Four Fishing Knots

Before the meeting: 

1. Collect needed supplies. Cut fishing line into 1-foot pieces, enough for each Cub Scout to have line to tie two knots. 
2. Become familiar with fishing knots by reading the Scout Life article “8 Fishing Knots to Know.” 
3. Practice tying an improved clinch knot, a Palomar knot, a Surgeon’s knot, and a Turle knot so you can show Cub Scouts.  
4. Set up meeting space for Cub Scouts to have room to tie their knots.  

During the meeting: 

1. Explain to Cub Scouts they will be learning how to tie two fishing knots.  Explain that the small washers will represent the eye of the hook for this practice. 
2. Pass out fishing line and washers to Cub Scouts. 
3. Demonstrate how to tie an improved clinch knot: 
   • Run the end of the line through the eye of the washer, double the line back, and make six twists around the standing part (the long part of the line).  
   • Run the end of the line through the small loop where the line joins the eye of the washer and then back through the large loop you just formed.  
   • Partially close the knot and moisten it a little with water before securing it tightly against the eye of the washer. Cut off the short (tag) end of the line. 
4. Have Cub Scout practice tying an improved clinch knot. 
5. Demonstrate how to tie a Palomar knot: 
   • Double the line to make a 4- to 6-inch loop, then pass the end of the loop through the eye of the washer.  
   • Tie a loose overhand knot in the doubled line.  
   • Pass the washer through the loop and pull on the doubled line to tighten the knot, guiding the loop over the top of the eye of the washer.  
   • Cut off the short (tag) end of the line. 
6. Have Cub Scout practice tying a Palomar knot. 
7. Demonstrate how to tie a Surgeon’s knot: 
   • Lay the line and leader on top of one another, overlapping each other by several inches, and form a simple loop.  
   • Pass both the tag end and the entire leader through the loop.  
   • Pass both the tag end and the entire leader through the loop a second time. 
   • Moisten knot and pull all four ends tight. Cut off the short (tag) end of the line.   
8. Have Cub Scout practice tying a surgeon’s knot. 
9. Demonstrate how to tie a Turle knot: 
   • Pass the line through the eye of the washer and make a loop. 
   • Make a smaller loop and wrap the end around it twice. 
   • Hold the bigger loop and pull the end to tighten. 
   • Take the bigger loop around the washer. 
   • Pull the standing part (the long part of the line) to tighten the knot. 
   • Cut off the short (tag) end of the line. 
10. Have Cub Scout practice tying a Turle knot. 
11. Ask Cub Scouts which knot they would like to use on their fishing trip.

Tip: Many knot tying apps have visual demonstrations to help from different viewpoints.