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CHAPTER 3 KNOT TYING AND CASTING THE IMPROVED CLINCH KNOT This is the most commonly taught fi shing knot and can be used on monofi lament line to attach a lure or swivel. The knot is simple to remember and the line retains nearly all of its strength. THE ART OF CASTING AND KNOT TYING The prime objective of going fi shing is to catch fi sh, and the tool we use is a fi shing rod and reel with a string attached to connect us to those fi sh. Casting accurately to put the bait where the fi sh are, and rigging with a solid knot to ensure you can retrieve fi sh once they take the bait are important skills that connect 'going fi shing' with 'catching fi sh'. The nice thing about fi shing is that you get to practice these skills while doing it. Tying a good knot is arguably the most important skill the angler can learn. The knot is the weakest part of the line and if poorly tied, could result in a lost lure or fi sh. A bad knot will either pull loose when pressure is put on it or cinch down tight and sever the line. There are many knots that an angler could use, but only a couple that you should defi nitely know how to tie. 1. Thread the loose end of the line through the eye of the hook, pulling through plenty of line to make your knot. 2. Wrap the line around itself, creating 5 to 7 twists. Too few twists in the line will result in a knot that pulls out. Too many twists in the line will weaken the line. Holding the loose end secure against the line and turning the hook with the other hand is an easy way to create twists in the line. 3. Holding on to the twisted line, thread the loose end of the line through the loop near the eye of the hook. 4. Notice the new loop that was created by threading the line. Run the loose end of the line through the new loop. 5. Hold the loose end against the hook with one hand and with the other hand, gently pull the line away from the hook to tighten the knot against the eye of the hook. Wetting the line with your mouth before tightening it will help the line cinch down and will reduce friction that could weaken the line. 6. Neaten the knot so that the coils are stacked up tightly behind the eye of the hook. 7. Trim any excess line from the loose end to about one- quarter inch. ARTWORK BY TIM REIGERT, 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 CHAPTER 3 ● KNOT TYING AND CASTING KNOTS