Tying Line to a Reel Spool

• The knots most commonly used to tie a line to a reel spool are the overhand knot and the spool knot (also known as an arbor knot). These knots must be tied snug against the reel spool to properly wind the line.
  
  

Joining Fly to Other Types

• The needle knot can be used to join a solid monofilament line to fly line. Braided lines can be joined to a fly line by sliding the braided line over the fly line or by forming a braid loop.
  
  

Joining Fishing Line to Hooks and Lures

• A variety of knots can be used to connect a hook or lure to the fishing line. The best knot for this purpose will vary depending on the characteristics of the fishing line and the orientation of the hook eye. Common knots used for this purpose include the clinch knot, the spade-end whip, the turtle knot and the palomar knot.
  
  

Creating Loops

• Fishing line loops have many uses while fishing and can be invaluable in some instances. Such loops can be formed using knots such as the spider hitch and the end loop.
  
  

Joining Different Fishing Lines

• An angler can use various knots to join different fishing lines together. The best knot for a particular situation will depend on the respective sizes and compositions of the fishing lines at issue. The blood knot, nail knot and surgeon's knot are common examples.