If you’ve spent any time fly fishing, you’ve probably heard of the Blood Knot.
It’s a simple, neat, and strong fishing knot used to join two lines of about the same diameter together.
It’s basically two Clinch knots tied along the two lines and pulled tight. When done right, it forms a smooth barrel shape that slides through the rod guides.
It has an impressive breaking strength of around 83%.
Let’s learn it in detail.
Blood Knot Details
Type: Fishing Knot
Other Names: Barrel Knot
ABoK Reference: #295, #345, #1413
How to Tie the Blood Knot
- Take two lines close to each other.
- Overlap your main line (Red) and the leader (White).
- Make 4-5 wraps around the White line with the tag end of the Red line.
- Feed the tag end through the opening between the lines.
- Make 4-5 wraps around the Red line with the tag end of the White line.
- Feed the tag end through the opening.
- Lubricate the knot and pull both lines and tag ends to tighten the knot.
- Trim the tag ends close to the knot.
- Always moisten the knot with saliva or water before tightening. It helps reduce friction that may prevent the heat buildup and damage to the line.
- Keep the wraps neat and clean on both sides.
- For a strong connection, 5-7 wraps are enough. Otherwise, 4-5 wraps are sufficient. Beyond 7 wraps, it’s harder to manage the wraps when you tighten.
Pros & Cons
- Strong and reliable.
- Breaking strength of about 83%.
- Slim profile allows for easy passage through the rod guides during casting.
- Requires dexterity to learn this knot.
- Harder to tie in the dark or with cold hands.
Application and Uses
The Blood knot is a popular knot used by fly fishermen to join two lines of similar size or close to equal diameter.
It’s used to attach the leader to the tippet and the line to the leader connections.
It’s also used to construct the custom tapered leaders.
Other Blood Knots
Half Blood Knot (Clinch Knot)
The Clinch Knot is a simple version, perfect for beginners.
It’s used to tie the fishing line to the fishing lure, snap or swivel, and provides a good hold for small to medium setups.
Locked Blood Knot
This is the locked version of the Half Blood Knot.
It’s used to attach lures, swivels, or hooks and is ideal for heavier monofilament or fluorocarbon lines.
Improved Blood Knot
The Improved Blood Knot is popular in fly fishing.
It’s perfect for joining lines of different diameters, like connecting a tippet to a leader.
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