3 Most Common Non-Slip Loop Knot Mistakes

Loop knots are great for when you're using artificial lures and need to maximize the action you put on them.
And since the knot is one of the only things you can control when it comes to catching fish, I've spent a lot of time testing which knots are the best.
As far as loop knots go, the non-slip loop knot is the outperforms all the others.
It's strong, relatively weedless, and is easy to tie.
However, even though it's easy to tie, I've found that people typically make three mistakes when tying the non-slip loop knot.
When they make these mistakes, they make the knot weaker, more prone to snagging grass, and more prone to getting tangled around the hook or lure they're using.
So in this video, you'll learn what those mistakes are, and how to avoid them.
Enjoy!
Have any questions about these mistakes?
Let me know in the comments below.
You can see all of our knot tests here: bit.ly/2D5qxZO
And if you want to get our best fishing spots and tips, plus discounts to our online tackle store, click here to join us in the Insider Club: bit.ly/3jt4LjH

[@Saltstrong]

Want to get our best fishing spots and tips, plus discounts to our online tackle store? Click here to join us in the Insider Club: bit.ly/3jt4LjH

[@jonathancarralero6175]

You guys are awesome. Seriously, you talk about things that I would never really think of. This helps A LOT! Thanks

[@dixondjallen6620]

And if you want the best spots around the Merritt Island, FL area, holler at me...

[@kokleongchoo3682]

@@jonathancarralero6175 0p09

[@keithbegley244]

I've really enjoyed watching your coaching and product review videos. I've recently retired and they have helped me tremendously getting back to fishing. I feel more educated and confident to start fishing again. Well Done!

[@uwe_fischer]

Perfect Video, helps me a lot. Thanks

[@Saltstrong]

Glad we could help!

[@johndonovan7334]

I have been tying it all wrong but now I know the correct way. Thanks for the video.

[@FYRSTWAFFEN]

THANKS FOR SHARING THIS VERY DESCRIPTIVE VIDEO, YOU GUYS ARE "TOP NOTCH"...TIGHT LINES, MY FRIENDS!

[@Saltstrong]

So glad we could help out!

[@brookmiller1986]

Excellent visuals, straight to point no bs. thanks!

[@cincinnatiking8008]

This is the most helpful video I have found on the loop knot

[@stevewelches1955]

THANK YOU! I never used a loop knot because the ones I knew were a pain to tie but now I have one I will use.

[@carnufiasfishing8444]

Wow, i learned something new. Thanks for sharing.

[@chrissewell1608]

Great video. I have always had trouble tying the non slip loop knot, but seeing the problems too, really helps me out!

[@scottmichael3745]

SUPER helpful! Thanks man.

[@RichM0410]

Excellent instructions! Thank you

[@tphvictims5101]

Excellent. I was wondering what I was doing wrong. Very clear video and instructions. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🎣

[@sportdiver0077]

This is a great breakdown. Thanks!

[@josezendejas136]

Thank You So Much for the Tips! Tight Lines!

[@a-saltweapon]

Nice Video Luke....I learned all this the hard way, but once I figured out what you just showed it has been a game changer for me. world of difference in action on artificials.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks! Glad to see that you're enjoying the non-slip loop knot.

[@jackiebeats35]

Thanks for the tips!!!

[@TheJohnnyjackflash]

Thank you for proper distance and showing a knot. To many times people get too close or too far away, and the background blends in with the foreground. Excellent videotography

[@Saltstrong]

You're welcome! Hope it was helpful!

[@atrkyhntr]

Best explanation by far! BUT as far as knot strength doesn't matter BUT who wants debris on their knot!!??

[@1226tradaddy]

Strong Nation I've been doing this not since 96 never knew about the tag in thanks for the video now I'm going to correct it

[@raidazz1]

Thank you for the great and informative video

[@ps4ps383]

Thanks man love your videos

[@matthewmartin9215]

Kept tying this knot wrong until I saw this. Best tip for me was when you said to follow the line back. Made it super simple. Thanks. The uni knot braid to leader video was super helpful as well.

