What makes ice fishing knots different
Ice fishing uses light line (see ice fishing line types), tiny jigs and small hooks, often in freezing air with cold, wet fingers. Knots need to be compact, easy to tie with limited dexterity and strong enough that a small fish does not part the line at the knot. As general fishing knot guidance suggests, the aim is compactness and reliability rather than being able to untie them later. Wet the knot with water before cinching so friction does not heat or damage the line, and trim tag ends close.
Quick picks
| Job | Knot |
|---|---|
| Hook, jig or swivel | Improved clinch, Palomar or uni |
| Jig that should swing freely | Non-slip loop knot |
| Mono to mono | Double uni or surgeon’s |
| Braid or mono to fluorocarbon leader | Double uni, FG or PR |
| Heavy line to swivel | Palomar |
Improved clinch and uni to a jig
The improved clinch is a long-time standard for small hooks and jigs. Pass the line through the eye, wrap it around the standing line several times (fewer for heavier line), pass the tag through the small loop at the eye, then back through the big loop. Moisten and tighten slowly. The uni knot is a close alternative and is easy to tie with thin line. Use fewer wraps with thicker line and more with very fine line, so the knot seats without crowding.
Palomar knot (including to a swivel)
The Palomar is simple and holds well with braid and mono. Double about 6 inches of line and pass the loop through the eye of the hook or swivel. Tie a loose overhand knot with the doubled line, then pass the loop over the hook or swivel, moisten and pull both tag and standing line to tighten. The loop must be large enough to pass over the jig or swivel, which can be tricky with a big lure. Trim the tag. For a swivel, the steps are the same as for a hook, since the swivel passes through the loop just as a hook does.
Loop knots
Open loops let a small jig swing and move more naturally than a tight knot, which helps with the presentations in ice fishing jigging techniques. A non-slip loop knot (Kreh loop) is a common choice. Tie an overhand knot in the line, pass the tag through the eye, loop back through the overhand, wrap around the standing line and pass back through. Keep the loop small for tiny jigs.
Joining line to leader: double uni, FG, PR
Many ice anglers use a fluorocarbon leader on a mono or braid mainline. For more on the reasons, see our fluorocarbon vs mono guide. A double uni is the easiest, a surgeon’s is quick, and the FG or PR are slimmer options for braid. Our guide on making saltwater leaders walks through connection steps that apply here too.
PR knot vs FG knot
Both join braid to a leader and are low-profile. The FG is tied with the leader wrapped by hand around the braid under tension and can be tied without special tools. The PR uses a knot bobbin and is often described as consistent once learned, but the extra tool makes it less handy on the ice. The right one is the one you can tie reliably and test, so practice at home first. If you are tying a heavier connection to cast on, see what a shock leader is.
Tying with cold hands
- Pre-tie leaders and jig rigs at home or in a heated shelter.
- Keep line wet only when cinching, then dry hands.
- Use fingerless gloves or warm up often.
- Carry nail clippers or small snips for tag ends.
- Re-tie any knot that frays or curls.
Mistakes to avoid
- Cinching dry, which weakens line.
- Leaving long tags that catch the jig.
- Using too many wraps on thicker line.
- Skipping a tug test.
- Fishing the same knot all day without checking it.
Bottom line
Learn the improved clinch or Palomar for hooks and jigs, a loop knot for free movement and a double uni for joining lines. Practice before the trip, moisten every knot and check it often.