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Securing a solid knot is essential for a successful catch in the angling world. Knot strength and reliability are the cornerstone of preparing for any fish, regardless of size or species. As such, every angler strives to perfect their knots, ensuring their line connections are up to the task and no room for error could lead to a lost catch.
Recognizing the significance of well-tied knots and that many anglers struggle with small hooks, worsening eyesight, and fat fingers means they have a place in every angler’s tackle box.
Key Takeaways
- The strength of your fishing knot can be the difference between a catch and a loss.
- Personal insights into which tool is best for each style of fishing.
- Understanding the key factors in choosing an appropriate tool is crucial for achieving knot reliability.
Reasons To Opt For Using A Knot Tying Tool
Using a knot-tying tool, I’ve found that I can quickly return to fishing without the frustration of tying knots by hand, especially in challenging conditions. It’s a practical and affordable solution for ensuring confidence that your rig won’t give way.
In my experience, a knot-tying tool is an invaluable accessory for anglers. Here’s why I find them essential:
- Efficiency: It significantly speeds up the process of tying knots.
- Consistency: Ensures every knot tied is uniform, aiding in reliability.
- Accessibility: Aids anglers with limited dexterity or vision.
Knot Integrity: With a tool, the knots are more likely to maintain their strength since the tool can create tight, precise knots that might be challenging to achieve by hand.
- Versatility: Compatible with various line types and thicknesses, making it useful for freshwater, saltwater, and fly fishing.
User-Friendliness: Many of these tools are designed for ease of use, allowing even novices to master complex knots.
In this article, we will look at my picks for what’s available so you can find the right one and never lose a fish due to knot failure again.
My Best Fishing Knot Tying Tools
- HOOK-EZE Tool: This is the one I consider the best for overall performance. Not only does it assist me in tying secure knots, but it also offers safety from hooks when I’m working with lines.
- TYEPRO Tool: Excelling in threading eyes, this device makes the task remarkably easier for me, especially when handling small hooks and jigs.
- 3M Scientific Anglers Tool: Tailored for fly anglers like me, its design makes fly fishing knots less daunting to secure.
- SAMSFX Kit: I appreciate the versatility of this kit. It’s equipped for various knots, covering a range of fishing styles.
- Leeda Matchman: Simple hook tying is what this tool is all about. When I’m focusing on spade ends, thin lines, and small hooks specifically, this is my go-to.
Each tool has its merit. Let’s get into the details of each:
HOOK-EZE Fishing Knot Tying Tool – My Best Overall Pick!
The HOOK-EZE Fishing Gear Knot Tying Tool is an incredibly versatile option, and it comes with a ton of handy extras to make tying knots and some additional tasks a lot easier.
The Hook eze tool is a plastic disc attached via a swivel to a clip ring. It works by attaching the clip rig to anything from a rod eye to a D-ring on your fishing vest and then opening up the plastic disc.
You can then place any hook style, jig head, fly, or swivel into the plastic disc and close it. This holds the hook/jig/fly/swivel in place and keeps both hands free to thread your line through the eye, keep the line under tension, and tie a reliable and strong knot.
In addition to helping you tie strong knots, this option has a snipper to trim your tag ends with, a sharpener to ensure your hooks are super sharp, and an eye cleaner to remove any gunk in the hook eye to make knot-tying easier.
This is an extremely lightweight, portable, durable, and affordable option you can use anywhere. The only annoying thing about it is that larger hooks tend not to fit very well.
Advantages
- Ideal for various fishing knots
- Integrated hook sharpener
- Built-in line cutter
- Hook eye cleaner feature
- Straightforward operation
- Compatible with various tackle
- Transportable design
- Light and easy to carry
Disadvantages
- Challenges with larger hook sizes
Characteristics
- Material Composition: Composite plastic and metal
- Mass: 14 grams
- Size: 5.51 x 4.29 x 0.83 inches
- Category: Multipurpose tool
If you want more information on hooks, check out my article on barbless vs. barbed hooks, which explains the differences and why you should use one over the other.
TYEPRO Fishing Knot Tying Tool – My Best Pick For Eye Threading!
