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
