9 Best Fishing Knot Tying Tool
Carla Arbuckle
There are a few things every angler should know a thing or two when it comes to fishing to be successful: the combination of equipment, fishing locations, and some pivotal fishing line knots.
9 Best Fishing Knot Tying Tool
1. HOOK-EZE Fishing Gear Knot Tying Tool
2. SF Fly Fishing Zinger Knot Tying Tool
3. SAMSFX Quick Nail Knot Tying Tool
4. Lake Products THREE-in-One Knot Tying Tool
5. TYEPRO Fishing Knot Tying Tool
6. Tie-Fast Combo Tool
7. TQUNION Easy Fish Hook Remover With Fishing Quick Knot Tying Tool 4 in 1 Fly Line Clippers with Retractor Combo Kit
8. SF Fly Fishing Zinger Knot Tying Tool
9. SAMSFX Fishing Line and Hook Knot Tying Tool Kit
HOOK-EZE Fishing Gear Knot Tying Tool
The HOOK-EZE knot tying tool will help you tie your fishing lines like a professional. This knot tying tool is a single tool built with a stainless steel line cutter that makes it suitable for saltwater and freshwater fishing. Whether connecting from line-to-leader or line-to-line, the HOOK-EZE works perfectly well.
This knot tying tool will make your life easier -- whether tying Yucatan knots, FG knots, and blood knots. The device also swivels to create uniform loops, so you'll never have to worry about Bimini twists again.
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Very safe to use
Cons
- Just a tiny bit too expensive for what it's actually worth
Our Take
At the end of the day, convenience is what matters. So putting few more bucks into that accessory investment may become more beneficial than you might think. Such is partially the case for the HOOK-EZE Fishing Gear Knot Tying Tool. It is simple, robust, but just teeny bit more expensive than you might hope for.
What I instantly noticed when using this knot tying tool is that I don’t have to hold it very tight. Oftentimes you have the hassle of wrangling the fishing line to the tool just a little in order to get the loop across. Which can potentially be a bit dangerous actually, given that your forced grip could slide done onto the hook itself.
Another good thing I found out about this product, is that the hook is completely inside the plastic casing when you’re tying the knot. Remember that earlier statement about sliding down the hook? Yeah, forget about that. The scenario has zero percent chance of happening for this particular product.
Anyway, my main gripe about this product is that the plastic DOES NOT feel premium at all. I wouldn’t say cheap, but it certainly does not reflect the amount that is charged for this knot tying tool. I feel like this could go several bucks lower given how simple the mechanism is, and how relatively cheap the materials seem to be. I don’t remember HOOK-EZE being that of a premium brand either, so the price just boggles me.
In any case, if you don’t mind the slightly steep price of the HOOK-EZE Fishing Gear Knot Tying Tool, then you’re welcome to use its convenience-in-a-snap-case. Just remember the small tab inside the casing if you’re having difficulty opening the tool!
SF Fly Fishing Zinger Knot Tying Tool
A four-in-one tool, the SF Fly Fishing Zinger Knot Tying Tool combines the features of the oval and circular retractor, measuring tape zinger, and nipper. This knot tying tool is built with durable stainless steel that is very lightweight and handy -- aiding all your knot tying needs. It also functions as a line knot picker, a hook sharpener, jig eye cleaner, and line clipper. The SF Fly Fishing Zinger Knot Tying Tool additional features are held by a D-ring and attached to a retractable zinger to keep every in place.
Pros
- Multi-purpose tool
- Great quality and finish
Cons
- Optimized for fly fishing
Our Take
SF Fly Fishing Zinger Knot Tying Tool EZ Knot Tyer ain’t no fishing Swiss knife, but it sure feels like one. If you ever got the feeling that you’d want a multi-purpose compound tool that can tie fishing knots as starters, then you have come to the right place.
First of all, let me just praise the quality of this product. True, this most likely is not the best of the best, but that metallic matte/non-reflective finish for all of its color variants just makes it look awesome. I know, this isn’t part of what you’d assess for a knot tying tool, but I feel like it is still worth mentioning.
Now, for the main course. There are four main tools that are integrated into this knot tying tool. Aside from the knot tying portion, of course, there’s a hook sharpener, a hook eye cleaner, and a line cutter. Because of the good quality, build, and finish of the metal used for the product, all of these tools perform admirably.
