What are your guys favorite, most reliable knots to use?

I keep it simple ... Improved clinch knot for all lures/hooks. Blood knot for any line to line connections. Works for me. Palomar knot is very popular also. With any knot, it's important to tie it correctly. I have had bad luck with palomar knots but I thin it's because I don't know how to cinch it just right.

Is the improved cinch knot the same as a trilene knot, if not where can I get instructions on how to tie it? thanks

No, trilene knot is something else. I didn't like the trilene knot at all. Just search google.com for "Improved Clinch Knot" I'm sure you can find some diagrams.

Depending on what mood I'm in I'll either tie a san diego knot or an improved clinch knot. I like the san diego knot because it's sort of like a clinch knot, but it doesn't seem to give as much when you pull on it. It's just solid. For line to line connections, I have had the worst luck with the blood knot no matter how perfectly I try to tie it, so I use uni to uni. I've done much better with that one.
-Brian

I use the Trilene knoe on line smaller than 14lb. and the Palomar on 17# and up. I once tied a Trilene knot with 30# Maxima and the knot did more slipping than I thought it should, so nothing but the Palomar for trout lures for me.

I prefer the improved cinch knot when fishing for smaller varieties of fish or when I'm in a hurry.

For the larger models I would recommend the san diego knot. The san diego knot is the best knot in my oppinion but does require a bit more time and effort to get right.

For line to line connections I use a blood knot primarily but at times use a double surgens knot.

Here are a couple links to fishing knot sites:

http://www.fish4fun.com/knots.htm
http://www.ao.net/~nautbob/fishknot.html
http://www.marinews.com/fishing/fk_main.htm

Dave(Outrage)

pick up a copy of the california tide tables at your local bait and tackle. it usually has a page dedicated to knots in the back.also
berkely trilene spool packages have a sheet of paper with knot diagrams inside. Kmart carries a line of fishing info sheets (laminated plastic) that includes assorted knots.
good luck,dbajimbo

i use to use the clinch knot, had some bad luck with it, I love the palomr knot, 95% of the time thats what I use

fishtrax_65

Line to hook- Improved clinch knot
Line to line- Blood knot
I've done good with these knots and rarley break off a fish. When I get snagged and have to break off, the break never seems to be at the knot. I always wet the knot with saliva before I pull it tight. I think it reduces friction.

I agree that the San Diego knot is best for hooks, swivels. But... it's all in how ya hold the hook & line. I first learned the SD in the 70's but abandoned it because it seemed complicated. JK on the Vagabond showed us how to tie it. He held the hook & loops a little differently than I was originally taught. With a little practice it is quick & easy. It's all I use now.

Most reliable line splice would be to double both lines (Bimini or Aussie braid) and uni to uni. Blood knot is more compact. Lately I've been experimenting with the Bristol knot on lighter lines. I'll get back to ya... :)

Fishslayer