The knotless knot

If you are not already using the knotless knot then you will need to learn it as it now forms the basis of tying hook and hair for nearly all rigs. The knot is incredibly simple and easy to tie no matter what hook length material you are using.

Step 1: Choosing your hook length material for the rig

Select your hook length material, this can be any hook length material you like from braid to mono. For the illustration I am using unstripped Kryston Super Mantis (this is a coated braid and would normally be stripped back of the coating to form the hair and knot). The hook I am illustrating with is a Korda Hybrid Longshank, size 6.

Step 2: Cut to the length of your choice

I am going to tie an average length rig of 7 inches, so I need to cut the length of the rig plus enough extra to form the hair length ad bait loop. For this illustration I am not going to measure but I will cut a length of mono around 11 inches.

Step 3: Forming the bait loop

Forming the bait loop at one end of the hook length, with a simple Over Hand loop. Double over the hook length over for about 2 inches

Curve the doubled line around to form a loop and clamp between fingers and thumb

Pull the loop end through your formed loop

Moisten and the tighten the knot gently. You should have formed a small bait loop around a ¼ of inch in length. Cut off the tag end with scissors or nail snips.

Step 4: Add your hook bait onto the loop

You need to add your hook bait with a baiting needle onto the loop and pin with a bait stop. This allows you to measure the length of your hair very accurately, adjusting the length to your preference.

Step 5: The Knotless knot

Get your hook of choice, any pattern or size can be used. Thread the loose end of the hook length from the back of the hook through the eye to the front.

Pull the hook length through until the bait is sitting in the correct position. I like to have my bait just clearing the bend of the hook. The hair should be running down the back of the shank of the hook.

Now wrap the hook length around the shank approximately 6 turns or until your coil is approximately level with the point of the hook. Make sure you start your turns on the opposite side to the gap in the hook eye to avoid stress and cutting as the knot tightens. This forms the knot trapping the hair in position.

Take one turn back down the shank. Make sure you have a tight hold of the hook and coiled hook length. Now thread the loose end back through the eye from the back to the front again.

Keep your grip tight and pull the full length of the hook length through until tight to you finger. Now slowly release your grip on the knot while continuing to pull through the hook length. This action tightens the knot. Be careful not to let the coil unravel before you have tightened up.

You should now have a finished knotless knot, with the hook leaning inwards as the hook length comes out of the inward eye at a slight angle.

You are now free to free to attach the finished rig to your swivel how ever you choose. A straight four turn Grinner knot (as illustrated below) or Palomar knot are good directly to the swivel.

As an alternative you could attach a snap swivel to your swivel and then tie a loop with a figure of eight knot as above. This loop can then be clipped into place and then covered with a section of silicone tubing.