The Best Loop Knot For Fluorocarbon Leader To Lure or Hook [Knot Contest]
By: Luke Simonds on October 3, 2017
Found In:
Fishing Knots • Fishing Tips • Knot Contest • Terminal Knot (Loop)
It’s Loop Knot Time!
Loop knots are extremely important to anglers who use artificial lures because they allow the baits to have the most action possible.
Since loop knots are an essential part of inshore fishing, we decided to host a “fishing knot contest” that put the top 4 most popular loop knots in a head-to-head battle so we could determine the best loop knot for fluorocarbon leader line.
Given that it can’t benefit from the 360-degree friction against the hook, the breaking strength of loop knots will be lower than most of the snug knot options. However, the added action that it provides to your lure makes it worthwhile… I highly recommend using this style whenever using artificial lures.
However, the added action that it provides to your lure makes it worthwhile… I highly recommend using this style whenever using artificial lures.
Here are the top snug knots that we tested in this fishing knot analysis:
- Kreh Loop Knot (aka: Non-Slip Loop Knot)
- Perfection Loop Knot
- Rapala Loop Knot
- Canoe Man Loop
Kreh Loop Knot (Non-Slip Loop Knot)
The ‘Kreh loop knot’ has been my knot of choice for the past 5 years once I found out about it. It’s easy to tie, has good strength, and its tag end points down towards the lure allowing for it to be as weedless as possible.
See below for a video on how to tie it.
Note: Another name for this knot is the “Non-Slip Loop Knot”. Strength test results are shown below.
Perfection Loop Knot
I learned the ‘perfection loop knot’ years ago from a great flyfisherman (shout out to Dennis Aust) who is good friends with our family. It’s often used by fly fishermen for loop to loop connections, but it’s also very popular for tying on hooks and small lures to leader via a loop connection given its strength and ease of tying.
See video for details on how to tie the Perfection Loop Knot.
Note: Strength test results are shown below.
Rapala Loop Knot
The ‘Rapala loop knot’ is very similar to the Kreh loop knot, except that it has one added twist. The pro of this extra step is that it adds some strength to the knot. However, the downfall is that it leaves a weed-catching tag end that sticks straight up and is slightly more difficult to tie. Here’s a video that shows how to tie it:
However, the downfall is that it leaves a weed-catching tag end that sticks straight up and is slightly more difficult to tie.
Here’s a video that shows how to tie it:
Note: Strength test results are shown below.
Canoe Man Loop
The ‘Canoe Man Loop’ knot really impressed me when I first came across it… very easy to tie, strong, and the tag end points down.
However, its strength when doing my initial tests with standard mono line did not translate over the fluorocarbon leader. Not sure why, but it scored lowest of the 4 consistently with fluoro while being one of the best with standard mono.
Here’s how to tie it in case you’re curious though:
Note: Strength test results are shown below.
CONCLUSION
Leader to Lure Loop Knot Winner
Although not quite the strongest in the category, my preference is staying with the Kreh Loop knot (aka. Non-Slip Loop knot) given that it’s easier to tie than the Rapala and that it’s tag end points directly down making it tough for those pesky weeds to ruin a presentation in front of a hungry fish.
For these line types, it’s breaking range matches exactly to the winner of the best braided line to fluorocarbon leader connection that we found in our line-to-line knot contest, so using the Kreh knot won’t cause any harm to the strength of the overall system.
This diagram shows the head to head matches that took place as part of this analysis. The test consisted of 3 rounds where the 3rd round was the winning knot tied against itself to test its strength. The red values below the names of the knots represent the amount of pull strength that the knots were able to withstand in each round.
Note: Lines used were 10 lb PowerPro braid and 30 lb Ande Fluorocarbon.
This knot testing is continuous… we’re always seeking out better styles/methods, and we will, of course, update this page as new/better knots come to light.
If you have a great leader to hook/lure knot that is not included here, please leave a comment below or send us an email – fish@saltstrong.com
We’ll include it in our next knot testing and let you know how it compares to the others.
Go To Our Knot Testing Homepage [Full Knot Rankings]
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FYI, that loop shouldn’t be called the “Kreh knot.” It was not Lefty Kreh’s. He said he liked it and used it, but didn’t invent it. Not sure he knew who did.
sorry… should mention it was 80lb black magic supple to 50lb braid in all circumstances. the biggest barra was 1 metre plus
Just know that loop knots are typically the weakest knots… their benefit is to help get more strikes by enabling better action in the water. And a secondary benefit is to at least get your leader back when there is a breakoff.
