How to Tie Fishing Line Together: 7 Essential Knots for Anglers

Knowing how to tie fishing line together properly can make the difference between landing your next trophy catch and losing it to a weak connection. Whether you’re joining two different diameter lines, connecting your leader to your mainline, or simply extending your fishing line, mastering these essential knots will significantly improve your fishing success.

Why Proper Fishing Line Connections Matter

When two fishing lines meet, that connection becomes a potential weak point in your setup. A poorly tied knot can reduce your line strength by 20-50%, while a properly executed connection maintains up to 95% of the original breaking strength. The right knot for the right situation isn’t just about preventing frustrating breaks—it’s about giving yourself the confidence to focus on the joy of fishing.

Different Types of Fishing Line Connections

Before diving into specific knots, it’s important to understand the common scenarios that require tying fishing lines together:

• Mainline to Leader Connection: Joining your primary fishing line to a leader (often of different material or diameter)
• Line-to-Line Connections: Connecting two similar fishing lines together
• Backing to Mainline: Attaching your main fishing line to backing line on your reel
• Joining Broken Lines: Salvaging a fishing trip by rejoining a broken line

7 Essential Knots for Tying Fishing Lines Together

Let’s explore the most reliable knots for connecting fishing lines, from the simplest to the most specialized.

1. The Blood Knot

The blood knot is a classic for connecting two lines of similar diameter, especially monofilament to monofilament.

How to tie it:

1. Overlap the ends of the two lines you want to join
2. Wrap one line around the other 5-7 times
3. Bring the end back between the two lines
4. Repeat the process with the other line, wrapping in the opposite direction
5. Slowly pull both standing lines in opposite directions to tighten
6. Trim the tag ends close to the knot

Best for: Connecting monofilament or fluorocarbon lines of similar diameter

Strength rating: Maintains approximately 85-90% of line strength

2. The Double Uni Knot

The double uni knot is incredibly versatile and one of the strongest line-to-line connections available to anglers.

How to tie it:

1. Overlap the ends of the two lines
2. With the first line, form a circle and bring the tag end back around
3. Pass the tag end through the circle 5-7 times
4. Pull tight to secure this first uni knot
5. Repeat the process with the second line
6. Slide the two uni knots together
7. Pull the standing lines to tighten completely

Best for: Joining lines of different diameters or materials (mono to fluoro, fluoro to braid)

Strength rating: Up to 90-95% of original line strength

3. The Surgeon’s Knot

If you need a quick, reliable connection when you’re on the water, the surgeon’s knot is your go-to option.

How to tie it:

1. Lay the two lines parallel with overlapping ends
2. Form a simple overhand knot with both lines together
3. Pass both tag ends through the loop again (for a double surgeon’s knot)
4. Pull all four ends slowly to tighten
5. Trim the tag ends

Best for: Quick connections when you need reliability without complexity

Strength rating: 75-85% of line strength depending on execution

4. The J Knot

The J knot has gained popularity among serious anglers for its impressive strength-to-simplicity ratio.

How to tie it:

1. Overlap the ends of your two lines by about 6 inches
2. Form a loop with both lines
3. Take the tag ends and wrap them around both standing lines 5 times
4. Thread both tag ends through the loop
5. Moisten the knot and pull all four ends to tighten
6. Trim the tag ends

Best for: All-purpose line connections, especially when strength is crucial

Strength rating: Up to 95% of original line strength in optimal conditions

5. The Albright Knot

The Albright knot excels when connecting lines of significantly different diameters or materials.

How to tie it:

1. Form a loop in the heavier line
2. Pass the lighter line through this loop
3. Wrap the lighter line around both sides of the loop 10 times
4. Pass the tag end of the lighter line back through the same side of the loop
5. Pull both lines slowly to tighten
6. Trim the tag ends

Best for: Connecting braided line to monofilament or fluorocarbon leaders

Strength rating: 80-90% with proper execution

6. The FG Knot

For connecting braided mainline to fluorocarbon or monofilament leaders, the FG knot is considered the ultimate connection.

How to tie it:

1. Hold the leader parallel to the braided line
2. Cross the braid over the leader forming an “X”
3. Wrap the braid around the leader, alternating over and under
4. Continue wrapping for 20-25 turns
5. Make 5-6 half hitches with the braid around both lines
6. Trim the tag ends

Best for: Connecting braided mainline to leader for casting distance and strength

Strength rating: Nearly 100% of the breaking strength of the weaker line

7. The Improved Barrel Knot (Double Surgeon’s Loop)

When you need to join two lines quickly with a loop-to-loop connection, this knot delivers.

How to tie it:

1. Create a loop at the end of each line
2. Form a simple overhand knot with the doubled line
3. Pass the loop through a second time
4. Pull tight and trim
5. Connect the two loops by passing one through the other and over the opposing line

Best for: Temporary connections that may need to be undone

Strength rating: 70-80% depending on execution

Choosing the Right Knot for Your Fishing Situation

Your choice of knot should be determined by several factors:

• Line materials: Different knots work better for specific materials (mono, fluoro, braid)
• Line diameters: Similar diameters can use different knots than dissimilar ones
• Fishing condition: Complex knots might be difficult in rough conditions
• Time constraints: When fish are biting, you might opt for a simpler knot
• Strength requirements: Different fishing scenarios demand different breaking strengths

Tips for Stronger Fishing Line Connections

No matter which knot you choose, these practices will improve your success rate:

• Always moisten your knot before final tightening (saliva works fine)
• Pull slowly and steadily when tightening to avoid heat damage
• Leave tag ends of 1/8″ for security
• Test each knot before fishing with it
• Practice your knots regularly at home
• Inspect knots periodically during your fishing trip
• Retie if you notice any fraying or damage

Read more: Strongest Fishing Knot: Top Knots Tested and Ranked

Read more: Strongest Fishing Knot: Top Knots Tested and Ranked

Line-Specific Recommendations

For Braided Lines

Braided lines can be slippery and require special consideration. The FG knot and double uni knot are particularly effective with braided lines. When connecting braid to braid, consider adding extra wraps to your knot.

For Fluorocarbon

Fluorocarbon is stiffer and more abrasion-resistant but can be brittle at knots. The J knot and improved Albright work exceptionally well with fluorocarbon connections.

For Monofilament

Monofilament’s flexibility and stretch make it forgiving for most knots. The blood knot and surgeon’s knot are traditional favorites for mono-to-mono connections.

Common Mistakes When Tying Fishing Lines Together

Even experienced anglers make these errors:

• Rushing the process: Taking an extra 30 seconds can save you hours of frustration
• Insufficient wraps: Most knots require a minimum number of wraps to achieve full strength
• Failing to moisten: Dry knots create friction and heat that weakens the line
• Uneven tension: Pulling too hard on one end can create an asymmetrical knot
• Wrong knot selection: Using a knot not suited for your line types

When to Retie Your Connections

Be proactive about checking and replacing your knots:

• After landing a large fish
• When you notice any fraying or damage
• If your line has been dragged across rough surfaces
• Every 2-3 hours of active fishing
• When changing fishing locations with different conditions

FAQ on Tying Fishing Lines Together