The Texas Rig: Part 8, Knots

Selecting the right knot for Texas-rigging can be made simple. However, if you fail to tie a strong knot the chances of the fish of a lifetime making it to your boat can be slim to none.

For the purpose of this article we are going to talk about tying simple knots that will work effectively, not only for Texas-rigging, but also for tying on your favorite lure for other techniques.

Hook, Line, (Knot), and Sinker

Palomar Knot

One of my favorite all-around fishing knots is the Palomar knot, before beginning, make sure to have plenty of line slipped through the bullet weight weight. The extra line will be needed while tying this knot.

1. Insert your line through the eye of the hook of your choice — around 6 inches.
2. Bring the line inserted back through the eye, doubling your line evenly, to create a loop — it is important not to bring the loop you have created back through the eye of the hook.
3. Tie a simple overhand knot, between your loop, and both lines. Do not cinch the knot tight, and make sure to avoid twisting the line.
4. Bring the end of the loop down, passing it entirely over the hook.
5. Wet the knot you have created, to ensure little friction.
6. Lastly, pull both ends of the line (main and tag), slowly, allowing the knot to draw to the hook.
7. Trim your tag ends and go fish.

The illustration should help demonstrate the how-to of the knot. Despite the knot’s simplicity, this could universally be the strongest and most used knot in fishing.