Improved Clinch Knot

The Improved Clinch Knot is one of the most widely used knots for tying a line to a hook, lure, or swivel.  The knot strength is between 85-90% of the line test.

The most critical aspect of this knot is how many turns are made around the standing part. Extensive research has demonstrated that the correct number is 5. If you use less than 5 turns, you sacrifice knot strength; and if you exceed 5 turns, it becomes increasingly difficult to tighten the knot properly.

1)   Pass the line through the eye of the hook, swivel, or lure. Double back and make five turns around the standing line.

2)  Holding the coils in place, thread the tag end of the first loop above the eye, then back through the big loop.

3)   Moisten the knot and while holding the tag end and standing, pull up the coils tightening the knot. Make sure the coils are in a spiral, not overlapping each other.  Slide the knot against the eye. Clip the tag end.