I mean, something a simple as a hand-pressed cutter can be efficiently used to precisely cut your lines where you need it. Heck, the side-swinging 1.57-inch hook sharpener doesn’t even feel like it should work. But it strangely does.
Just a word of caution though. This particular product is meant for fly fishing. If you intend to use this knot tying tool for somewhat lighter fishing lines, it could work, but we do not guarantee as I never tested it for that purpose.
But if you do intend to use the SF Fly Fishing Zinger Knot Tying Tool EZ Knot Tyer for fly fishing, then it is the tool for you. Best it ain’t, but it is more than enough to suit your line needs.
SAMSFX Quick Nail Knot Tying Tool
The SAMSFX kit comes with two separate tools: one for the loops and the other for nail knots. Its made of durable plastic weighing 3.5 grams and measures 5.5 X 0.6 inches, giving you light and handy appearance to quickly create uniform loops.
This knot tying tool is an all-arounder, specifically built to help you in multiple tasks. This kit offers all the support you need to tie your hook, leader, lure, and other lines.
The SAMSFX kit includes a hook remover that can help you to remove the hook from your catch safely and efficiently. It also has a nail knot tool that measures approximately 10 cm long. Colors available are black, silver, and gold.
Pros
- Superb performance when you learn how to use
- Made of good quality, sturdy steel
- Yellow plastic tool for fast unhooking
Cons
- Might seem a bit inferior to more complex knot tying tools out there
Our Take
Not sure about multi-component knot tying tools? Not satisfied with spending extra for other integrated tools you might not even use? Then take a single pointy metal thing instead! No really, the SAMSFX Quick Nail Knot Tying Tool is the simplest tool that you can tie knots with using a lot of steps.
Oops, I might have just revealed that one too early. But before I confirm that, let’s look on the bright side first. What’s great about this tool is that the structures inside the tool allow easy multi “micro” looping without the hook being put out of place. I mean, there are other tools that can do that more conveniently. But with a single pointy thing? You’re not going wrong with this.
Though yeah, just like what I hinted at the beginning of this review, the number of steps needed to tie the knot using this tool can diminish the benefits it can offer. It takes practice even, and probably a few YouTube tutorials to complete. Which means you are not getting the best out of this tool right out of the box. Minor complaint? I don’t think so.
Then again, I suppose that it does make knot tying so much easier once you get through the hoops (pun intended). The only thing that you have to think about is its price, which is not that hard given its relatively cheap cost compared to other alternatives.
To summarize, if you can practice using this tool, which only takes a short time actually, then it is one of the most recommended knot tying tools out there. If your other choice have more “integrated” systems for easier knot tying, then you’ll have to make your budget decide.
Lake Products THREE-in-One Knot Tying Tool
The Lake Products THREE-in-One Knot Tying Tool for Fly Fishing is manufactured with pristine accuracy, designed to grip target fishing lines with damaging them. As suggested by the product name, it is for fly fishing, and thus only far lighter lines are recommended for use.
At its base is a very strong stainless steel up and down action spring, and as such, the head and loop will never rust or corrode. In addition, it is designed around with very hard polyoxymethylene to meet the sturdiness yet lightweight standards necessary to create an effective fish knot tying tool.
As an added convenience bonus, the tool itself is made to easily clip onto clothing. You have easy access to the tool, whatever and however you are doing during your sessions.
Pros
- Clips onto shirt!
- Simple, easy to use
- Solid and reliable
Cons
- Not so straightforward as it seems
- Simple, easy to use... if you practice.
Our Take
We’ve seen at least two fish knot tying designs that are usually available to the market. You have the generic multi-tool type, and the more specific mechanism types. The Lake Products THREE-in-One Knot Tying Tool is kinda a mix of both, with simple, but effective usage advantages that overlap each other.
First off, the magnetic eye threading feature. This is designed to keep your fly, hook, or popper steady for the fixed line to insert itself properly before looping. This isn’t as straightforward as other mechanical knot tying tools, but like I said, it’s also a multi-tool so the user still has half the manual action to do it.
