Knots Every Angler Should Know

Knot tying is an essential skill for beginning anglers to learn. It's not hard - it just takes some practice. Knot tying is best learned with monofilament fishing line. Try these easy to tie knots to get you started.

Uni Knot
This versatile knot can be used to attach the fishing line to the arbor of a reel, join lines or attach lures, snaps, and swivels.

1. Pass the line through the eye of the hook and double back parallel to the standing line.
2. Make a loop by laying the tag end over the doubled line, while both lines face the same direction.
3. Make five or six turns with the tag end around the doubled line and through the loop.
4. Holding your swivel or hook in one hand and both ends of the line in the other hand, pull them apart gently so the knot is almost tied, but not yet tight.
5. Moisten the lines and pull only the standing line firmly away from your hook or swivel.
6. Trim the tag end.

Palomar Knot
A great general purpose knot used to attach a line to a hook or a fly to a leader. It is regarded as one of the strongest and most reliable fishing knots. (Diagram at right.)

1. Run the line through the eye of the hook. Then run it back through to make a loop.
2. Bring the loop behind the standing line and up through the center of the hole.
3. Pass the hook through the loop.
4. Moisten the line line. Pull it tight against the hook and trim the tag end.

Blood Knot
A tried and true fishing knot used to join two lines together. It is easy to tie, strong and reliable. (Diagram below.)

1. Overlap the ends of the two lines to be joined about six inches.
2. Take the free end of one line and make five or six turns around the other line. Repeat for the other line.
3. Run the free ends of the lines through the loop between the two lines in directions opposite each other.
4. Pull each free end and begin to tighten the knot.
5. Moisten the knot.

6. Finish tightening it and clip the free ends.

Improved Clinch Knot
A strong, quick and easy to tie knot that is good for securing your line to a lure, swivel, clip, or artificial fly. It is one of the most widely used fishing knots. (Diagram below.)
1. Pass the line through the eye of the hook or lure and wrap it around the standing line five or six times.
2. Thread the line through the first loop above the eye and then through the big loop.
3. Hold the free end of the line and the standing line.
4. Moisten the line and pull the coils tight against the eye of the hook.
5. Clip the free end.

Now that you have your knot-tying skills mastered, find a place to fish.

2016 Fish Iowa! Games - Get Your School Hooked!

Fish Iowa! Games is a competition where students cast from three distances using the flipping, pitching, and overhand techniques. It was developed by the Iowa Sports Foundation, in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources in 2006. Since then, over 90,500 K-12 students throughout the state have participated.

 
Register your school or your class now to secure your competition kit. The competition may be held anytime between February 1 and May 1.

P.E. teachers from across Iowa have enjoyed offering this activity to their students for years:

v  “Casting is a life-time skill – It’s a great confidence builder for students. It doesn’t matter your size, age, or gender...everybody can compete on a fair level.” – Susan Monahan Blair, Orchard Place Campus School, Des Moines

v  “Fish Iowa! Games is a creative way to ‘lure’ kids into the joys of fishing.” – Mat Daniels, Kanesville High School, Council Bluffs

 

v  “We have been participating the last 4 years in the Fish Iowa! Games casting contest – we start by watching the video that is provided about the different types of casting…then we usually have a practice period – the kids all have a great time, whether they have fished before or not!” – Tracy McGregor, Nashua-Plainfield Schools

v  “Great program, keep offering programs like this, I’m always looking for ways to get kids outside.” – Paul Rogalla, Indianola Middle School

Crazy Ice Fishing Lure Names

Have you ever been “lured” in by unique, weird and sometimes wacky ice fishing tackle names? Our fisheries staff shared their favorites. What’s in your tackle box?

