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Line

There are many choices and strengths of fishing line available from tackle shops. Mono-filament fishing line is the most popular and commonly used line available to the angler. A good all-round line to start off with would be 100m of mono-filament line between 3-4lbs (1.4-1.8kg) in strength.

If you are targeting larger species of fish such as Barbel or Carp then a stronger line would be required of between 6-8lbs (2.7-3.6kg).

Care of your fishing line is very important if you are not to loose any fish. Below is a list of the key points:

Always store your line out of sunlight. Filled reels should be kept in cases and spare spools of line should be kept in bags.

Make sure you fill the reel spool with line just below the rim; this makes for better casting.

Regularly check your line for abrasion damage and cut and remove any damaged section.

Hook Lengths

Always use a lower breaking strain line for your hook lengths than your main line; if you become snagged or a fish breaks you off, it will break at the weaker line. An added bonus is that the diameter of the hook length is lower so the fish are going to find it more difficult to see and feel it on their mouths.

Knots
A well tied knot is vital if you are to be a successful angler. Below are some key points to remember when tying any knots.

• Choose the right knot for the purpose.
• All knots should be wetted before being drawn tight.
• Draw the knots tight, slowly and firmly.
• A knot should look right, if not cut off and start again.
• When trimming a knot, allow enough line to cover any slippage of the knot.
• Practice makes perfect, practice knots at home.

Half Blood Knot

1. Thread a line through a swivel or hook, leaving at least 10cm (4 inches) of spare line.
2. Make four to six turns around the main line.
3. Insert the loose end through the loop, in front of the hook or swivel.
4. Bring the loose end back up, and pass it through the new loop created in step 3.
5. Moisten the knot and slowly pull the knot tight up to the eye. Cut off the spare end.

Palomar Knot

1. Create loop of line and pass it through the eye of a hook or swivel.
2. Create a overhand knot.
3. Pass the hook or swivel through the loop. Moisten the knot and tighten with care.

Loop Knot

1. Create a loop of line.
2. Twist the line to create a loop.
3. Tuck the end of the line through the loop. (Single knot).
4. Tuck the end of the line through the loop again. (Double knot).
5. Moisten and gently pull the knot tight. Cut off any spare line.

Loop to Loop Knot

1. Pass the main line (blue) through the hook length (orange).
2. Pass the hook length (orange) through the main line (blue).
3. Moisten the knot and gently pull together.