Knot-TyingGuide

Improved Clinch Knot:an old standby

Insert the tag end through the eye, leaving atleast 6 inches of line. Wrap the tag end aroundthe standing line, making six turns with light(2-6 lb.), five turns with medium (8-12 lb.) orfour turns with heavy (14-20 lb.) line.

Pass the tag end through the loop formed atthe eye.

Insert the tag end back through the secondloop formed in Step 2.

Maintain tension on the tag end and draw theknot tight by pulling on the standing line. Trimthe tag end.

Take Family and Friends Fishing!

Fishing with family members and friends makestwice the fishing fun while also making for asafer trip.

Equal opportunity to participate in programs of the IllinoisDepartment of Natural Resources (IDNR) and those funded by theU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies is available to allindividuals regardless of race, sex, national origin, disability, age,religion or other non-merit factors. If you believe you have been dis-criminated against, contact the funding sources civil rights officeand/or the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, IDNR, OneNatural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271; 217/785-0067;TTY 217/782-9175.

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State of IllinoisIllinois Department of Natural Resources

You’ve made the decision to go fishing,now you need to prepare for the trip bypacking the right tackle for the type offishing you anticipate. First, make surethe rod and reel have a balanced feel inyour hand to ensure you can cast the lurefar and have maximum line sensitivity tofeel a fish bite. Then, make sure thatthe line and lure weights you have arerated for your intended use.

Once you have the proper combination ofrod, reel and line, it is vital that you secureyour hook, swivel or lure with a strong,secure knot capable of withstanding theshock of a fish strike.

Remember—the knot you tie is the weakestpoint in your line. A good knot will retainmore than 90 percent of the line strength.Improper knots have less than half of theline strength. The following are commonknots used by anglers.

Trilene Knot:a highly recommended and very strong knot

Insert the tag end through the eye. Reinsert thetag end back through eye, forming a doubleloop. Make sure not to cross or overlap thedouble strands through the eye.

Wrap the tag end around the stranding line,making six turns with light (2-6 lb.), five turnswith medium (8-12 lb.) or four turns with heavy(14-20 lb.) line.

Pass the tag end through double loop at theeye formed in Step 1.

Maintain tension on the tag end. Draw theknot tight by pulling on the standing line. Trimthe tag end.

Palomar Knot:maximum strength and versatility

To tie the Palomar knot, bend the line back onitself to form a double strand 6 inches long.

Pass this double strand through the hook eyeand tie a loose, overhand knot, leaving a loopdeep enough for the hook (or lure) to passthrough it.

Pass the hook or lure through the loop.

Tighten the knot by pulling on the hook withone hand and the double strand of line withthe other. Trim the tag end.