Water Knot Essentials:
The water knot is a popular knot in coarse fishing, primarily used for joining two pieces of fishing line together, especially when you’re tying different types of line or adding a leader to your main line.
It is ideal for joining two lines of different materials (like braid to monofilament or fluorocarbon) or for tying leaders to the main line in coarse fishing.
It’s also useful when you need a low-profile knot, for constructing tapered leaders, or when you’re connecting different line diameters in rigs.
When to use the Water Knot when fishing
- For Joining Two Pieces of Line. The water knot is commonly used to tie a leader to the main fishing line. For example, when you’re using a stronger or thicker leader material to a thinner main line.
- For Joining Different Types of Line. The water knot is effective when joining lines of different materials or strengths, such as when connecting a monofilament main line to a fluorocarbon leader or tying braided line to a monofilament leader. This knot works well for preventing the lines from slipping.
- It’s also useful when you need a low-profile knot, for constructing tapered leaders, or when you’re connecting different line diameters in rigs.
- Adding droppers to leaders
- For adding a paternoster links
A Step by Step Guide to tie a Water Knot
Step 1:
Align the two pieces of line to be joined.

Step 2:
Tie an overhand knot to form a loop with the two lines. Don’t draw tight yet.

Step 3:
Repeat the over hand knot 3 more times.

Step 4:
With the two sets of tag ends in each hand slowly and carefully draw the knot down, moistening as you go until good and tight & slowly pull tight. Trim of the tag ends as required.
