When you are magnet fishing, one of the biggest concerns is losing your magnet. These magnets must be super strong in order to pick anything up out of the water. A heavy magnet means a hefty price.
I've seen some of these magnets worth more than a couple hundred bucks. You don't want to lose that!
The best knot for magnet fishing is one that is strong and reliable. There are a few great choices that follow these guidelines. These knots include the Palomar Knot, Double Figure-eight Knot, Anchor Hitch Knot, Uni Knot, and the Modified Hangman's Noose knot.
In this article, I will outline a few of the best knots to use while you are out there enjoying the adventures of magnet fishing. I will go over the step-by-step tutorial to make these knots. I will also explain some pros and cons of each knot.
Let's begin!
Image by: u/TheMagnetAngler
Palomar Knot
The Palomar knot is a very well known knot in the magnet fishing community. It is perhaps the most recommended knot, as it is very easy to do even for beginners.
Once you learn how to tie a Palomar knot, it won't be long before you could complete the knot with your eyes closed. However, don't let the simplicity fool you. It is still a super strong and reliable knot used by many.
One thing to note is that this type of knot requires you to go over the object you are tieing the rope to. So if you have a huge magnet you will need a huge loop. If you have a caribiner to tie to that attaches to the magnet that would probably be better.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Super easy to use | It can be a annoying trying to fit the carabiner/magnet through the loop when tieing the knot. |
| Non-jamming release | Requires a large loop to complete the knot |
| If tied correctly, It won't come loose | Not suited for hair rigs but this doesn't matter when magnet fishing |
| Retains most of it's strength |
How to tie it
- Start with a bite at the end of your rope.
- Pass the bite through the carabiner or magnet.
- Tie an overhand knot with the bite.
- Pass the bite over the carabiner/hook, bring it around the knot.
- Snug the bit around the knot, and pull it tight.
- Trim if necessary.
Video Tutorial
Find more information about this knot here
Other uses for this knot
- It is a great knot for regular fishing as well. Perfect for tieing up the line to the hook or fly to a leader.
- It can also be used for tieing anchors, it's not the best choice but it works on the fly.
The Double Figure Eight Knot
The double figure eight knot is similar to just the regular figure eight knot, but its doubled up making it twice as strong.
This is one of the most common knots used for magnet fishing and there is a good reason for it. It is a very strong knot with a few pros but also so cons as well.
This knot isn't as popular as the Palomar knot, but it's still good and may come down to personal preference.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Designed for max strength | If you have little experience with knots, you may find it difficult to untie |
| Very hard to shake loose in the water | Has the potential to tangle while attempting to tie this knot |
| Once you learn the technique, tieing the knot is super easy |
How to tie it
This one isn't too hard to learn, and once you do it is super easy to tie over and over again. Which is why a lot of people love it so much. Here is the step-by-step process to tie the double figure-eight knot.
- Form a “bite” in the rope and then feed out a decent amount for this knot.
- Start by forming an underhand loop, and then come back over the main piece.
- Create a second loop and bring it into the first loop
- Now you should have a single loop down at the bottom from the very first bite. You will want to pull it over the other two loops making sure it's on top of the knot and then pull it tight.
The reason you want the knot on top and not at the bottom is because when you pull it tight it will stay straight. However, if you do it incorrectly it will become a 90-degree angle when tightened.
Video Tutorial
Find more information about this knot here
Other uses for this knot
This knot is great for magnet fishing but has a few other uses as well.
- Many types of arts and crafts projects would benefit from this knot.
- If tied to a carabiner it is strong and stable enough to support rock climbing.
- Works well for tieing anchors.
- Can be used as a quick improvised seat.
The Anchor Hitch Knot
This knot is a must-have in your arsenal of knots. Not only is it easy to tie, but it is the best option for use with anchors (hence the name)
While the double figure eight is easy to tie, this one may be even easier! It's debatable but I personally find this knot to be super simple.
I love to go magnet fishing with a boat, it's a lot more calming. Plus you can travel anywhere and throw the line out. If you are like me then you may find this knot to be very useful.
With that being said, it is important to take the time to know how to tie it right. I've had anchors get away from me in the past and I got to say, it's not a good experience.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Tieing is very simple | Higher risk of slipping |
| Can adapt to other knots such as the half hitch | This knot may not handle quite as much weight as others |
| Very durable for many scenarios |
How to tie this knot
- Wrap the rope around the carabiner or magnet twice, but leave a little slack on the second time around.
- Pass the tail over the standing end and then up through the original slack turn (the very first wrap around).
- Go around the standing end again and back through to tie and complete the anchor hitch knot.
Video Tutorial
Find more information about this knot here
Other uses for this knot
This knot is also useful for
- Can be used to tie to a carabiner or similar.
- Easily secure a boat if needed.
- Can use this knot to hoist up a tree.
- This is the best knot for anchors (obviously). Highly recommended if your magnet fishing on a boat.
Hangman's noose
This knot has been used for many centuries and there is a reason for that. The hangman knot, also called the Uni knot, is a very strong knot and can be used for magnet fishing with great results.
While this knot is definately one you can rely on without worrying abolut it coming undone, it is a fairly difficuly one to tie. Especially compared with some of the other knots on this list such as the anchor hitch knot and the double figure eight knot.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Adjustable to set strength as needed | Not the easiest knot to learn, it may take a while to get right. |
| Can be loosened without undoing the whole knot | A bit hard to loosen correctly |
| Tightest knot for magnet fishing |
How to tie this knot
- Pass the tag end through the eye/carabiner/magnet.
