Palomar Knot
Strong and simple for hooks, swivels and other terminal tackle.
Carp fishing basics
Fishing knots for carp fishing
A complicated rig is no use if the knot connecting it to your line fails. Carp fishing involves several different connections, so it is more useful to learn a small number of dependable knots than to memorise dozens that all do roughly the same job.
This guide covers four practical knots: the Palomar Knot, Uni Knot, Locked Half Blood Knot and Figure of Eight Loop. Together they cover common jobs such as attaching hooks and swivels and creating a secure loop connection.
The diagrams show each knot step by step. Take your time when learning: neat wraps, steady tightening and checking the finished knot are more important than tying quickly.
Uni Knot
A versatile connection for attaching line to a hook, ring or swivel.
Locked Half Blood Knot
A compact terminal knot with an extra locking step before tightening.
Figure of Eight Loop
A useful way to create a neat fixed loop for loop-to-loop connections.
Knot 1
Palomar Knot
The Palomar is a useful knot when you want a strong connection to a hook or swivel and can pass a doubled section of line through the eye. Its appeal is the relatively short tying sequence: double the line, form an overhand knot, pass the loop over the terminal item and then tighten everything down.
When it is useful
- Attaching a swivel or terminal component.
- Attaching a hook where the doubled line will pass through the eye.
- When you want a knot with relatively few tying stages.
Watch the loop: before tightening, make sure the loop
has passed completely over the hook or swivel and is not trapped around
another part of the terminal tackle.
Knot 2
Uni Knot
The Uni Knot is one of the most versatile terminal knots to learn. The tag end forms a loop alongside the standing line, wraps around the doubled section and is then drawn down towards the hook or swivel eye.
When it is useful
- Hooks, swivels and rings.
- General terminal-tackle connections.
- When you want a knot that is easy to inspect as it beds down.
Do not rush the final stage: close the wraps first,
then slide the formed knot down to the eye and tighten it fully.
Knot 3
Locked Half Blood Knot
The Locked Half Blood Knot starts with the familiar series of turns around the standing line. The tag is passed through the first opening and then through the additional loop before the knot is drawn firmly onto the hook or swivel.
When it is useful
- Attaching hooks and swivels.
- Creating a compact connection at the eye.
- As an alternative terminal knot when you prefer a wrapped connection.
Keep the turns orderly: crossed or bunched wraps make
the knot harder to tighten cleanly. Bed the turns down gradually rather
than pulling everything tight in one sharp movement.
Knot 4
Figure of Eight Loop
Not every useful carp-fishing knot attaches directly to a hook or swivel. A fixed loop is useful when two pieces of tackle are designed to connect loop to loop. The Figure of Eight Loop creates a compact loop by doubling the line back on itself before completing the knot.
When it is useful
- Loop-to-loop terminal connections.
- Creating a fixed loop at the end of a leader or rig section.
- Connections that you may want to separate without cutting the line.
Choose the loop size before tightening: once the knot
has fully bedded down, changing the loop size means tying it again.
Choosing a knot
Which carp fishing knot should you use?
Start with the job the knot needs to perform rather than choosing a knot simply because it is familiar. A hook or swivel connection and a loop connection are different jobs.
Hook or swivel
Start with the Palomar or Uni Knot. The Locked Half Blood gives you another useful option for a compact wrapped connection.
Fixed loop
Use the Figure of Eight Loop when the tackle arrangement calls for a secure fixed loop rather than a knot tightened directly onto an eye.
Before you cast
Five checks that matter more than tying quickly
- Inspect the line. Do not tie onto a damaged, flattened or badly abraded section.
- Keep the wraps neat. Overlapping turns can stop a knot bedding down evenly.
- Moisten nylon or fluorocarbon. This helps reduce friction while the knot tightens.
- Tighten steadily. Draw the knot down under controlled pressure rather than jerking it tight.
- Test it. Pull firmly on the completed connection before you cast a rig into the lake.
Also check the rules of the fishery you are visiting. Hook patterns, hook sizes, leaders and rig components can be restricted at individual venues. Our carp fishing lakes directory can help you find waters to investigate, but always read the venue's current rules before travelling.
Common questions
Carp fishing knots FAQ
What is the best knot for carp fishing?
There is no single best knot for every part of a carp rig. The Palomar and Uni are useful terminal-tackle knots, the Locked Half Blood is another compact hook or swivel connection, and the Figure of Eight Loop handles a different job by creating a fixed loop.
Is the Palomar Knot good for carp fishing?
Yes. It is a simple terminal-tackle knot and is particularly convenient when the eye of the hook or swivel is large enough for a doubled section of your line to pass through comfortably.
Should I wet a fishing knot before tightening it?
With nylon and fluorocarbon, moistening the knot before final tightening helps reduce friction as the wraps bed down. Tighten it steadily, inspect the finished connection and test it before casting.
How many knots do I need to know for carp fishing?
You do not need dozens. A dependable terminal knot, a second option for hooks and swivels and a fixed-loop knot cover many everyday situations. Learn a few properly before adding more.
Put the knots to use
Ready to plan a session? Browse our UK carp fishing lakes, see our guide to baits for catching big carp, or use the fishing lakes near me finder.
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