Bigtooth Rig                                       Psycho Shad

Cicada                                                 Purest

Demon                                                 Rat Finkees

Diamond Jig                                        Ratsos

Dingle Drop                                        Rembrandt

Fat Boy                                                Rockers

Flu Flu                                                 Shrimpo

Gill Pill                                               Slender Spoon

Glow Demons                                     Smackin Jack

Jig-A-Whopper Hawger Spoon          Super Duper

Jigging Rap                                         Spikes

Lil Cecil                                              Swedish Pimple

Little Cleo                                           Teardrop

Marmooska                                         Time Bomb (rattle spoon)

Mini Mert                                           Toadie

Moon-Glo (Glitter Glo)                      Wax Worms

Mousie                                                Widow Maker

Mustache Worm                                 Vampire Blood Glow Worms

Nuclear Ant                                        

Pilkie                                                   

Tips for a Fun and Safe Ice Fishing Season

Ice fishing is a fun, inexpensive activity to get outdoors and beat cabin fever. Follow these simple tips from our fisheries biologists.

Know Your Ice. Check the weekly DNR fishing report for ice conditions across the state. While on the ice, check the ice thickness often as you move. Be especially careful on ice around submerged trees and emergent vegetation, this ice tends to be weaker. 

Ask an experienced angler to go with you. They can teach you ice fishing techniques and help you gain confidence on the ice. Never go ice fishing alone. Let someone else know where you will be and when you expect to arrive back.

Contact your local Iowa DNR Fisheries Biologist, bait shop or fishing tackle dealer for the latest tips on places to fish, what depth and areas of the lake they are biting and hot baits.

Read ice fishing articles to keep up with tackle and technique trends, as well as learn some great tips for improving your ice fishing success.

Fish early and late in the day. Fish are more active during these times.

View a structure map of the lake you are going to fish. Downloadable fishing structure maps are available on the DNR’sFishing website.

Purchase a sonar unit (electronic fish finder) to help you locate where fish are hiding. Fish generally stay a specific depth during the winter.

Learn to use spring bobbers. Fish use less energy during the winter and are less aggressive. Spring bobbers let you set the depth of line and see when you have a bite, often before you even feel it on your line.

Ice Fishing Tackle Box Necessities

Ice fishing is a great winter tradition for many families. If you’ve never gone before, it’s time to get in on the fun! Stock your tackle box with these basic necessities to get you started.    

  

Small foam or sponge bobbers

Bobbers help up know when to set the hook and keep your bait at the exact depth you want. These bobbers are best for ice fishing since they do not freeze easily and ice can be quickly removed by squeezing.

           

Tackle

Small tackle is best - 1/64 oz or smaller for panfish.  Ice jigs are brightly colored fish (purple, chartreuse, pink, orange) to attract a fish’s attention and heavy enough to sink through the frigid water.                                       

Tungsten jigs have added weight that allows them to fall quicker and keep your fishing line tighter.

Small metal jigging spoons are commonly used to catch walleye.

If you plan to fish for crappie you will need jigs that glow in the dark. Crappies tend to feed after dark, so this is the best time to catch them.

                                   

Live Bait

A variety of bait can be purchased where bait is sold. Wax worms or wigglers (mayfly larvae) on a small teardrop lure is a great combination for catching bluegill or crappie. Store your wigglers in an insulated container kept next to your body to keep them from freezing.

Small minnows are great for catching crappie, perch, yellow bass or walleye. Keep your minnows in an insulated bucket to keep them from freezing. Bring along a minnow dipper to keep your hands from getting wet.           

                                                                                   

Line

The line you choose for your reel should match your rod. The more lightweight the rod, the lighter the line needed (2 to 4 lbs. test is recommended.)   

Needle nose pliers

Helpful for removing hooks.

Line clippers

You need some tool to assist with cutting the fishing line. Line clippers can be purchased or you can use finger nail clippers or a knife.  

           

Light Source

If you plan to be on the ice after dark, you need a reliable light source. A camping lantern, powerful flashlight or LED light are good options. Bring extra batteries if you choose a flashlight.                  

                                                                       

Towel

Pack an old towel to keep your hands clean and dry after removing the hook.

Safety Items

Staying safe on the ice is key to a successful ice fishing trip. Pack these basic items to help keep you safe: hand warmers, ice picks (wear around your neck) to help you crawl out of the water if you fall in, a life jacket, a safety rope, a whistle to call for help, a basic first aid kit                   

                                                           

Before heading out on the ice, check the DNR weekly Fishing Report for current ice conditions and what’s biting where. Looking for a little help to get you started, attend a basic fishing clinic – check the DNR events calendar to find an event near you.