With knots, we like to keep things simple at Tackle Village.
And when you come to tying a hook or lure when using monofilament or fluorocarbon line, there is no better and easier knot than the Pitzen Knot, or 16-20 Knot (it is also called the Eugene Bend).
Why?
- It retains more than 95% of the line’s breaking strain
- It is simple to tie and can be learned in a few minutes
- It can be tied in any condition – cold fingers, a rocking boat, or when you have spotted a big fish!
- Because it cinches up with a little ‘pop’ it is easy to tell when it is tied correctly
How Do You Tie the Pitzen Knot?
See below for Illustrated instructions on how to tie a hook (or a lure or fly) using the Pitzen Knot, as well as video instructions. Check here for some more great and simple fishing knots. Along with the FG Knot for braid to mono/fluoro connections, it is one of our favorite knots. For the best-looped connection in mono/fluoro, best to use the Non-Slip Loop Knot.
Tying the Pitzen Knot With Fluorocarbon Line
With fluorocarbon, which of course can be stiffer and more difficult to handle than monofilament lines, the Pitzen Knot really comes into its own.
The tying procedure is exactly the same and, as always, lubricate the knot before pulling it tight and listen/feel for that trademark “pop” as the coils slide into place.
Pitzen Knot Uses
The Pitzen Knot is most popular among fly anglers who are usually highly focused on knot strength because they are using fine tippets and leaders to fool wary fish such as trout.
In fact, several of its names were bestowed upon it by famous fly fishing identities. Edgar Pitzenbauer, whom it is named after, was a German angler. Fly fishing legend Lefty Kreh is said to have used the knot and given it the simple title the Fisherman’s Knot.
And the 16-20 Knot alias comes from a select group of anglers who used the knot to land a 16lb salmon on a #20 fly! Finally, the Eugene Bend name honors Ken Eugene from the San Jose Fly Casters Club.
