Background

The double improved clinch knot is a simple variant of the improved clinch knot, which involves simply doubling the line before tying the knot.  Although this seems like a really small change, it is extremely valuable when fishing with small diameter lines, such as 2 - 4 pound test monofilament lines.  Knots on small diameter lines can actually abraid or cut themselves were the line of the knot crosses over another part of the line.  Doubling the line helps to distribute the force of the line cutting across itself onto a larger area, greatly reducing the chance of failure of the line.  Additionally, the doubled line tends to produce a knot that is a bit "spongier", and less likely to slip.

Uses:

The double improved clinch knot is useful with small diameter lines, such as 2 - 4 pound test monofilament and leader.  Use cases include attaching the main fishing line to a snap-swivel, such as in a Carolina rig.  It is also excellent for attaching leader to hooks.

Benefits:

This is a highly-reliable, high-strength knot, which preserves a high percentage of the line's rated "test" strength.  Many years ago, I read studies published in Field & Stream magazine which showed that a properly tied double improved clinch knot can preserve up to 97% of the strength of 2 - 4 pound test monofilament lines, in common use at that time.  I expect that this hasn't changed much over the years, even with the innovation of new line materials, such as fluorocarbon lines.  Once the knot has been pulled tight, you can trim the tag ends very close to the knot, without fear that the knot will slip past the end of the tag end, unraveling the knot.  This makes for a very neat, unobtrusive knot.

How To Tie:

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Papa's Tying Tips:

• When using this knot to tie leader to small hooks (such as very small treble hooks and salmon egg hooks), first clamp the hook with a pair of hemostats.  Then, rather than trying to wrap the doubled end of the line around the main line, simply rotate (spin) the hemostats with one hand (left, if you are right-handed) while holding the main line and tag ends secure in your right hand.  Do this carefully, with a bit of tension on the line, as this will produce very uniform wrapping of the line, for a strong and neat knot.
• Pay special attention to making the wraps or turns of the line neat and uniform when tying your knots.  This takes practice -- don't get discouraged!  With practice, you'll soon be a pro!  Neat, uniformly tied knots are the strongest, and will not slip or fail!  A hastily tied, sloppy knot can result in the loss of a big fish, and a poor presentation.  Little things like this mean a lot to your success!
• When you have tied your knot, and are about to pull it tight, moisten the line.  This is REALLY IMPORTANT!  It keeps the line from being abraided (leading to line breakage and knot failure), and also is key to tying a neat, uniform knot.  The most convenient way to moisten the line is to lick the line or just put it in your mouth for a moment.  It may sound a bit disgusting, but think of it like licking a postage stamp -- something people do all the time!  Be careful when holding hooks, snap swivels, and lures around your mouth!
• When the knot is tight, cut the tag ends close!  This knot won't slip, so short tag ends won't get pulled loose.
• I like to keep a pair of hemostats (locking medical pliers) handy for holding small hooks and snap-swivels.  They are also excellent for removing hooks from fish, and for sorting out tangles.  For extra convenience, attach a pair of fingernail clippers to one of the finger holes on the hemostats.  This is a great tool for precision trimming of tag ends, or in cutting line.
• Never cut line by biting it with your teeth!  It's surprising, but it's easy to chip or break a tooth this way!  Use line nippers or fingernail clippers to cut lines instead!

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