The jtexas knot: I developed this knot for rope a couple years ago, then last year tried it with mono and powerpro braid.

It slips out of the braid, but it's all I use anymore to tie mono. Goes fast even with cold fingers & low light conditions - and much easier than a clinch knot if you're using a swivel.

I tested 6, 8, 12, 14, 17 and 20 lb mono in two ways:
1. Testing against other knots - used my knot to attach one end of the line to one side of a barrel swivel, and a different knot to attach the other end, then pulled 'em apart.

In all cases improved clinch knot and palomar knot broke before my knot did.

2. Breaking strength vs. the line itself - used my knot to attach both ends of the line to a barrel swivel.

With less than 17 lb test, the line consistently broke at some point other than at the knot. With 17 & 20, the line sometimes broke at the knot.

Testing the improved clinch knot vs. itself, broke at the knot every time.

I don't really have the tools to create a good illustration - but here's my best shot at it with gimp2.0 - I used colored segments to represent the line - thought it would show better what goes where.


blue end leads to rod tip


here's the step by step -
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After passing the tag end through the lure eye, bring it back and wedge it in between your thumb & finger in front of the loop. Then pass it around behind the loop and wedge it between your thumb & finger again.
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Pull tight & snug it up.

With most kinds of rope, if you don't snug it, it'll hold the loop without slipping. Used it recently when I needed a boat to pull my boat off the beach - how it got there is a nother story.

Holds tight - absolutely will not slip - but unties easily. Or you can double the tag end back on itself & push a loop through in step 5 - it'll hold tight then release quickly with a tug on the end.

I'm gonna try this knot, and test it myself, but just playing with it with rope, if you double wrap the eylet of the lure or whatever, then it holds a loop better. I can see that it should not break on mono since there is no pinch point between the line and the lure. Cool Knot.

If I can say this right:

After you pass the loop and back again (step 3), you then go through the loop you created at the eye of your lure as well as the original loop you created?

Also,
Once you�re ready to snug it up, do you pull from the line going to your rod or do you pull your lure out?

Isn't that basically a bowline knot?

Phish-TX

Give the man his day!

chad, it goes around, not through, the loop holding the lure (to "choke it off" so to speak) - then pull the line and push the knot down to the lure. thanks - I get some time I'll modify my illustrations.

[edit] - it also works if you just pull the lure to snug it up.

Wonder if that double-wrap around the lure eye would hold braid? hm...

Starts out like a bowline, phish - but I think it's more than just a variant. I'm not real knowledgeable about knots - but I searched a bit to see if I had duplicated one - didn't find one - wouldn't surprise me though.

Sorry for the hijack, but Jtex, I gotta tell you, I was on Smith lake today, and as soon as I came across a hump on my fishfinder, your signature line popped into my head....EVERY TIME!!

It is NOT a bowline. Starts out like one, but it is different.

look too complicated to try. Saving whatever left of the brain cell for fishing this weekend.

Worth a try............

looks impressive i will put it to the test!
But that finger sure is scary looking!

I'm going to try this to tie on some jigs on 4lb line, I'll let you know how I like it...

OK, my independant research is in, and this knot has out-done the two knots I normally use, the polymar knot and the double overhand loop. Now I will have to practice this knot to get fast at it, and show it to all my serious fishing buddies. I love this forum!!!!

Will it make your thumb look like this?



If so.. I dont want any part of it

super easy knot to tie. wished it worked on braid. just tried the double and triple wrap around the lure eye. braid slipped on both. what a shame too. looks like a really good knot. gotta find a mono rig around here somewhere to try it on.