As a sludge pirate and avid magnet fisherman, simple skills like tying knots should be under your sleeve. As simple as the skill might be, it can prevent the ups and downs of magnet fishing.
Magnets are expensive and as such, tying the knot the right way can prevent the rope from breaking. If the rope breaks during magnet fishing, you can lose your magnet.
There are different magnet fishing knots, and each knot is tied differently. Also, the type of knot you use depends on the kind of magnet fishing rope used for magnet fishing. Some knots can work with any rope, and some require specific magnet fishing ropes. The standard rope used in magnet fishing is the nylon braided rope. It is strong and has a good grip. Ensure that you wear gloves when handling the rope to prevent your hand from hurting.
The most common knots include;
- the Palomar knot,
- uni knot,
- figure-eight knot,
- Square knot,
- overhand knot,
- Portuguese bowline knot,
- the anchor hitch knot.
This article illustrates how to create a powerful knot using different knots available for magnet fishing. We will move step by step to help you learn how to tie a magnet fishing knot.
Palomar knot
The Palomar knot is the best in the community of magnetic fishers. Experts recommend the Palomar knot because it’s strong and easy for beginners. It has proven to have about a 95% success rate on certain occasions.
When you tie this knot properly, it can hold any pull force, and it can’t get loose. The only disadvantage of this knot is that it can tangle since it is made by creating a double-figure around the hook and then another loop above the hook. Turning the rope around the hook several times can cause it to tangle when it’s underwater.
The Palomar knot has a variation knot known as the double Palomar knot. The difference in this knot is a double wrap, which improves the strength on the first turn. So, the double Palomar knot is a more reliable knot compared to other knots.
How to Tie a Palomar Knot
Use a strong nylon rope to tie the magnet fishing knot.
- Step 1: Use one end of the rope and run about 6 inches of the rope to create a loop.
- Step 2: Move the loop through the eye bolt of the magnet
- Step 3: Using the end of the rope, loop the rope above the other part of the rope.
- Step 4: After passing the loop above the rope, insert it through the rope from the other side.
- Step 5: Tighten the knot a little, then pass it above the eyebolt until it knots the rope.
- Step 6: Then pull slowly to tighten the knot. You can shorten the rope if it’s long.
Make sure the knot cinches up when you pull the magnet fishing knot.
The Uni Knot
This knot is also known as the Hangman’s knot. It is also a straightforward magnet fishing knot. It is the best knot for magnet fishing ropes tied around hooks of large diameters. That is in case you are a big fishing magnet.
The Uni knot has a variation; the double uni knot is tied the same, except the line is doubled at both ends. The double uni knot is strong and does not break easily compared to the uni knot.
When using two fishing magnet ropes, always consider the uni to uni knots since it is the best knot for joining ropes.
How to Tie the Uni knots
- Step 1: Using one end of the rope, run it through the hook. Make the looped line stand parallel to the other line.
- Step 2: Double back on the parallel line to make a circle, then tie the knot by wrapping the rope’s end around the two parallel lines. Wrap around the line six times and then pass through the loops.
- Step 3: Moisten the line, then pull the rope’s end to snug the turns together.
- Step 4: Push the knot closer to the hook.
How to tie the Double Uni knot
- Place both lines side by side, facing opposite directions. Use both ends to circle back, creating a double line. Wrap the lines around each other through a loop about 3 to 4 times. Then pull the tag end slowly to tighten the magnet fishing knot.
- Repeat the process on the other end of the line. Once the knots are tied, pull the lines together slowly to bring them together.
Figure-eight knot
If you magnet fish, you tend to pull the rope holding to the magnet with force, making the figure-eight knot tied on the rope tighter. That means the tensile strength of the knot can withstand strong pulls. The figure-eight knot is the easiest to tie.
The knot has two variations: the follow-through and the double figure-eight loop.
The advantage of this magnet fishing knot is that it is simple and can’t be undone easily. The disadvantage is that it’s not easy to untie this magnet fishing knot.
How To Tie the Figure-eight Knots
- Using the rope, pass the line through the hook
- Move the end around the line to create a loop
- Then pass it around the front of the line and then run it back and pass through the first loop
- Then moisten the knot before you tighten. Once you finish the knot, it will resemble an 8.
The magnet fishing knot to avoid
Many types of knots are available, but not all knots are suitable for magnet fishing. Some magnet fishing knots you should avoid using include;
- Portuguese Bowline knot
- Overhand knot
- Square knot
These knots can work well for other outdoor activities such as regular fishing, but when it comes to the rope for magnet fishing, do not use these knots.
These knots are good knots, but they can’t be used for magnet fishing because they can be undone easily. A very strong knot can handle the tensile strength of the rope. Use the knots for other uses like fly-fishing.
Final Thoughts
Tying a magnet fishing knot is fun, and with practice, you can tie any knot with your eyes closed. You have to learn a simple knot suitable for your magnet fishing kit. Some people opt to buy premade knots to avoid the hassle of learning how to tie a magnet fishing knot. But since you have learned how to tie the knot, ensure that you follow safety measures necessary, such as using gloves when handling the rope.