This is a "Knotty" post

Got out yesterday and today doing some bed fishing and have a question on knots. The whole bed fishing thing is new to me and I'd seen on YouTube to use a loop knot but in these two days I've lost three nice fish, two today were right at the boat. No I didn't use a net, so don't ask. The knot I'm using seems simple, I put the line thru the eye, pull about six inches thru, loop it around two fingers, then pull the jig thru the loop three times. I just put the six pound test line on the reel last week when I bought the rod so the line should be good. What pound test are you using. Not complaining at all, had a blast today, felt like I'd hit the lottery. Thanks for any suggestions.

Sounds like the same loop knot I use. I also use a cinch knot and a Palomar knot. I've been using Mr Crappie line and its seems to be really strong for 6 pound test.

I have never had a problem with that knot and i use it for 4 years with 6 pound test....

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Originally Posted by slabseeker1

The knot I'm using seems simple, I put the line thru the eye, pull about six inches thru, loop it around two fingers, then pull the jig thru the loop three times. I just put the six pound test line on the reel last week when I bought the rod so the line should be good. What pound test are you using. Not complaining at all, had a blast today, felt like I'd hit the lottery. Thanks for any suggestions.

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That knot is the "surgeon's loop" and is plenty strong. An even stronger knot is the "non-slip mono loop". (It's the standard loop used for a lot of fly and light tackle saltwater fishing.)

Having said that, I don't think the knot is the problem. I think a net will help you a lot more than learning a new knot.

Russ I pretty much bed fish exclusively and I really don't think the loop knot is much of an advantage. I like 6lb flurocarbon and tie jigs on with a palomar knot. The quality of the jig heads you use also makes a difference also. With a loop knot and some jig eyes that aren't ringed pretty easy to break fish off. Flurocarbon holds up better to the abrasion of bed fishing and is also more sensitive. Whatever line/knot/jig combo you choose for bed fishing watch your line close for nicks or rough spots.

Also, depends on how they bit the jig. Or better yet, how was the hit?

And, how did you set the hook?
I also use the palamor knot with 8lb test line for all my jigging rods and even my trolling rods. Mr Crappie Hi Viz is line of choice.

My primary reasons for 8lb is I do jig a lot of brush and stake beds. But the biggest reason is because my hook set is pretty violent! ;)

Palomar, clinch, or improved clinch. With 6lb you shouldn't be having knot failures unless you are cinching it down without lubricating it.

Are you casting or tightlining down into beds?

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Originally Posted by smashdn

Palomar, clinch, or improved clinch. With 6lb you shouldn't be having knot failures unless you are cinching it down without lubricating it.

Are you casting or tightlining down into beds?

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Beds are 8' to 12', hovering over the bed so straight down I'd guess, and using Mr Crappie Hi Viz also. I slobber all over the knot. For now I think I'll stand pat and see how things progress. Its the same knot I use when I tie on hooks for spider rigging and don't recall having a problem there. Not like I keep all that many anyway. I usually keep 10 - 12 and throw the rest back anyway. Maybe retie a little more. Thanks for all the suggestions fellas.