[@sindiarivera2550]

Amazingly easy! Thanks again!

[@Saltstrong]

You're so welcome!

[@robstreicher5561]

Excellent video! Great explanations…..thank you!

[@Saltstrong]

You are welcome!

[@livenhfree]

Thanks for the vid, and the info on when to use it. As for a snug knot, what is your go-to for most applications? Thanks in advance!

[@Dr.Ratio69]

Never used that knot, but watched anyway. Thank...

[@WillHdzPro]

Guilty of one mistake. My tag end sticks out. Thanks for the explanation

[@chrisduffy2737]

Thank you.

[@refaiabdeen5943]

Cheers Mate!

[@richmartinez96]

Appreciate the info

[@LucasBatman]

That was very helpful

[@Saltstrong]

Great!

[@x-anfishing2196]

Thank u 👍👍🙏

[@saml9772]

Back in the day when there was no Internet I learned from trial and error or if I was lucky somebody showing me . thank you for the video.

[@pauls2731]

Good video, thanks

[@Saltstrong]

Glad you liked it!

[@omarliramos1791]

Sr your the best

[@franktran3967]

Thanks

[@gurangnavlogger262]

Very good Idea guy I connect your channel.

[@mitchgarcia4591]

Hey Luke, great video. Can you attach a link where I can get some scissors with split ring tip like the ones in this video? Thanks

[@goldengulfcoast-ms9064]

Hey Luke, is a loop knot a good strong knot to tie directly to a circle hook using the dropper rig?

[@BassLife437]

Very nice video. I fish flesh water mostly Bass, Pike and Sunfish. I am an a BFS fan and this year I started using small jigs which changed my game. I am loving it. Now the question: I use 8bl braid and 8/10 lb leader on my BFS setups. I believe with such small line there would be no improvement in my case moving from Trilene knot to non-slip loop knot. Can you comment ok this please? 🙏

[@b-train3027]

I will say the loop knot is very strong especially for inshore fishing. I use 40lb leader and 30lb braid for my heavy rod and the times I catch a rock or tree it has never broke. Also I have noticed before you close the knot all the way down if you have to big of a loop you can pull the tag end to close it a little bit then cinch it down tight.

[@puterrivera9967]

Now i know, that was useful tip...🐳🐳🐳

[@Saltstrong]

So glad to see that you liked this non-slip loop knot mistakes video.

[@dixsonhuie9031]

Would you use a loop knot for heavier lures? I don't think it has advantage in heavier lures. I would like to hear your opinion.

[@thor_6886]

Another option with that last lure is to add a good quality ball bearing swivel to the split ring and snug knot to that. That has two benefits - reduces line twist and reduces any risk of the split ring malfunctioning under pressure if the leader is snug knotted to it. Most top water specialists for big fish such as GT use that system.

[@ColdieHU]

Not just that, you can also switch lures on the fly super quick and easy.

[@jimbo4612]

The simplest and most secure way to attach your line to your lure is with a product called a tactical angler power clip. Also If your line is twisting up with plugs the issue is often the lure itself which needs to be tuned up or replaced to run straight.

[@livenhfree]

@@ColdieHU I think you're referring to a snap-swivel. Not a barrel swivel.

[@TheSpadre]

Nice. I've made the first mistake, but never knew why sometimes my tag was facing the wrong way. Another application that I always use this knot is for Live Shrimp. Small circle hook with a loop knot increases ability of the shrimp to look unhindered to the fish.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for making time to leave the helpful comment Keith!

[@slimpickins9124]

Dang! this is the only thing in life that I've been doing wrong.

[@huskergator9479]

You and me both, Slim. Remember that old Mac Davis song about how it’s hard to be humble?? That’s us, buddy. :). Just do not speak to our wives.

