Uni knot is one of the basics that any angler must know. I personally consider it as the most useful of the knots I know, thanks to how much it’s needed in the variability of situations like the line to hook, line to line, the line to baitcasting, or spinning reel connections. Learning to tie this knot is the very first step that unlocks the door to other more complex ones.
I personally don’t like long introductions, so let’s head to the main bulk.
Other names
It’s also named as :
- Duncan Loop Knot
- Grinner Knot
- Hangman’s Knot (because it’s similar to Hangman’s Noose )
It was named Uni Knot later by the outdoor writer Vic Dunaway because it’s a versatile knot that is suitable for many applications.
Variations
- Traditional Uni Knot
- Crossover uni knot – To connect the line with the spool using a uni knot.
- Double Uni Knot
- Modified Uni Kot
How to tie Uni Knot Line-to-Hook/Lure (Traditional)
- Insert 6-8 inches of mono down through the hook eye and bring it underneath in parallel to the running line.
- Bring the tag end over the top of the 2 lines then back around near the hook eye to form a loop (This configuration is the most difficult part of learning to tie a uni knot).
- Get hold of the loop with your left hand and the tag end with you tight and start wrapping the tag end around the 2 lines (5 turns as a minimum, 7 ideal)
- Complete it, then pull on the tag and draw the knot to close. Now you can also close it by pulling on one of the legs of the loop to keep the tag end fairly short.
- It would be a good idea to lubricate the knot before pulling it really tight
- Pull-on the running line to begin closing the loop in the knot should rest tight up against the hook eye
- Cut the tag and enjoy fishing!
Note: Unlike other knots, you can tie the uni knot without anything attached. It comes really handy especially when you are attaching a dropper off a hook bend.
Here is a video that explains it even more
Double Uni Knot Tying Steps (LINE-TO-LINE)
- Run the two ends of the line past each other and parallel.
- loop the tag end on the right over like the previous method and do 5 wraps.
- When completed, lubricate then draw it tight.
- Flip the whole thing around and repeat the procedure again with the tag end of the left line.
- It looks complicated but it’s much easier than other knots like blood knots for example.
- Once you have both Unis looking good, pull in opposite directions on the line segments to bring them together.
It also works better than other knots when attaching lines of different compositions or diameters.
Notes :
- It’s a good idea to leave a little part of a tag to accommodate for knot slippage, it’s a little bit tricky though because it’s parallel to the line and knots, compared to 90 degrees angles like on a blood knot, but it’s not a big obstacle to overcome
- I also find it’s more reliable than other double surgeon knots especially when there’s a difference in line diameters.
- This connection is so important because anglers usually hope to maximize their casting performance by using the lightest line possible on their reel while using a heavier leader to enable it to withstand the sharp mouths of the fish that they are targeting.
Modified Uni Knot For braid lines
This way was specially invented because of how slick the fishing line made from the braid is. The adjustments added ensure maximizing your knot strength.
Adjustments:
- When putting the line into the eye of the hook, put it 2 different times (In the previous methods we did it only one time).
Pro tip: I recommend doing this step in all your braid knots ,as braided lines are more slippery.
- Make sure that the double-loop doesn’t get caught at the bottom of the hook, because of the ridge that can damage your line.
- Double the number of the wraps when using a braid
- Make sure to wrap in one direction to make them nice and clean.
Note: More turns of the line increase the breaking strength of the knot and improve it even further.
When to Use it?
- Good for tying a leader to your fishing line.
- Helps in tying the Snell knot, adding snelling to hooks.
- Salt and freshwater fishing, fly fishing.
- Tuna fishing.
- Making bobber stops.
- Tying a line to hook or a lure.
- great for jig fishing using a heavy cover on braided or fluorocarbon lines.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- IF you’re fishing for trout for example and using trout flurocarbon or mono filament lines, it works great! It also works fine with braided, (and almost all types & sizes of lines)
- It is fairly easy to tie in the dark.
- Recent testing done by Mack Martin showed this Uni knot retains 82% of line strength, Compared to as opposed to the clinch knot’s 50%.
- It also performed well in knot strength contests.
- Very Versatile.
- It saves you time untangling knots. If you notice a tangle, you don’t have to tie the knot again. Just slide the knot open and remove the dropper. Now untangle the rest of the rig, slide the dropper back on and continue fishing.
Cons
Uni Knot
- Doesn’t have the same strength as Trilene knots, Palomar, or the San Diego Jam
- There is some chance of failing with nanofilm lines
- Bulkier compared to the Palomar, Orvis knots.
Double Uni Knot
- If used to join two lines, like other knots where a line passes around itself, a breaking strain decreases to about 75%.
- Other options (FG knot) are slimmer than it.
- Can’t be compared to the FG knot in terms of strength.
What To Do Next?
The Grinner knot (Uni Knot) is one of the most popular options out there. Maybe it has some disadvantages, but its advantages surely outweigh them. It’s a good, strong knot and easy to learn and I can’t say it’s the best for every situation, but it will get the job done.
Try it and show me your work. If you face any problems, feel free to contact me or comment below.
Also, Check our Latest Fishing Tips and Tricks.