- Form a large loop beside the standing end.
- Working inside the loop, wrap the end around the standing end 5 times.
- Lubricate and pull the knot tight.
- Slide the knot to the eye/carabiner/magnet.
- Trim the excess if needed.
Video Tutorial
Find more information about this knot here
Other uses for this knot
- Tie-down cargo or other things to your vehicle.
- Tieing hooks or lures to the fishing line.
- Keep garbage inside the bag during transport.
- Secure a boat to the dock.
Modified Hangman Noose
This was posted by a user over on one of the many forums for the magnet fishing community.
I'm not sure what exactly is different from the standard Hangman noose. But it looks pretty secure. No doubt this knot will not come loose any time soon.
You will also notice he chose to tie the rope to a turnbuckle and quick link. This is so he can easily swap between magnets. Sometimes you may want a 150 lb, sometimes a 250+ lb. It all depends on what your feeling, and if you have enough strength to throw it!
Related article: Why you Should Wear Gloves While Magnet Fishing
Don't Use These Knots for Magnet Fishing
Obviously your choice of knot is very important for magnet fishing. Choose the wrong one, and your magnet fishing adventure is over. These magnets can be pretty pricey so keeping it attached to the line is very important.
I gave you a list of great knots to use, but what about ones you shouldn't use? Let's go over a couple of those now.
Overhand knot
This is a very simple knot that some use just for the fact it's easy. However, this knot isn't recommended for tieing down important things like an expensive magnet. The risk of this one coming undone is pretty high compared to others.
Square knot
Same problem as the overhand knot. While it is simple and has been used for many years, it is not recommended for magnet fishing. It has a high risk of coming undone and losing the magnet. It can be used to tie down things on your boat, but for anchors/magnets/hooks definitely not.
Portuguese Bowline knot
This knot is tied together with two loops that are adjustable. Sounds great for getting it the way you want, however it is very easy to come undone even when tightened as much as possible.
How To Determine A Bad Knot
You can tell your knot is not very good because the tag end will look curly. This could mean either the knot you used was bad, or the knot was a good one but the way you tied it was not correct.
If you see a curly tag end, first make sure the knot you tied is one of the ones I recommended on this list. If it is, then make sure you tied it correctly and try again.
Related Questions
How much rope do I need for magnet fishing?
When buying rope you can decide how much to get. It ranges from 10-1,000 foot spools.
In most cases, you will probably only need about 50-100 feet of rope for magnet fishing. However, it depends on where you are fishing.
If you're throwing the line over a bridge or similar, you may need a longer rope. If your fishing from the shore or boat, 50 foot may be enough.
The rope really isn't that expensive. Remember, it is always better to have too much rather than not enough!
Can I buy premade knots already attaching the rope to the magnet?
Of course! If you are new to magnet fishing and don't want to risk tieing the knot incorrectly, many suppliers sell rope already tied to a carabiner. You can easily connect it to a magnet and you are good to go.
This is great to get started, however, I still recommend learning these knots. One day you will need to tie a new knot and you don't want to buy a new rope every time the knot gets loose or carabiner break.
What is the best type of rope for tying knots and magnet fishing?
It depends on the weight and type of magnet. For most cases, rope that supports at least 250 lb should work. However, if the magnet is heavier you may need a stronger rope.
The most recommended material for the rope is paracord and braided rope.
Other suggested materials are either polypropylene rope and nylon rope.
Polyprolylene rope floats and is rot resistant.
Nylon rope is the strongest out of all the fibers. It is also resistant to rotting and mildew. It also isn't damaged by oil and most chemicals. On top of this, it has the best stretch, making it great at absorbing shock.
Is paracord good for magnet fishing?
Paracord is very popular for magnet fishing. Not because it's the best, but because it's cheap and works pretty well.
A few drawbacks are that it is prone to twisting, as well as tangling. Also, when pulling heavy materials it tends to dig into your hands. You may want to wear gloves.
While it isn't the best, it is great for most users. I would start here and if you really get into the hobby maybe try some better materials like a braided rope, polypropylene rope, and nylon rope.
How do you stop a knot from coming undone?
The simple answer is to do it right. Take your time to follow the instructions correctly. Make sure the knot looks the same as in the videos and pull it tight.
There are tricks like using super glue or other things but I find these solutions to not work that great. Each knot is designed to be effective and efficient. If they are coming loose then it's either a bad rope or a bad user!
Can I magnet fish anywhere?
For the most part yes. However, you will want to check with your state laws. I wrote an article about the laws and regulations of magnet fishing which may help answer some more of your questions on this topic.
Conclusion
You now have a wide variety of knots to choose from while magnet fishing. All of these knots are great for tieing some rope to your magnet, and some even have multiple uses.
Some knots are harder to tie than others, but also are more reliable and won't come undone. If you're just getting into the hobby, the worse thing that could happen is losing your magnet.
I suggest picking one of these knots and mastering it. There is no sense trying to learn all of them because it's better to be a master of one then decent at all. For beginners definitely try out the double-figure eight knot or the anchor hitch knot.
From what I gather, the most popular knot for magnet fishing is the Palomar knot. If you think you can tie it correctly, then I suggest learning this one. It's super strong and reliable, I can see why so many magnet fishers turn to this one.
Enjoy your magnet fishing adventure! If you find anything cool please send us a picture! Tell us your story so we can share it with the other readers!
Email us at – magnetfishingadventure@gmail.com
