For a set of survival fishing kit instructions (for land, not sea use, IOW streams and ponds, etc. either by hand or using an improvised pole) I am working on, I have to decide what fishing knots to show. The parameters are 1. Simple and easy to tie (idiot proof), 2. Easy to show in an illustration a novice can follow (idiot proof), 3. Enough to get the job done using very basic tackle, nothing more. With regards the latter, they need to be able to 1. attach a hook or lure to the line, 2. attach a swivel, etc, in the tackle, 3. splice two lines together, 4. tie a loop in the end of a line

For starters, I have selected the Polomar, Improved Cinch, Surgeon, and Surgeon's Loop:



Comments and suggestions on any or all of this are welcome.

TIA,

How about the double fisherman.

Pete

Doug, All those knots are the best you can use for the intended application. The problem is that they can be hard to tie for those that have never tied mono before. I cannot comment on woven/twisted as I have never tried. The simplest knots are the simple overhand or the surgeon loop. Through the shank eye and around the hook. Works for swivels and sinkers. It can join two lines in the same manner (i.e., thread loop through the eye/loop of the other piece and then take the tail through the eye). Worked for years for snapper and other small s/w bay fish.

You might want to add a line to the effect that 5-20 pre-tied hooks are a very worthwhile addition to a small fishing kit. Gives them something to be going on with. Also, a small sewing needle makes monofilament line much easier to tie. Tell them to generious with the amount of line they carry. Are you planning to bring out a supplimental fishing kit for longer survival scenario's?

The double fisherman's is a great knot for tying two pieces of rope together, and often used by climbers. I seem to recall when we tried to use it previously, we had difficulty with novices tying it. Ended up using the regular 9single) fisherman's knot. Not quite as secure, but easy to tie. Will have to play with some illustrations and give it another shot. I know it works great on braided line, not sure how well for monofiliment.

This is for an already made up kit.

Thanks. Will play with those.

Good. What's in it and what advice are you giving about the best place's to drop a hook? For a non-fishing City Slicker who's now got to keep body and soul together.

I'm all thumbs when it comes to knots so I use the Palomar for just about everything. It's especially easy to use when your hands are wet and cold.

The components are still taking shape, nothing fancy at all, very basic. It is designd to be part of a larger kit, so there's nothing in it but fishing gear.

The instructions will become part of an upcoming publication.