I have used the good old Clinch Knot, which I learned as the Fisherman’s Knot, ever since my father taught it to me as a young boy. It was my go-to knot throughout my childhood and teenage years, serving nearly all of my fishing needs. Its simplicity and reliability make it an excellent starting point for anyone learning to tie fishing knots.
The Clinch Knot works particularly well with light- to medium-test monofilament and fluorocarbon lines, generally 30-pound test and lighter, although performance depends on line diameter and stiffness.
It is easy to tie, has a compact profile, and seats securely against the eye of a hook, swivel, or snap when properly tightened. However, the knot can slip when used with braided or fused lines and can be difficult to cinch properly with heavy, stiff monofilament or fluorocarbon.
When tightening the knot, it is important to lubricate the line with water or saliva to reduce friction and prevent heat damage. Apply steady tension to draw the coils together, allowing them to slide smoothly down the standing line and seat firmly against the eye. A properly tied Clinch Knot should have tight, evenly spaced coils with no overlapping wraps. Simple, versatile, and proven through generations of fishing, the Clinch Knot has certainly stood the test of time.
Breaking Strength
65% to 84%
Line Compatibility
| Monofilament | Good |
| Fluorocarbon | Poor |
| Braid | Poor |
| Fused | Poor |
Complexity
Basic
Use
Terminal Tackle
Knot Profile
Slim
Video
Tying the Knot
Step 1
Pass the tag end of the line through the eye of the hook, lure or swivel with sufficient line to wrap around the standing line five to seven times.
Step 3
As the tag end comes under the standing line on the final loop, wet the knot and pass the tag end through the first loop closest to the eye
Step 5
Work the knot tight by pulling on the standing line until the turns come together in a clean tight knot. Pull gently at first and firmly at the end.
Step 2
Make a loop over the standing line with the tag end and continue making turns over the line five to seven times. Pinching the first loop while winding can help hold it open for Step 3.
Step 4
Continue to pull the tag end through the loop until two or three inches of line have passed through, leaving enough line for cinching down.
Step 6
After the knot is tight, trim the tag end with fishing pliers, knife, or clippers to about 1/8 of an inch, we want to leave some space for slippage as we fish.
Disposing of Fishing Line
Fishing line is not biodegradable and should never be left on the beach, in the surf, or anywhere along our coastal waterways. Discarded fishing line can entangle fish, birds, sea turtles, and other wildlife, often causing serious injury or death. Many popular surf fishing locations have designated fishing line recycling stations, typically made from PVC pipe, where anglers can deposit their used line and trimmings. I keep a small bucket specifically for collecting discarded line during my fishing trips. If you cannot find a recycling station, take your used line home for proper disposal or recycling. Berkley operates a fishing line recycling program that accepts certain types of used fishing line by mail. Check the program’s current requirements before sending your line to: Berkley Recycling, 1900 18th Street, Spirit Lake, Iowa 51360.
One important distinction: Monofilament and fluorocarbon lines are generally not biodegradable, but not all fishing lines are accepted by recycling programs. Many programs accept nylon monofilament but exclude braided and fused lines. It’s worth checking which materials your local recycling station accepts.
DelMarVa State Recycling Locations
Delaware Fishing Line Recycling – Delaware anglers can help protect coastal wildlife by properly disposing of used fishing line at designated recycling stations located at participating fishing piers, marinas, boat ramps, and other popular fishing locations. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) encourages responsible disposal of discarded fishing line to prevent entanglement of fish, shorebirds, sea turtles, and other marine wildlife. Anglers fishing the beaches of Cape Henlopen, Delaware Seashore State Park, and other Delaware surf fishing locations should look for monofilament recycling containers, often constructed from PVC pipe. If a recycling station is unavailable, collect your used line and take it home for proper recycling or disposal.
Maryland anglers can recycle used monofilament fishing line at participating marinas, tackle shops, and designated collection stations. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources encourages anglers to recycle discarded fishing line rather than leave it along beaches and waterways. Queen Anne’s County operates a dedicated Fishing Line Recycling Program, with collection stations at public landings and participating businesses. If a recycling station is unavailable, collect your used line and take it home for proper recycling or disposal.
Virginia Fishing Line Recycling – Virginia anglers can recycle used fishing line at designated collection stations located at participating fishing piers, marinas, boat ramps, and public parks throughout the state. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC), and Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) support programs that collect discarded fishing line to protect fish, shorebirds, sea turtles, and other marine wildlife from entanglement. The City of Virginia Beach also operates its Reel In and Recycle program, with collection containers at city parks with waterway access and public boat launches. Anglers fishing the beaches of Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Back Bay should look for designated fishing line recycling containers. If a recycling station is unavailable, collect your used line and take it home for proper recycling or disposal. Department of Wildlife Resources
Additional information:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
Colossians 3:23
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