If you only want to memorize one knot, this is arguably it. The uni knot ties to a hook, joins two lines as a double uni, and forms a loop — and unlike the improved clinch it holds properly on braid.
Thread six or so inches of tag through the hook eye, then double it back so the tag runs alongside the standing line. You now have two parallel strands.
Bring the tag end back toward the hook and hold a loop open alongside the two parallel strands. Keep that loop open — everything wraps through it.
Pass the tag through the loop and around both strands five or six times. Each turn should sit neatly beside the last rather than crossing over it.
Lubricate, then pull the tag end to draw the coils down into a neat barrel. Do not pull it rock-hard yet.
Pull the standing line so the whole knot slides down and seats against the eye. Then pull hard to set it, and trim the tag.
| Job | How | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal knot | Tie as above and seat against the hook or lure eye | 90% |
| Line to line | Tie a uni on each line facing opposite ways, then pull together (double uni) | 85% |
| Fixed loop | Do not slide it all the way down — leave the loop open | 85% |
That versatility is why guides carry it. One knot memorised covers hardware, leaders and loop connections.
For a pure braid-to-fluorocarbon leader join the FG knot is stronger and slimmer, but the double uni is far easier to tie on a rocking boat — and most anglers lose more fish to a badly tied FG than they ever would to a well-tied double uni.
Against the improved clinch, the uni wins on braid (90% versus 75%) and roughly matches it on monofilament. Against the palomar it is very slightly weaker as a terminal knot but far more versatile.
The practical answer: tie a palomar when you want the strongest possible connection to a hook, and a uni when you want one knot that handles every job on the water.
Whatever you tie, the number that matters is what the knot actually holds — feed your line rating and knot into the Knot Strength Calculator before you set the drag.
The uni knot works on any line. Braid is where it earns its keep, and a good pair of clippers makes the wraps tidier.
The line the uni knot handles better than a clinch ever will. Thin diameter, no stretch, and it grips well in the uni barrel.
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The uni works as a terminal knot, a loop and a join. The double uni knot joins two lines with the same method, the knot strength calculator shows what it retains, and the knot strength chart compares it to the rest.
On braid, clearly yes — around 90% retained strength versus about 75%. On monofilament they are close, with the uni slightly ahead. The clinch is faster to tie; the uni is more reliable and far more versatile.
Two uni knots tied facing opposite directions, one on each line, then pulled together so the barrels jam against each other. It is the standard way to join a braid mainline to a fluorocarbon or monofilament leader when an FG knot is impractical.
Five or six. Light line and thin fluorocarbon take six; heavy mono takes five. Too many turns prevents the barrel from seating, which weakens the knot rather than strengthening it.
Yes, as a double uni, and it is the most forgiving option in rough conditions. It is bulkier than an FG knot and catches slightly in the rod guides, but a well-tied double uni holds around 85% and is much easier to tie with cold or wet hands.
Yes. Simply do not slide the barrel all the way down to the eye — stop it short and you have a fixed loop that works for dropper rigs, loop-to-loop leader connections and attaching a fly.
How to tie an improved clinch knot · How to tie a Palomar knot · How to tie an FG knot · Knot Strength Calculator
How to Tie a Palomar Knot · How to Tie an Improved Clinch Knot · How to Tie an FG Knot · How to Tie a Blood Knot · How to Tie a Double Uni Knot · How to Tie a Surgeon's Knot · How to Tie a Snell Knot · How to Tie a Non-Slip Loop Knot · How to Spool a Spinning Reel · Spooling Without Line Twist · How to Set Drag on a Reel
Numbers to go with it: Knot Strength Calculator · Line Diameter Converter · Shock Leader Calculator
Disclaimer: The numbers on this page are estimates based on published specifications and standard formulas. Real-world results vary with brand, gear condition and how the equipment is set up. TackleCalc is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with any manufacturer. Nothing here replaces the instructions that come with your own gear.