[@ekmekciailesi9643]

Would attaching the lure to drop knot serve the same purpose as loop knot?

[@sizzyp3324]

I use a loop knot for live bait and I’ve caught more fish than I did when I was just using a standard snug knot or whatever it’s called . I live by that knot when I’m rigging live bait honestly .

[@ChefRov]

What's the disadvantages of using a small swivel clamp? I find these useful for switching between my lures.

[@jrich436]

@feeshyfeeshy you have any video of this difference? I’ve heard that over and over for decades and people repeat it because they have heard it But I’ve never been on a boat with someone not using swivels/clips and me using them and they repeatedly caught fish on top of me. I have watched fish swarm baits and attack swivels because they were shiny Nor have I used mono and seen fish dart off because my line terrified them. So you plopping a bait in the water and moving it does nothing but a thin line does? Never seen someone use red hooks and fish just suicide on them while someone else using black or silver hooks went home empty handed Fish eat or they don’t. Your presentation looks like something edible or it doesn’t. The fish has seen a thing a few times and learned it’s lip gets stung when it eats that thing, or it hasn’t. Light pattern lets it make that decision, or it doesn’t. It’s cold so they are lazy because that’s how cold blooded metabolism works, or it’s hot and they are energized so they need to eat more or starve to death. The weight is the only part that matters in your response. Good floats, bobbers, jerk baits, cranks etc are produced to have float, suspend, sink and/or wobble rates In particular jerks and cranks that suspend are engineered to do so without a clip because they can’t design them for neutral buoyancy for every size clip but they can for averages across mono (floats) and flouro (sinks) with the particular hook they package it with Suspend dots were designed so that you can fine tune a lure for YOU changing things, like going to different hooks which is common. That’s how sensitive lures can be. Fractions of an ounce matter There are no float dots to offset swivels But if you have video I’d love to watch it Correlation is not causation and most people who fish are not scientific, they are antidotal Keep your lines tight and good luck out there

[@audacityofthemind8348]

So that little tag end will snag on grass or weeds but yet that big hook won’t?

[@jonlayton9564]

I practiced this knot a couple times, got to the beach and tied a spoon on my leader. Casted a few times and then my last one I saw my spoon go flying.... make sure its tied right. Lol

[@arisdelis1]

PALOMAR Knot #1 ...loop knot is known to Slip off....i always go double Palomar!!!

[@Nethrom_]

How big of a difference would you say it makes having just the loop knot as opposed to the extra hardware? Is it going to basically destroy the fishing if you rig up the lure on, say, a connector with a barrel swivel? Does that excess hardware scare them off too much? Thanks!

[@Nethrom_]

@Carl Nel Excellent, I'll make sure to keep that in mind. Appreciate the advice!

[@sharkbittenjf]

Thank you. I've been messing this knot up for years.

[@himarafishing6100]

j'aime!

[@paolosellan9445]

In your video, the last pass of the tag end is through the first loop, but on internet images the last pass of the tag line seems to pass between the first loop and the second loop (basically outside of the first loop). Which one is correct and does it make a difference?

[@Saltstrong]

either is fine as all you are essentially doing is changing the direction in which the tag end sits.

[@johnsamothrakis4621]

That’s a great knot , but what if you what to change lures, wouldn’t a Surgeons Loop work better & is stronger ? Love you guys 👍

[@Saltstrong]

This knot just takes about 10 seconds to tie after some practice, so changing lures is very quick. Using bigger loop knots for swapping lures without retying will often cause more harm than good so we don't recommend it.

[@garyb4929]

@@Saltstrong recently, tried that, but as you said, loop is so large, constantly getting tangled with hooks & even catching grass in it. So, its small loops for me now.