The TYEPRO Fishing Knot Tying Tool makes tying knots about as easy as it can be. We have all experienced, as we have gotten older, how much harder it has become to thread the line through the eye of a hook, especially with tiny hooks and super thin lines, but this tying tool solves that for you.
The Tyepro works by gripping the eye of your hook at one end, and then there is a hole you can run the line through while gripping it, guaranteeing that you thread the eye of the hook every time. This makes life so much easier and saves a lot of time on the water.
Once you have threaded the eye, you can use the tool to twist and manipulate the line to tie your intended knot or remove the hook and tie your knot from there. In addition to tying knots, it has a sharp stainless steel cutter to trim your tag ends.
The tool is made from a grippy plastic tube that doesn’t slip when you hold it, even when wet. It also comes with a lanyard, so you can wear it around your neck and access it easily while fishing.
The downside to the Typepro is that it is quite expensive for what it is, so it is not great value, and it doesn’t work that well for large hooks or swivels.
Advantages
- Ease of Use: This tool significantly simplifies threading line through hook eyes.
- Versatility: Efficient with many types of hooks, lures, and small swivels.
- Enhanced Knot Tying: Aid in crafting secure knots.
- Build Quality: Constructed from a non-slip, durable material.
- Additional Features: Equipped with a cutter for line management.
- Portability: Compact design and includes a convenient neck lanyard.
Disadvantages
- Hook Size Limitation: Not suited for larger hooks or swivels.
- Cost: Priced higher than some comparable other options.
Characteristics
- Composition: Sturdy, tactile plastic
- Mass: Lightweight at 14 grams
- Measurements: 6 x 1.2 x 0.65 inches
- Tool Type: Multi-functional tool
3M Scientific Anglers Tie-Fast Combo Tool – My Best Pick For Fly Fishing!
The 3M Scientific Anglers Tie-Fast Combo Tool is a great option if you are a fly fisherman or need to tie nail knots often. This does make this knot tying quite limited as it only really helps with nail knots and no others.
The Scientific Anglers tool is made from high-quality stainless steel and features nippers, an eye cleaner, a nail knot tool, and a D-ring for adding it to a retractor.
The nippers are super sharp and can be resharpened if they go blunt. They have a textured grip, making them easy to hold firm when snipping with wet hands. The eye needle is super useful to clear any goop in the eye, and you can even sharpen your hooks so ever miss a fish.
It might take some practice to learn how to use the nail knot tying tool, but it is much easier than trying to tie a nail knot without it. Something I love about this option is that it comes with a non-reflective finish so that if the sun catches it, it doesn’t reflect the light into the water and spook any fish.
Overall, this is an excellent fly fishing knot-tying tool if you tie nail knots often, as it is perfect for that. It’s an affordable option and durable, too. The only downside is that it only helps you tie nail knots, not a full range – so its use is limited.
Advantages
- Portability: I find this tool lightweight and very convenient to carry around.
- Specialty in Nail Knots: It excels at creating nail knots, a common requirement in fly fishing.
- Robust Construction: Its stainless steel material ensures a long-lasting and rust-resistant nature.
- Versatile Features: Equipped with a hook sharpener, nippers, and a hook eye cleaner.
- Usability: The grip is good, and it’s easy to use after some practice.
- Discreet Design: A matte finish prevents light reflection, reducing the risk of startling fish.
- Maintenance: The ability to resharpen the nippers is a practical feature.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Affordability without compromising quality is always a plus in my book.
Limitations
- Specific Use: Its use is confined to tying nail knots only, which might limit its versatility for some anglers like me.
Characteristics
- Material: Crafted from Stainless Steel
- Weight: 22 grams
- Size: Compact dimensions of 6.1 x 2.9 x 0.5 inches make it a non-bulky addition to my tackle box.
- Type: Primarily a nipper/nail knot tool suitable for specific knot-tying tasks in fly fishing.
SAMSFX Fishing Line and Hook Knot Tying Tool Kit – My Most Versatile Pick!
The SAMSFX 4PCS fly fishing tool combo includes everything you need for hook tying.