When I use 10 lb braid for the mainline and connect a 20 lb leader with the FG knot and then use a loop knot on the other end to the lure, the loop knot is the weakest link and I’m ok with that because I’ll have my drag set so that it won’t break the loop knot. But if I get hung up on some underwater structure, I’ll at least get my leader back and can be back to fishing quicker.
i lost 6 big barra last summer. twice the rapalla knot broke at the loop. three times at the knot and once at the fg knot to the braid(probably my fault for not snubbing up the knot)… had major concerns about the rapalla knot,
Great tips the Kreh loop knot has been my favorite for40 years! Never had one fail. I use it for all live bait and lures! Thanks Luke!
Question: have you tried starting the knot with the overhand loop (slip part), then, with the line back through the loop, tied a uni-knot? The overhand loop should keep the uni-knot from slipping down, and it is the strongest knot…just wondering.
This would work, but the overhand loop will be the weakest link so there may not be much added strength gained from using the Uni finish instead of the Clinch finish.
I’m a bit confused on the Kreh Loop Knot (Non Slip Loop Knot).
1. Several older references show the tag end going in on the opposite side of the initial overhand loop. Does it really matter?
2. Also, the last entry of the tag end is shown by some to go through the center or off to one side. Does this matter? Looks like in your video you go right through the center.
Thanks!
Hey Austin, those variations are so slight that they will not make a significant difference in strength. My recommendation is always to test out your knot system prior to getting on the water so that you know where the weak link is to know where to focus on… for most saltwater anglers who use light main line for maximized casting distance with a stronger leader to withstand sharp/rough mouths, the weak link is most often at the line to line connection.
On the FG knot, I use PowerPro, my hitched at. The end slip, or back out??
Rapala up or down I have found several versions of the Rapala knot
some come up through the overhand knot so that the tag lies parallel to the main line
others go down through the overhand knot so that the tag end is not parallel
with the parallel version the tag end goes around the main line several times and back through the overhand loop either going up or down
same with the crossed version the tag end returns either from the side with the main line or from the side with the tag end.
Rapala show the tag end crossing on their web site but on their video they do not pass the tag end through the overhand knot at all
https://www.rapala.com/content/videos-how-to-tie-fishing-knots/knot-tying-videos.html
Does it matter? you guys are the ones to do the testing – right?
Have you used, or tested the King sling loop knot? It’s quite a bit more simple than any knots listed, just curious how well it holds up.
Very nice! I liked the Perfection as it was a great simple terminal loop but it is not simple when needing to go through something like hook eye etc. The Kreh Loop is definitely better for that. Also, I had made a few leaders with the surfalon coated wire and if you swap out the five twists with a simple tight overhand knot in the end of the tag, the surfalon and Kreh are very similar movements. The Kreh seems like good replacement for Palomar when the additional freedom of movement of a loop is needed instead.
Thanks for the tip Bill. Yes, the loop knot is a great replacement for the Palomar when maximum action is needed. Fish On!
What about the Homer Rhodes loop knot
Hey Tim, I have not yet tried the Homer Rhodes loop knot (this is actually the first I’ve heard of it). After a quick search, I see that it is tied very similar to the Kreh loop knot except that the twists around the line are in the opposite direction (towards the overhand knot vs. away from it).
I’ll add it to my list of knots to test out. Fish On!
why use 10 lb. braid and 30 lb. leader ? I have 40~ 50 braid on my reels and match my leader… 10.. 20..30lb.. to my target fish. I use really long leaders as I retie my hooks after EVERY fish bite…. no nick line for me! Am I ass backwards
I use lighter main line to get better casting distance without losing much (if any) over line strength… because braid typically has a higher breaking strength relative to its listed amount compared to mono, so my loop knot tied on the end of my 30 lb leader typically breaks before my 10 lb braid to leader knot (FG knot).
So even if I did go up to 40 or 50 lb braid, my overall line strength would still be limited to the knot on the end of the leader.
Note: And 10 lb braid is plenty for inshore fishing… even caught this tarpon on it: https://youtu.be/K9cJeyjxeFk
I grew up calling them Ra-Pal-A as you do. But there commercials now pronounce it s Rap-A-La. I will have to try this knot.
