This uni-knot system enables you to learn just one simple knot and adapt it to virtually any need--everything from tying a hook to attaching line to your reel.
Not only is this system the first and only unified approach to knot tying, but it also provides excellent knot strength in most applications. Moreover, the strength of the uni-knot isn't diminished when the line is pulled with a jerk, rather than with steady pressure. Some knots, which test at more than 90 percent on a steady pull, will break at 50 or 60 percent if subjected to severe and sudden jolts--such as might be administered by a big fish surging boatside.
The knot-tying expert will simply add the uni-knot system to his inventory, using elements of it for particular applications, and other knots, at times, for certain specialties. For fishermen looking for the easiest way to handle their knot needs, though, the uni-knot system is the only knot they really need to learn.
The uni system works well with braided lines as well as with monofilament, and it's by far the best way to tie high-strength and small-diameter braided lines.
Learning The System
The one knot requirement basic to all fishing is tying a line to the eye of a hook or swivel. Familiarize yourself with the simple procedure of using the uni-knot for this purpose, and other uni-knot applications are easy.
First, run the line through the eye of the hook for several inches. Turn the end back toward the eye to form a circle as shown in illustration #1. With thumb and finger of the left hand, grasp both strands of line and the crossing strand in a single grip at the point marked just forward of the hook. Now, make six turns with the end around both strands of line and through the circle, as in illustration #2.
Maintaining the same grip with the left hand, pull on the end of the line in the direction shown by the arrow until all the wraps are snugged tight and close together. Snugging down tightly at this stage is essential for maximum knot strength. If you make six turns and snug the knot tightly, you'll get most of the line strength.
Finally, slide the finished knot tight against the eye of the hook by dropping the tag end and pulling solely on the standing part of the line as shown by the arrow in illustration #3. The excess end can be trimmed flush with the knot after final positioning, as shown in illustration #4.
End Loop
It takes just one slight variation to transform the hook tie into a loop arrangement, which provides more bait movement, especially with livebaits.
Instead of sliding the finished knot all the way to the eye, just slide it to the size loop desired. Then, gripping the loop just forward of the hook eye, take hold of the tag end with pliers, as shown in illustration #5, and pull firmly. This locks the uni-knot around the standing line or leader. If it slides down at all, it will be under heavy pressure.
