We learn the skill of magnet fishing by tying its knots. Since if you don’t know how to tie good knots, you can drop your expensive magnet and some valuable assets as well. In this guide, we are going to reveal which knots are the best for magnet fishing and what type of knot not to use.
A strong magnet fishing knot has so many benefits.
- It jams under tensions but doesn’t break.
- It can be easily tightened or loosened based on the situation.
- It handles the heavyweights rather well.
- It ensures you will never lose your magnet.
- It maintains the strength with steady pressure.
Understanding and learning different types of knots it also necessary. Some knots work well in running river water, while others work great in canals.
Therefore, it is pertinent for you to prepare for different situations.
Below are some reliable and trustworthy knots that work best for magnet fishing.
1 – The Uni Knot
This knot is invented by Norman Duncan.
It is also known as the ‘Duncan Knot’. In appearance, it is almost the same as Hangman’s Noose, but it is a tad different internally. Many professional magnet fishers count on it as it is dependable and doesn’t lose its strength when they pull up heavy objects.
The great thing about Unit Knot is it is easier to tie. In fact, one can tie it easily in the dark. It retains a high proportion of line strength and also diminishes the chance of breaking when it is pulled with a jerk.
Experts believe if you need to add the only one-knot system to your inventory, trust the Uni knot. It is best for high-strength purposes. It works great for being tied around large diameters also, which gives you an advantage when magnet fishing for large objects particularly.
How To Tie The Uni Knot:
- Pull the rope through the eye of the hook and double it back so it is parallel.
- Now make a loop (6-turns) by laying a tag end over the doubled line.
- Maintain the same grip with the left hand until all the wraps are closed together.
- Snug the knot tightly for the strength.
- Lastly, slide the knot (loops) tight against the eye of the hook.
2 – Palomar Knot
Every magnet fisher should be able to tie ‘Palomar Knot’.
This simple knot is used to attach a line to a hook, and it is regarded as one of the most reliable magnet fishing knots. When tied properly, it can face more abuse than most other knots.
It works well with different types of ropes too, such as nylon. It is less complicated and usually stronger than most other knots that are used for magnet fishing. If we say it is as strong as the length of the rope itself, it would be 100% correct. Just like the Uni knot, with some practice, it can be tied in the dark.
Before you opt for this knot and learn it, keep in mind, it has a variation too – ‘Double Palomar Knot’. It is the same as the single Palomar knot but you make two wraps through the loop instead of one. It is also as effective as the single Palomar knot.
People use a double Palomar version only to improve their strength
How To Tie The Palomar Knot:
- Double the six inches of rope and pass it through the hole of the magnet.
- Tie a very loose knot using the double loop.
- Next, wrap the end of the double loop over the eyebolt.
- Neatly pull the rope to tighten it.
- You can also adjust the knot to shorten the excess rope.
3 – Figure 8 Loop Knot
The ‘Figure 8 Knot’ has two types – Simple Figure 8 Knot and Figure 8 Loop Knot
Both knots have their own advantages. For example, the simple figure 8 knot is simple and used for small and lightweight objects, whereas the figure 8 loop knot is considered one of the best knots and provides great action underwater specifically.
The loop spreads the tension load and gives a higher breaking strength. That’s why magnet fishers should count on it more. Its strength testing will impress you and make it your top choice.
It is also famous as ‘Flemish Loop’ and ‘Flemish Eight’ among professional magnet fishers. The only drawback of this knot is it is hard to untie. Especially, after heavy loading, the knot can be jammed; the only choice you will have is to cut it.
But if you are using figure 8 loop knot, we almost certainly ensure you will never lose your magnet. Perhaps, for that reason, it is used for climbing as well, as the professional climbers can’t count on a weak knot. Their lives are dependent on it.
How To Tie This Knot:
- Double over your line to create a loop (5-7 inches).
- Pass the end of it through the hole and make figure 8.
- Now, pass the tail end of the loop through the 8.
- Wrap it around the standing lines.
- Hold both ends of the loop and tighten it.
Conclusion
Practice all these knots many times before you go for magnet fishing.
Once you know you can tie them within a few seconds, you can go out and catch some great treasures. All three of them give non-slip strength and also allow your magnet to move freely in the water. Though they are tightened around the eye, they still don’t have a lower breaking point, which is often the issue you face with other knot types.
Apart from this, there are some common knots that one shouldn’t use like an overhand knot and a square knot. They are good for other uses, but for magnet fishing, they don’t provide the strength you need. That’s why they are less ideal. Besides, they can untie on their own inside water if you try to pull up heavy objects, such as a bike or a World War II weapon.