How to tie a Nail Knot for Game Fish Lures

WATCH angler Lyle Venske show the ultra-strong and fast variation of the nail knot for game fish lures

So much faster than the rapala knot for better play and natural movement on your lure – just mind the hooks when tying. East Rand game fish angler Lyle Venske shows the super-fast and super-strong offshore version of the nail knot for game fish lures and leaders:

WHAT IS THE NAIL KNOT?

Traditionally used in carp and fly fishing to join two lines together (line and leader) without a swivel, the nail knot is one of the strongest knots in the world. And offshore fishermen know that it has a unique property: the nail knot can slide a bit as you’re tying it. Which makes it a great alternative to the much more complicated rapala knot when tying speed pros and lures.

OFFSHORE: NAIL KNOT FOR GAME FISH LURES

Instead of tying two lines together, for games fish lures you use the nail knot to attach your hard bait to the leader, threading the line through the lure’s ring, then creating the knot and sliding it back until it’s just under a centimetre from the ring itself and pulling it tight to set.

It’s an insider tip that many of the top sport fishermen in the world use when targeting pelagic species and game fish.

WATCH: ANGLER LYLE VENSKE SHOWS HOW TO DO AN OFFSHORE NAIL KNOT

ABOUT LYLE

Lyle Venske is an East Rand Boat Fishing Club local. He lives in Benoni, where he’s very active in the local community and also an avid cyclist. But the boat fishing community knows him best as a family man and skilled game fish angler whom you’ll find more than a few times a year fishing along SA’s east coast, from Shelly Beach to St Lucia. 

Of course, he’s also often at the Southern Gauteng events, from the annual Rosebowl to Guinjata. And he knows his stuff when it comes to game fish.

WHY USE THE NAIL KNOT FOR GAME FISH LURES?

In his video, Lyle shows the main benefit of the nail knot: You create a small loop between the knot and the ring of the lure. This gives the lure more play in the water, creating a more natural movement.

In fact, it’s that exact property that you use the rapala knot for – the loop that gives the natural play in the water. But, after watching this video, you see how the nail knot is much simpler than the complex rapala version, but it’s just as strong.

ABOUT THE TIE-FAST KNOT TOOL

In this video, Lyle uses the Tie-Fast Knot Tool. And it really does make tying the nail knot super easy. (Without it, you’d have to use a small hollow cylinder to wind the line around and push it through.) Now, most tackle shops should have this tool in stock by now, but if you’re struggling to find it, try a freshwater or fly fishing store – they often keep them.

Otherwise, you can order it online here or from this shop.

Thanks for the awesome info and demo, Lyle!

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ABOUT THESE #NAUTITIPS

This fishing tips video is courtesy of the South African Deep Sea Angling Association (SADSAA) who, during March and April 2020 invited anglers from around the country to share their angling video tips. We’ll be releasing more every week. But you can also go and see the originals when you follow and share SADSAA’s Facebook page.

Also see SA game fish captain Shane Dennis’s tips for making a couta trace and billfish champ Henk du Plessis on how to rig halfbeak for sailfish. Also see how to make a proper wind-on leader and rigging skip bait for marlin.

Check out the entire collection of awesome video fishing tips.

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