Uni Knot — Versatile Hook and Line-to-Line Knot

April 26, 2026

What Is the Uni Knot?

The uni knot — also called the Duncan loop or grinner knot — is one of the most versatile knots in fishing. As a hook-to-line knot it’s similar in strength to an improved clinch but performs better on braid. As a line-to-line knot (the double uni), it joins different line types reliably. One knot, two configurations, dozens of applications.

How to Tie a Uni Knot (Hook to Line)

1. Pass the tag end through the hook eye. Pull about 6 inches of tag through.
2. Form a loop by laying the tag back along the standing line.
3. Wrap the tag end around both lines (the doubled section) 5 to 7 times, working back toward the hook.
4. Wet the knot with saliva.
5. Pull the tag end to tighten the knot down.
6. Slide the tightened knot down to the hook eye by pulling the standing line.
7. Trim the tag to 1/8 inch.

The knot starts loose, tightens onto itself, then slides down to the hook. That sliding step is what makes it adjustable — you can leave the knot loose for a Texas-rigged plastic worm presentation, or slide it down tight against the hook eye for everything else.

How to Tie a Double Uni (Line to Line)

For joining two lines (e.g., braid main line to fluoro leader):

1. Overlap the two lines by about 8 inches each.
2. Tie a uni knot in line A around line B (don’t tighten fully).
3. Tie a uni knot in line B around line A (don’t tighten fully).
4. Wet both knots.
5. Pull the standing ends slowly — the two unis slide together and tighten against each other.
6. Trim both tags to 1/8 inch.

This is the double uni — the standard way to attach a fluoro or mono leader to a braid main line in Indiana bass fishing.

When to Use a Uni

• Hook to braid — comparable to Palomar, easier to tie on heavy braid
• Hook to mono — alternative to improved clinch
• Braid to leader — the double uni is the most common way to attach leaders
• Adjustable hook tie — leave the knot loose to slide on the line

Indiana Applications

• Bass fishing on braid — main line to fluoro leader (double uni)
• Walleye trolling — connecting wire line to leader
• Lake Michigan steelhead drift fishing — attaching tippet to leader
• Catfish setups — braid main line to mono leader
• Sliding bobber rigs — adjustable knot lets you change depth quickly

The Bottom Line

Learn the uni and the double uni and you can handle hook-tying and line-to-line connections without ever needing a swivel. Combined with the Palomar (for braid hook ties) and improved clinch (for mono), you have all the connection knots you’ll need for Indiana fishing.