Yes, I believe that the middle A is the one that should get the most emphasis… I grew up calling it the wrong name too and I can’t seem to get that version out of my head. Either way, it is a good loop knot.
According to the company, it is pronounced RAPala. But they say they don’t care as long as people keep buying their lures.
Have you tried the Homer Rhode not? Been using this style for a while very easy
Could Salt Strong post printable illustrations of the most popular knots or point me in the right direction to find them. The vidoes are great, but I’d like to print instructions to practice tying, and the videos don’t serve that purpose as would illustrations. Thanks
Hey Karl, I love the feedback.
We are working on a new knot post for this Thursday and we will make a point to do this. Looking forward to hearing how you like it. (check our blog Thursday around 9pm for the latest knot update)
I’m going for the winner,,,Rapala,,I got it down,,,similar to the Kreh knot just an extra loop hole to insert,,how hard is that,,LOL,,,Thanks, GREAT VIDEO.
Hey Bruce, good choice on the Rapala loop knot! It’s certainly a great option. My preference towards the Kreh Loop knot is more for the fact that it’s a bit quicker to tie and that it’s weedless (tag end points down) compared to the Rapala.
And although the Rapala is a bit stronger, my leaders are always 2x the listed strength of my main line, so the weakest point in the overall system will be the knot that connects the main line to the leader… making the breaking strength of the loop knot a non-factor in the overall system.
Thanks for enjoying the video… Fish On!
I wonder what a uni knot tied as a loop would stand up to? It’s shock test strength is one of the best
Yes, the Uni knot tied as a loop would definitely have the higher breaking strength compared to these pure loop knots. The drawbacks of the Uni loop is that it’ll slide down when under pressure so you’d have to pull it back up after every catch, it takes a bit longer to tie compared to the Kreh Loop, and it leaves a tag end that can snag onto weeds.
And the reason why I personally don’t place as much importance on pure strength for this connection is because I use a leader that is often 2 times the rated strength of my leader… so even a 60% knot tied to the leader is still stronger than a 100% line to line connection.
So if you’re finding that the weak point in your system is at the hook/lure end of your leader, then the Uni loop is well worth the small amount of added time it takes to tie… otherwise, the quicker loop knots will help you spend a bit less time rigging leaders without causing any decrease in the overall strength of your line system.
Thanks so much for leaving the helpful comment… Fish On!
GOOD ideal Jim … been tying uni knot for 30+ yrs… can tie it with my eyes closed.. Will try it next time out. HEY Luke ~ Joe how about another battle? Rapala vs uni. The slippage of the knot is no for me ,,, as I retie after every fish anyhow. Love the website…. keep up the good work.
The Uni Knot is definitely stronger than the Rapala knot. It is possible to tie a uni loop, but it’ll slip down when under pressure so it would have to be pulled back up the line on occasion to maintain the loop.
When you tie the uni loop place the hook in/around something solid, grab the tag end with your pliers and the standing end in your other hand. Tighten down by pulling on the tag as hard as you can while keeping the loop from closing with pressure on the standing line. Tighten enough to break the tag are close to it…the loop will not close down after that.
Great knot, I have been looking for a new way to tie on a shad rap without using a ring too. I appreciate you posting this and I will certainly try the it out. I am sure it is just be me, but the upward and downward facing comments are kind of confusing. the demo was good though and I am sure I can get right from that. Thanks again.
Hey Mike, thanks for leaving the nice comment. My apologies for confusing you with the upward/downward part… I was referring to the fact that the simple overhead knot requires one face of it to be open towards the main line (up), and the other open towards the tag end (down). I just made a graphic that highlights the difference a bit better… click here to see it.
You dont tie the knot right. Look up on the internet and youll see the difference…maybe thhis is a new knot, variation of Kreh. ¿??If you test it and it holds is ok.
There are unfortunately many different forms of the Kreh loop knot on the internet. This is the version that has outperformed the others that I’ve tried. Could you please let me know what differences you saw in this video compared to the one you like best? That way, I’ll be happy to run some experiments to see if any adjustments can improve this great loop knot.
I love this Kreh loop knot for any and every artificial bait, too. It creates so much more action. Great videos and conclusive results.
Thanks for the nice comment, Nic! We’re very pleased to see that you are a fan of the Kreh loop knot as well.