Blood Knot

I came across this one while searching for a knot that would work well for attaching a fifty pound test monofilament shock leader to a twenty pound test monofilament running line. I found this knot easy to tie and remember and it moves well through the guides during casts. The knot is also known as the Barrel knot due to its tapering on either end. Interestingly, the half blood knot is also the clinch knot.

I did find it difficult to tie this knot with greater than fifty pound test monofilament shock leaders to twenty pound test monofilament running line. You can double the running line before tying the knot to overcome a dramatic size difference and then you will have the improved Blood Knot. I check all of my monofilament to monofilament shock leader knots often during the day and replace them when they show any wear.

Here’s a great video provided through Saltwater Sportsman