How to Tie the Rapala Knot [Step-by-Step Picture and Video Tutorial]

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The Rapala Knot

The Rapala Knot is an incredibly strong loop knot for artificial lures and hooks. It is the strongest loop knot that we’ve ever tested and holds our number one ranking for loop knots to know how to tie.

This knot is also a bit more difficult to tie than other loop knots with similar strengths and leaves a tag end that sticks up — which can collect weeds and debris in the water.

Still, there is no denying its’ strength and this is a great knot to know how to tie — especially when going up against big fish.

In this article, I go over the step-by-step process on how to tie the Rapala Knot and show you how to tie it in real time in a video tutorial.

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The Rapala Knot Step-By-Step Instructions

Here are the instructions for each step to tie the Rapala Knot to your fishing hook.

Step 1: Make an Overhand Loop

Make an overhand loop about two to three inches above the tag end of your line.

Rapala knot step 1

Step 2: Thread the Tag End of Your Line Through the Hook Eye

Thread the tag end of your line through the eye of your hook or lure.

Step 2 of the Rapala Knot

step 2.1 of the rapala knot

Step 3: Pull the Tag End of Your Line Through the Overhand Loop From Step 1

Pull the tag end of your fishing line through the downward-facing side of the overhand loop you made in Step 1. Pinch the tag end and mainline between your fingers and pull them both so that the overhand loop slides down to the hook eye. Pinch the loop with your fingers.

Step 3 of the Rapala Knot

step 3.1 of the rapala knot

step 3.2 of the rapala knot

step 3.4 of the Rapala Knot

Step 4: Make 3-5 Wraps with Your Tag End Around the Mainline

Take your tag end of your line and make three to five wraps up and around the mainline.

step 4 of the Rapala Knot

Step 5: Put the Tag End of Your Line Up Through The Bottom-Facing Side of the Overhand Loop

Put the tag end of your line up through the bottom-facing side of the overhand loop you made in Step 1. By doing this, you should create a new loop above the original overhand loop.

step 5 of the rapala knot

step 5.1 of tying the rapala knot

Step 6: Put the Tag End Through the New Loop You Made in Step 5

Take the tag end of your line and put it through the new loop, above the overhand loop, that you made in Step 5.

Step 6 of the Rapala Knot

step 6.1 of the Rapala Knot

Step 7: Pull the Knot Tight and Cut the Tag End

Pull the tag end and mainline tight in one direction while simultaneously pulling the hook in the other direction. Let go of the tag end and wet the knot before pulling the mainline and hook in opposite directions to make the knot as tight as possible. Cut the tag end of your line. Your Rapala Knot is complete.

Step 7 of the Rapala Knot

Step 7.1 of the Rapala Knot

The Rapala Knot

The Rapala Knot Video Tutorial 

This video shows you exactly how to tie the Rapala Knot to your fishing hook.

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Conclusion

While the Rapala Knot is a bit more complex than other loop knots, it’s unchallenged in its strength and remains the strongest loop knot we’ve ever tested and used.

It’s definitely worth learning and can give you an extra knot boost when you are targeting big fish that like to break fishing lines.

If you want to learn more about the best fishing knots, check out our guide to the strongest fishing knots of all time.

If you have any questions or comments about the Rapala knot, let us know in the comments section below.

Tight Lines!

Go To Our Knot Testing Homepage [Full Knot Rankings]

Related Posts:

1. How to Tie the Blood Knot [Video & Picture Tutorials]

2. How to Tie the Non-Slip Loop Knot [Video & Picture Tutorials]

3. How to Tie the Albright Special Knot [Step-by-Step & Video Tutorial]

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William Marsh
4 months ago

It took me a few tries to get this knot. I was pulling way to hard on my leader line and when I relaxed a bit it fell into place. What a great video! What a great community!!I get to fish in Florida hopefully once a year and I get pretty much skunked every time. This year I feel empowered ! I cant wait to get on the water!