[@gregkosinski2303]

I could swear I’d seem loop knots tested recently and the nonslip loop knot was stronger. The big think though is that with this knot, the tag end face away from the direction you retrieve, so the tag won’t catch weeds. With the surgeon’s loop, the tag faces toward the direction of the retrieve. The other most popular, the perfection loop, the tag end is perpendicular to the direction you retrieve. If you’re putting a loop at the non-lure/bait end of your leader, then the tag end of the surgeon’s loop faces away from the retrieve so that might it a better option than the nonslip mono loop for that application in regards to weeds.

[@fishingjoe683]

Been tying this not wrong for a long time now apparently lol. I always tie on my crappie jigs this way.

[@Saltstrong]

it's only wrong if it doesn't work! lol

[@geraldsaved]

Can this work with 50lb or 60lb leader

[@hejgoranfesdu]

is the rapala knot the smae in basic?

[@turnerogle2700]

Would it be better to use a loop knot or a snug knot for casting jigs in the surf for bluefish and spanish mackerel?

[@syyed9036]

Awesome! Can you tell me the name of that jighead? Thanks

[@floydn12]

Looks like a Zman Trout Eye

[@ReelinTension]

Zman trout eye

[@seizedcarcass8440]

Honestly I think a loop knot is best for topwater baits and baits that benefit from free movement. If I use a shrimp or swimbait on a jighead I’ll use a loop knot but If it’s a heavy jig like a bucktail I’ll use a snap. Specifically the spro snaps that a heavy duty.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the comment!!

[@michaelmitchell3440]

How many wraps do you recommend on 4lb test line before putting tag through the final loop?

[@tolpacourt]

Five.

[@johnnorris1227]

I do 3 turns if its less than 20 lb mono or fluorocarbon and 2 turns on 20 lb or higher. To me 3 turns on anything 20# or higher just gets too bulky and IMO doesn't make the knot any stronger. Even with 2 turns the loop will break before the knot let's go. At least that's been my experience.

[@dd214fishing]

when are the slam shadys going to be available in inventory

[@Saltstrong]

We should have the Slam Shadys back in stock on Aug 1st.

[@johngibson1862]

Hi. Why do you use a loop knot instead of tying a lure clip on?

[@gabrielduarte3904]

is the slam shady 2 elastech?

[@Saltstrong]

No, only the original series of Slam Shady lures are made from elaztech.. we should have them back in stock in the next month or two.

[@ha8300]

Do you use it for top water baits?

[@Srcdaytona]

Always use a loop knot for top water, twitch baits and swimbaits, any lure with action in it really, the loop know will let it move more freely

[@42701texasman]

What is the brand of cutters and where did you get it?

[@Saltstrong]

Those are some scissors that we had made... excellent for cutting fishing line as well as for replacing hooks from split rings. Here's a link: shop.saltstrong.com/products/braid-cutting-split-ring-scissors

[@jeffreybabino8161]

Hi can you use a surgons loop knot to do this thanks

[@Saltstrong]

You could try it. But the surgeons loop knot leaves the tag end pointing up so it's more likely to catch weeds.

[@gadidavis]

I prefer the surgeons loop

[@russellhembrow4196]

Where do these weighted hooks with the big eyes come from? I can't find them, what are they called? I'm in Australia but have looked all over.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for your question! Make sure to ask this over on the actual blog or in the Community (www.saltstrong.com/) where the coaches spend their time. The blog can be found here: bit.ly/2D5qxZO

[@Diazodinitrophenol]

Is loop knot better than using a small clip?

[@jossmeltink1805]

Where can I find jigheads like that with 3d eyes??? 3-5 -7 grams?

[@mikehutton8623]

Can or should you use a split ring on jig heads?

[@Saltstrong]

We don't

[@lumberchicken007]

Is the insider club mainly for FL anglers?

[@Saltstrong]

It's for anglers who enjoy catching redfish, seatrout, flounder, and snook. About half of the members are from FL, and the rest are from other states in the Southeast (TX, NC, SC, VA, GA, AL, LA, MS).

[@lumberchicken007]

Salt Strong, cool, thanks, I suck - I’m in CA.

