2014/12/08

How to Tie a Figure-8 Knot

How to Tie a Figure-8 Knot . 

This knot improves on the classic Figure-8 to reducing slipping with heavy lines.

 A traditional Figure-8 Knot can slip when used with heavier lines and wire. That led to saltwater tackle expert David Justice experimenting and devising a "modified" Figure-8 Knot that eliminates slippage when used with braided lines and heavy monofilament. The knot also works with coated braided wire and kink-proof nickel-titanium wire leaders (both single and multi-strand), which have grown in popularity among those fishing for toothy critters like bluefish, king mackerel and wahoo.


 STEP 1: Pass the end of the leader through the eye of the hook and around the standing part of the leader.

 STEP 2: Bring the tag end through the original loop (nearest the eye of the lure or hook), then back through the second loop formed when the tag went around the standing line. Note: If you miss the second loop and only pull the tag end through the third loop formed when passing the tag back through the first loop, the resulting knot will fail by slipping badly under most circumstances.

 STEP 3: Grip the hook or lure in one hand and pull firmly on the standing part of the line or wire to seat the knot properly (pliers can be useful with heavier wire). This knot will not slip, even with a closely trimmed tag. It makes for a nice compact knot that's ideal when using hard-to-see-leaders to attract more strikes from wary game fish.

Story and illustrations by Tom Waters