William Marsh
4 months ago
Reply to  William Marsh

OOOps , this was supposed to be on the FG Knot!

roberta preston
1 year ago

I’ve lost at least 8 lures in the past 3 days. The first one was a tree that ate my lure and that knot was so strong it snapped the line off. Then, it was getting dark and my eyes are not good. I tied another lure and cast. That puppy sailed! It was my longest cast since I got this rod. I smiled with delight and started to snug the line. The line never snugged…… the lure flew off the line. The others were similar. The knot doesn’t hold under test, or it was never tied correctly to start. What a frustration indeed. Loved this video. Love all the videos so far! Thank You.

Steve Laxton
1 year ago

It seems to me that you are tying the Rapala Knot differently than presented in Rapala’s procedure. What I am about to say may seem insignificant, but my experience shows that small procedural changes can greatly influence a knot’s performance.

In step 3 of your procedure, you state, “Pull the tag end of your fishing line through the downward-facing side of the overhand loop you made in Step 1.” If I’m understanding correctly, the tag end is entering the overhand loop the same way it previously exited, but in the opposite direction. If this is the case, then this is different from what is shown in the Rapala website procedure. See the Rapala website procedure here: https://www.rapala.com/content/rapala-product-info/sufix-knots.html.

Per step 2 of the Rapala website procedure, the tag end should enter the overhand loop on the side opposite from which it previously exited. Using your terminology, the Rapala website procedure has the tag end entering the upward-facing side of the overhand loop.

Another difference occurs in step 5 of your procedure. You state, “Put the tag end of your line up through the bottom-facing side of the overhand loop you made in Step 1.” Per step 4 of the Rapala website procedure, the tag end should enter the upward-facing side of the overhand loop.

I don’t know whether the differences between your procedure and the Rapala website procedure will affect knot strength. I would be very interested in knowing if there is a difference. If there is a noticeable difference in strength, it would be worthwhile informing your readers how a small change in how a knot is tied can influence its strength.

lucas
1 year ago
Reply to  Steve Laxton

I also would like to know if these differences during the procedure will affect the knot strenght

John
4 months ago
Reply to  Steve Laxton

Agree with Steve. Rapala ties this in step 3 through the upward facing side of loop. Would be great to see this tested, if it makes any difference.

Rod Burke
1 year ago

How does the strength of the Rapala knot compare with the uni loop knot as used by Roland Martin?

Frank Frok
3 years ago

Looks great with the tag laying back and easy to tie.

Anonymous
6 years ago

Hi guys, when speaking of “ the downward or upward facing side” of the overhand knot when tying the Rapala Knot I dont really see what you mean. It looks like one “hole” to me. I know the main line goes up through the overhand knot after putting it thru hook or lure, and then down thru the hole after the 3 or 4 twists but that’s all I can see. I can’t determine upward or downward when watching your videos. And I’ve watched them over and over. I do manage to get the knot tied most times but still want to know the difference. Maybe a video with bigger line or colored rope would help. ??? Thx. Still learning Sue Mc.

Ron
5 years ago
Reply to  Luke Simonds

I have tried many loop knots on Rapalas and the issue always ends up that they break where the loop wears against the lure eye, the loop gets pulled straight trolling and the eye of the lure wears the line gradually and when a fish breaks off its always at that point. I switched to duolock snaps a long time ago for lures they are super light so they dont affect the action of the lure and great for the ability to switch lures. My two cents.

Steve Laxton
1 year ago
Reply to  Anonymous

I’ve found that small nylon cord is a great material for demonstrating knot tying techniques. It comes in assorted colors, making it easy to see. And it cinches down well, much like fishing line. Using different colors when tying line to line knots is very helpful. Here is a link to what I use: https://www.hobbylobby.com/Beads-Jewelry/Bead-Stringing-Chains/Bead-Cord/Assorted-Nylon-Cord/p/80888784.

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