The Jeremy Wade Recommended Knots for the Outer Banks
- Fin& Seek
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
If you've ever watched Jeremy Wade or read his book How To Think Like A Fish, you've probably noticed that he doesn't overcomplicate things. He believes that understanding fish and trusting your gear is more important than having a hundred different knots.
The truth is, you don't need to memorize dozens of fancy knots to be successful on the Outer Banks. If you can tie a handful of strong, reliable knots, you'll be ready for almost any situation—from fly fishing shallow marshes to casting lures at false albacore or soaking cut bait for giant red drum.
Here are the knots Jeremy Wade recommends and why every Outer Banks angler should know them.
Jeremy Wade's Favorite Knots for Joining Different Fishing Lines
FG Knot
Best for: Braid to fluorocarbon or monofilament leader.
The FG Knot is one of the strongest leader knots you can learn. It creates a slim connection that slides through your rod guides smoothly, making it perfect for long casts. If you're throwing lures for speckled trout, redfish, or striped bass with braided line, this is probably the best knot you can use to connect your leader.
Outer Banks Tip: Most inshore anglers fishing braid should have this knot in their toolbox.
Blood Knot
Best for: Joining two pieces of monofilament or fluorocarbon that are similar in size.
Fly fishermen have trusted the Blood Knot for years. It's great for building leaders or repairing one that's been damaged. If you're fishing the flats around the marshes or building custom fly leaders, this knot comes in handy.
Double Grinner (Double Uni Knot)
Best for: Joining two lines of different sizes.
The Double Grinner is easier to tie than the FG Knot and still very strong. Many anglers use it to connect braid to mono or fluorocarbon. It's a great backup knot if conditions are rough or you're tying knots in low light.
Outer Banks Tip: This is one of the easiest "must know" knots for beginners.
Knots for Attaching Hooks, Lures, and Flies
Non-Slip Loop Knot
Best for: Artificial lures and flies.
Instead of locking the lure tightly, this knot leaves a small loop that lets it move naturally in the water. That extra action can make a big difference when fishing for redfish, trout, or flounder. Many fly anglers use this knot because it gives streamers and baitfish patterns a lifelike swimming motion.
Figure Eight Knot
Best for: Creating a simple stopper or securing the end of a line.
The Figure Eight Knot is easy to tie and helps prevent other knots from slipping. It isn't the flashiest knot, but it's useful in several different rigging situations.
Knots for Making Loops
Surgeon's Loop
Best for: Making a loop at the end of your leader.
This knot is incredibly simple and very strong. Fly anglers often use it to create loop-to-loop connections that make changing leaders quick and easy. If you're swapping leaders during a day of fishing, this knot saves time.
Cat's Paw Knot
Best for: Connecting two loops together.
The Cat's Paw works together with the Surgeon's Loop. Once you've made loops in both pieces of line, the Cat's Paw connects them securely. Fly fishermen often use this setup because it allows them to change leaders without cutting and retying knots.
Knots for Float Rigs and Special Setups
Sliding Stop Knot
Best for: Adjustable popping corks and slip floats.
This little knot lets you control how deep your bait or lure fishes. It slides up and down the line but stops at the depth you choose. This is especially useful when targeting speckled trout or fishing deeper holes around the sounds and marshes of the Outer Banks.
Final Thoughts
A lot of anglers think they need to know twenty or thirty different knots. The truth is, if you can tie these eight knots well, you'll be ready for almost every type of fishing the Outer Banks has to offer.
FG Knot or Double Grinner: Connect braid to leader.
Blood Knot: Join mono or fluorocarbon sections.
Non-Slip Loop Knot: Tie on lures and flies.
Surgeon's Loop and Cat's Paw: Create quick loop-to-loop connections.
Sliding Stop Knot: Build adjustable float rigs.
Figure Eight Knot: Simple stopper and utility knot.
Jeremy Wade often talks about confidence being one of the biggest parts of fishing. When you trust your knots, you can fish harder and worry less about losing the fish.
Take some time before your next trip to the Outer Banks, watch these videos and spend a few minutes practicing these knots. It might be the most valuable fishing skill you ever learn.
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