[@Bobb1julie]

Hi Luke .. May I say that you are one fine instructor.. It’s one thing to show/tell and another thing to get the point across.. Tell your fellow brethren when they are tying any type of line mono/braid to get that camera as close as possible.. This is what’s it all about ..UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL . Not like that ((7€~#€ )•••GO PRO Camera . A very undesirable medium of visual projection..P.S.- You didn’t mean to sneak that beautiful plug by us did you ?... WHAT WAS IT PLEASE ?

[@mrd9720]

What brand jig is that?

[@quiksilver2010]

Eyestrike/z-man

[@Saltstrong]

They are called Trout Eye jig heads. Here's a link to see them: shop.saltstrong.com/products/z-man-trout-eye-jighead

[@patrickcotter945]

Do you not recommend metal clips?

[@Saltstrong]

Only for people who have. trouble tying knots

[@kurupi68]

what a beautiful lure, that most be a killer.

[@sarge5000]

Just use a snap swivel

[@trex1448]

Is he saying mini lures or many lures?

[@dixondjallen6620]

Much better action out of your lure with a properly tied loop knot...

[@tiberiuswade8789]

Split rings will serve to function like loop knot

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks!

[@blazincrab6685]

What’s that jig head called

[@chrisjones720]

Z man Trout Eyez

[@peternguyen7606]

Never use loop knot under 12 lb test line. I lost some 3 lb.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the tip

[@1kollonh]

And the third mistake i see people SEE!!! 🤣😂😂🤣

[@Saltstrong]

Haha!

[@carvedwood1953]

I have followed these instructions 10 times in a row following the line each time and it never points the correct way lol. I am going to try doing it the opposite of what you say now to see what happens there.

[@Saltstrong]

We have a massive library of fishing tips on our website along with a search feature to let you quickly filter down to find help you're looking for, so just go to www.saltstrong.com/ and use the Search feature in the top menu.

[@markinaction1]

Canoe man!

[@lesrinehart933]

Two turns on mono and 4 turns on flouro

[@johnnorris1227]

I think 4 turns is way overkill. Its unnecessary and makes the knot way too bulky. On both mono and fluorocarbon I do 3 turns if its less than 20# and 2 turns on 20# and over and I've never had an issue. Even with 2 turns if you snug the knot down tight the loop will break before the knot will even think about letting go.

[@theloosemoose8200]

I put small splitrings on all my jigheads

[@willharvey3605]

No matter how I tie it the tag end never quite goes straight down

[@Saltstrong]

We hope you can master the knot soon! It takes practice for sure!

[@Coffinborn696]

This is referred to as a "bowline" knot by survivalists and outdoorsmen.

[@johngalt0096]

Very interesting observation. My father taught me a MM/USN way to tie a bowline; worked like a charm for me. Meanwhile, Cub/Boy Scouts had a different way, which befuddled me (m/b it was this way). I’m going to try a Bowline, add a few more half-hitches to it, and see. I could tie those in my sleep. Thx for the heads up!

[@johnnorris1227]

No on the bowline knot you make a simple loop to run the tag end up thru before going around and coming back down and thru. On this knot instead of a loop you make a overhand knot to run your tag end up thru. This knot is referred to as a kreh loop/non slip loop knot in the fishing world.

[@ianrawlings2546]

KNot a bowline!

[@montanamark60]

This knot is just an incomplete Rapala knot.

[@aaronhiggs]

its a Lefty Kreh Knot.

[@johnnorris1227]

Called the Kreh Loop/Non slip loop knot easier/quicker to tie and not as bulky as the Rapala knot and just as strong. Loop will break before the knot slips or lets go.

[@zzz7zzz9]

Look out. If bubba sees this, he'll sic the feds on you for making nooses.

[@ernstcoetzer809]

I like it the wrong way!!!

[@jcmoye1]

its not snagging anthing

[@uwewerner5433]

Why do you Americans always talk so much, just do it.