, some are famous workhorses, while others are hidden gems. The World’s Fair Knot is a true hidden gem—a “lost classic” with a unique, award-winning history. It was crowned the best all-purpose
While it may not be as universally known as the Palomar, mastering the World’s Fair Knot gives you a specialized tool that excels in specific situations, particularly for the drop shot rig. This guide will serve as your masterclass, exploring its history, providing crystal-clear instructions, and breaking down why this champion knot deserves a place in your arsenal.
A Knot Born from Competition: The 1982 Knoxville World’s Fair
The story behind this knot is what makes it so special and credible. During the energy-themed 1982 Knoxville World’s Fair, the DuPont chemical company—the legendary makers of Stren
From a field of nearly 500 entries submitted by anglers across the country, an invention by Gary L. Martin was chosen as the winner. The decision was made by a distinguished panel of outdoor writers—experts who spend their lives on the water and have seen thousands of knots succeed and fail. They weren’t just looking for raw strength; they were searching for the best overall knot. The criteria included strength, ease of tying, neatness, and versatility. Martin’s creation was crowned the “Best New Knot,” celebrated as a superior all-purpose
Why This Knot is a Modern Secret Weapon
Before learning how to tie it, it’s important to understand why this knot is so effective:
- Incredible Strength: Its unique double-line loop and wrapping design distribute the load across a wider area, allowing the knot to retain nearly 100% of the line’s original breaking strength.
- Perfect 90-Degree Hook Presentation: When tied correctly, the knot “kicks” the hook out at a perfect 90-degree angle from the line. This is the holy grail for drop shot
fishing , presenting the bait in the most natural, horizontal position possible. - An All-Purpose Design: It was chosen as a great all-purpose
fishing knot because it works exceptionally well for connecting a wide variety of hooks and lures to monofilament and fluorocarbon lines. - Extremely Compact Profile: The finished knot is remarkably small and neat, which helps reduce weed pickup and allows it to pass smoothly through rod guides.
How to Tie the World’s Fair Knot: A Clear Step-by-Step Guide
The key to this knot is creating a loop and then using that same loop to complete the wraps. Follow these steps carefully.
Step 1: Create the Initial Loop
Double your monofilament or fluorocarbon line back on itself to create a loop that is about 6 inches long.
Step 2: Pass the Loop Through the Eye
Pass 2-3 inches of this doubled-over loop through the eye of your hook or lure. You will now have the main part of the loop on one side of the hook eye and a smaller, protruding section of the loop on the other.
Step 3: Fold the Loop Back
Take the larger section of the loop and fold it backward, laying it down parallel to your main line and tag end.
Step 4: The First Wrap
Take the smaller, protruding section of the loop (the part you passed through the hook eye) and wrap it once around the main double line. This will create a new, smaller opening.
Step 5: Pass the Hook Through
Now, take your entire hook or lure and pass it completely through the new opening you created in Step 4.
Step 6: Tighten with Care
Moisten the entire knot with saliva or water to reduce friction. Begin to slowly pull on both the main line and the tag end simultaneously. The knot will begin to form and tighten down against the hook eye. Once it is snug, apply steady, firm pressure to fully seat the knot. Trim your tag end to complete the knot.
Pro-Tips for a Perfect Knot
- Moisten Thoroughly: This is the most critical step. A well-lubricated knot will slide together perfectly for maximum strength.
- The “Kick-Out” Effect: As you apply the final firm pressure, you will see the hook “kick out” to that perfect 90-degree angle. This is the sign you’ve tied it correctly.
The Ultimate Drop Shot Knot
While the World’s Fair Knot is a fantastic all-purpose
- Guaranteed 90-Degree Angle: While a Palomar can be rigged for a good presentation, the World’s Fair Knot naturally forces the hook into the perfect horizontal position every single time.
- Long Tag End Integrity: The design of the knot is completed before you deal with the tag end. This means you can leave a tag end that is several feet long for your weight without compromising the knot’s structure or strength.
An All-Purpose Connection for Other Rigs
True to the judgment of the panel of outdoor writers who selected it, this knot is more than just a one-trick pony.
- Fly
Fishing : It’s a fantastic knot for tying on larger streamers and nymphs where a strong connection and natural presentation are key. - General Terminal Knot: It’s an excellent and reliable replacement for the Improved Clinch Knot when tying lures or hooks directly to monofilament or fluorocarbon.
When to Choose an Alternative Knot
- For Braided Line: The World’s Fair Knot is designed for monofilament and fluorocarbon. For braided line, the Palomar Knot is the undisputed champion.
- For Very Small Hook Eyes: The biggest disadvantage is that it requires passing a doubled line through the hook eye. For tiny hooks, this can be difficult. In this case, a knot like the Trilene Knot is a better choice.
Conclusion
The World’s Fair Knot is more than just a piece of
By mastering this simple, strong, and compact knot, you are adding a specialized, award-winning tool to your angling skill set. Take the time to practice it, and the next time you’re faced with a tough finesse bite, you’ll have a champion’s secret weapon ready to deploy.