Nail knot tying tool: This 4” long brass tool is used for tying various nail knots to a fly line. And the tool has a hook eye cleaner attached.
Hook tier: A multi-tool made from brass with a built-in vice tool clamp. It’s easy to use for tying any size or type of fishing hook onto any fishing line. The clamp-style hook tyer is one of the most common forms of hook tyer as it can be used for even the smallest of hook sizes.
Loop tyer: This basic yellow plastic tool is quick for making loops for consistent hair rigs and hook lengths. At the opposite end of the loop tyer, there is an option to use it as a disgorger and for removing hooks.
The final part of the four piece kit is a retractable 24-inch carabiner-style zinger with a nylon tether and quick-release hook. The zinger retractor can clip on nippers, scissors, forceps, fly floatant, etc.
Advantages
- Compact and travel-friendly: Fits easily in a tackle box or pocket
- Multipurpose functionality: Ideal for various fishing tasks
- Built-in hook eye cleaner: A handy addition for clearing hook eyes
- User-friendly design: Straightforward operation for novices and pros
- Economical choice: Offers good value for money
- Accessorized with a zinger: Convenient for attaching additional gear
Limitations
- Limited use case for the nail knot tool: It does not cater to all fishing styles
Characteristics
Nail Knot Tool
- Composition: Durable metal
- Color: Matte black, with gold and silver
- Dimensions: Approximately 4 inches in length
Hook Tying Instrument
- Crafted from: Solid brass
- Measurements: 115mm x 30mm (4.5 inches x 1.3 inches)
- Weight: A lightweight 16 grams per unit
Loop Tying & Hook Ejection Instrument
- Fabrication: Robust plastic
- Scale: 140mm x 17mm (5.5 inches x 0.6 inches)
- Weight: Only 3.5 grams each
Retractable Gear Fastener
- Elasticity: 24-inch capable nylon tether
- Features: Quick-release mechanism with a sturdy stainless steel spring
- Strength: Capable of a 1.5-ounce retraction force
Leeda Matchman Hook Tyer – My Best Spade End Hooks Pick!
The Matchman hook tyer is among the oldest and most well-known fishing hook tyers. Almost every angler has owned one of these in some portion of their fishing life. They are great for any type and size of hook and fishing line. If you struggle to tie strong and consistent spade end-type hooks, this matchman tyer makes it easy!
The Matchman is still the most popular hook tyer model in the UK and is supplied on a paper card that includes full instructions on how to use it. There are also many instruction videos on how to use it. If you are looking for a great hook tyer without any other additional tools, then this is the best you can buy.
It’s really quick to tie knots, and this was the first hook tyer I owned, and I still use it today! You can also use this matchman hook tyer for tying treble hooks to any fishing line.
Advantages
- Simplicity of Use: Renowned for its ease, making hook tying a breeze for beginners and veterans alike.
- Reliability: A well-established tool with a strong track record for quality.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Provides good value for a solid tool without breaking the bank.
Drawbacks
- Lack of Extras: Comes as a standalone device with no supplementary tools or features.
Characteristics
- Composition: Crafted with a durable black plastic frame and a quality steel wire clip.
- Heft: A lightweight build at 250 grams, facilitating easy handling.
- Size: Measuring 14.2 x 21.5 x 6.5 cm, it is an awesome spade-end hook-tying tool.
- Category: An uniquely designed hook-tying instrument.
Tying Up
One of the key things to catch fish is to tie good knots that hold firm when you are fighting a fish. It is a common term in our industry that tackle failure is not an acceptable reason for losing a fish!
Remember the three key factors in choosing the right knot-tying tool for your fishing style, as each differs:
- Type of Fishing: Match the tool to whether you’re fly fishing, saltwater angling, or coarse fishing.
- Ease of Use: A beginner will benefit from a simpler, more intuitive tool.
- Durability: Look for tools that withstand various weather conditions.
Thanks very much for reading my article. Please share the article with your fishing friends, and why not check out my article on the top knots every angler should know to ensure a strong line to hook connection.
Steve holds a special place in his heart for the mighty Carp and the elusive Tench
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