Uni Knot: The One Knot That Does Almost Everything
The uni knot ties line to a hook, makes a loop, joins two lines and attaches line to a reel. Learn it once, use it everywhere.
The uni knot (also called the Duncan loop or grinner knot) is the most versatile fishing knot. The same wraps tie line to a hook, make an adjustable loop, attach line to a reel spool, and — tied twice — join two lines as the double uni knot. It works on monofilament, fluorocarbon and braid.
What the uni knot is for
Hooks, swivels and lures on mono, fluoro or braid.
Line to reel spool when you spool up a new reel.
A loop knot for lures: stop before the knot is fully seated and it leaves a loop.
Joining two lines as a double uni.
How to tie a uni knot
Thread the eye. Pass 15–20 cm (6–8 in) of line through the eye and lay the tag end back alongside the standing line.
Make a loop. Bring the tag end back toward the eye to form a loop lying over the two parallel lines.
Wrap inside the loop. Pass the tag end through the loop and around both lines 5–6 times (8 turns on braid).
Snug the wraps. Wet the knot and pull the tag end to tighten the coils into a neat barrel.
Slide and seat. Pull the standing line so the knot slides down to the eye. Trim the tag.
To leave a loop: stop at step 4, slide the knot to where you want it, and do not pull it down onto the eye. The loop closes under a big fish, then can be reopened.
Tips
On braid, use 7–8 turns — fewer turns can slip.
On heavy line (over 30 lb), 4 turns are enough.
Keep the wraps neat; crossed wraps weaken any knot.
Uni knot vs Palomar
The Palomar is a little stronger for hooks and lures. The uni knot is easier with big lures and does far more jobs, so it is the knot to learn when you only want to learn one.
More guides on the fishing knots page.
