The Kreh loop knot is a popular, strong, and reliable knot commonly used by anglers to create a loop at the end of braided fishing line. This loop provides increased lure or bait action, allowing it to move more freely in the water compared to knots that cinch the lure tightly. Tying a Kreh loop knot with braided line is especially useful because it preserves the line’s strength and flexibility, making it ideal for many fishing techniques. Before you start, it’s helpful to have a clean piece of braided line and some practice patience, as the knot requires precise steps to ensure it holds well.
What You’ll Need
- Braided fishing line (cut to your desired length)
- Your lure, swivel, or terminal tackle
- Scissors or line clippers to trim excess line
- Optional: A small amount of water or saliva to lubricate the knot during tightening
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Step-by-Step
- Form the initial loop: Take the end of your braided line and create a loop by doubling back about 8 to 10 inches of line. The size of this loop will determine how much freedom your lure or bait has, so adjust accordingly.
- Make the first wrap: Hold the loop between your thumb and forefinger. With the tag end (the short end), wrap it around the doubled line and the standing line (the long portion leading to your rod) 5 to 7 times. For braided line, 5 wraps are typically sufficient due to its slick texture, but you can add more for extra security.
- Pass the tag end through the loop: After completing the wraps, thread the tag end back through the initial loop you formed in step 1. Make sure the tag end goes through cleanly without twisting the wraps.
- Wet the knot: Before tightening, moisten the knot with water or saliva. This reduces friction and helps the knot cinch down smoothly without damaging the braided fibers.
- Tighten the knot slowly: Pull on the standing line while holding the tag end gently to snug the wraps down evenly. The coils should tighten neatly around the doubled line without overlapping or bunching.
- Secure the loop size: Adjust the size of the loop by pulling the tag end or standing line until the loop is the desired size. The Kreh loop knot is designed to maintain a consistent loop size, so make this adjustment carefully before fully tightening.
- Tighten everything firmly: Once the loop size is set, pull both the standing line and tag end firmly to lock the knot in place. The knot should feel tight and secure.
- Trim the tag end: Use scissors or clippers to trim the excess tag end close to the knot, leaving about 1/8 inch to prevent slippage.
- Test the knot: Give the loop a firm tug to ensure it holds well and does not slip. If the knot loosens or slips, retie it following the steps carefully.
Common Mistakes
- Using too few wraps: Braided line is slick, so fewer wraps can cause the knot to slip. Aim for at least 5 wraps.
- Not wetting the knot: Dry knots can burn or weaken the line during tightening, leading to failure.
- Uneven or overlapping wraps: Wrap coils should lay neatly side by side; overlapping causes weak spots.
- Pulling too hard too fast: Sudden force can cause the knot to tangle or damage the line.
- Trimming the tag end too short: Leaving no tag end risks slippage; leave a small tail.
- Incorrect loop size adjustment: Setting the loop too small or too large can affect lure action or knot security.
Tips
- Practice with scrap line: Before using your main line, practice tying the knot on spare braided line to build muscle memory.
- Use a magnifying glass or good light: Braided line is thin and can be tricky to handle; good lighting helps see wraps clearly.
- Keep tension consistent: Maintain steady, even tension while wrapping and tightening to get a neat, strong knot.
- Lubricate well: Always moisten the knot before tightening to avoid friction damage.
- Adjust loop size before final tightening: The Kreh loop knot is easy to adjust before locking down, so take your time.
- Inspect your knot before fishing: Check for any gaps, overlaps, or loose wraps that could compromise strength.
Troubleshooting
If your Kreh loop knot isn’t holding or slips, first check if you used enough wraps. Adding an extra wrap or two usually solves slippage with braided line. If the wraps are uneven or overlapping, untie and retie the knot carefully, ensuring neat coils. Sometimes the line may be too slick or dirty; rinsing your line and drying it can help. If the knot tightens unevenly or bunches, try loosening and retightening slowly while keeping tension on both tag end and standing line.
In cases where the loop size isn’t holding, make sure you adjust the loop before the final tightening. Once fully tightened, the loop size is fixed, so retying may be necessary to get the perfect size. If the tag end is trimmed too short and the knot slips, retie the knot leaving a longer tail.
For anglers new to braided line, the slick texture can cause frustration. Using a small amount of beeswax or knot-tying lubricant (available at fishing stores) can add grip and ease the process. Avoid excessive force or rushing, as braided line knots require patience to tie correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use the Kreh loop knot with monofilament or fluorocarbon line?
- Yes, but the Kreh loop knot is especially advantageous with braided line due to its slickness. With monofilament or fluorocarbon, fewer wraps may be needed.
- How big should the loop be?
- The loop size depends on your lure or bait. Generally, 1 to 2 inches is common, allowing free movement without snagging.
- Is the Kreh loop knot strong enough for big game fishing?
- Yes, when tied correctly, the Kreh loop knot maintains nearly 100% of the line’s strength and is reliable for large fish.
- Should I wet the knot if I’m using braided line?
- Absolutely. Wetting the knot reduces friction and prevents damage to the braided fibers during tightening.
- How many wraps are best for braided line?
- Typically, 5 to 7 wraps provide a secure hold on braided line due to its slick surface.
- What do I do if the knot slips after tying?
- Retie the knot ensuring more wraps, proper wetting, and neat coil arrangement. Leaving a longer tag end also helps prevent slippage.
Mastering the Kreh loop knot with braided line enhances your fishing setup by providing a strong, flexible, and easy-to-tie loop that improves lure action and overall line performance. With careful attention to each step and some practice, you’ll be able to tie this knot quickly and confidently for any fishing situation.
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