While catching the line to knot and loop around the hook takes some extra steps, the motion is done with more efficiency. It’s just a matter of placing the line around the thicker edge after inserting it, opening and closing the top to grip the ends of the line together, and just pulling till the knot forms and tightens.
The cardboard seal on the box says that this tool is optimized for users with stiff fingers. I don’t actually have fingers that are that stiff, but I can say it does live up to this design to an extent. I would expect this to be used effectively even by older enthusiasts, who may no longer have fingers as dexterous as the slightly younger we.
Despite its straightforward use, I have to admit that it may also have a few weaknesses in its application. Opening and closing the top grip, for example, requires pressing on the plunger part and affixing both ends of the line at the same time.
But all in all, the benefits still outweigh the inconveniences. It’s a simple tool that might take some practice to use unlike a more mechanical knot tying tools, but it is a great asset once you learn the hoops (pun intended). Clips onto your shirt too!
TYEPRO Fishing Knot Tying Tool
The TYEPRO Fishing Knot Tying Tool is designed to provide assistance to the not-so dexterous, and to those who are having technical difficulties tying knots in not-so stable spots like boats. Its sturdy spring handle is made to provide a firm grip, especially when using them on rockier waters, or when angling in lower lighting conditions.
Included in the item is an O-ring that increases total grip force and a stainless steel line cutter. It also includes a detachable lanyard so you can wear and access the tool whatever you are doing.
It is advertised to both thread and ties a wide variety of different hooks, lures, and especially jigs.
Pros
- Integrated-purpose tool
- Passing the line so much easier than other tools
Cons
- Strictly NOT for larger hooks and jigs
Our Take
One consistent thing about mechanical or mechanical-ish knot tying tools is that they also find a way to firmly hold your hook, lure, sinker, or jig in place. Not that I mind, but just something that I observe a lot, and you shall see them again in the TYEPRO Fishing Knot Tying Tool.
Usage is pretty straightforward. The manual has specific instructions, but when you can understand what to do by just looking at the pictures, then it speaks for its intuitiveness.
That being said, the need to still manually loop and tighten does feel a bit odd. You’d thought that such tool would already provide the mechanically optimized means to tighten the knot.
Having most of the tools for the lines needed also means that you get to cute the line conveniently after knotting just like other multi-tool fishing knot tying tools. I did not exactly needed to use the O-ring, but I guess it would have been convenient if your hands can’t grip as tight as you normally could.
Now for the big bummer. As you may have surmised from that hook gripping part at the tip, the TYEPRO Fishing Knot Tying Tool does not exactly live up to the advertised “both threading AND tying hooks, jigs, and lures”. Sure, there is a size chart provided by the product for you to know which is which. But beware if you’re planning to use bigger jigs and hooks, as you may not be able to pass the line multiple times properly.
Nonetheless, if you don’t plan on using larger jigs and hooks, then this tool might be of convenient use for you. Something that you can use intuitively use out-of-the-plastic without the hassle of “mastering” its features.
Tie-Fast Combo Tool
The Tie-Fast Combo Tool is a four-in-one multi-purpose fishing knot tying tool that is built to pass lines using a wide variety of knots. It is made from stainless steel, with a non-reflective, almost matte-like finish, and has a form factor compact enough to be placed on any kit, or even in your pocket.
Multi-tools include the primary knot tyer, line clipper, eye cleaner, and hook sharpener. The product includes full instructions on how to efficiently use each tool within its manual.
Pros
- Multi-purpose tool
- Superb durability
Cons
- Cutter/Nipper is quite mediocre
Our Take
Why is it that all Swiss-knife style multi-purpose knot tying tools always have that non-reflective metallic finish? Not exactly sure why separate manufacturers of similarly designed products agreed to do so. In any case, the Tie-Fast Combo Tool will pretty much have the same review function-wise.
The knot tyer and hook eye cleaner are on the same part of the tool as usual, with the cutter at the opposite end. The sharpener swivels outward, giving the user a perpendicular angle where the hooks can be sharpened with relative efficiency.
This… simply works. This setup allows for certain knots to be tied with very convenient precision, such as snell knots, because of the way each tool is located and designed. It does take some practice to use it efficiently, but I think the “learning curve” (if you can technically call it that) is much faster on this type of tool configuration than other more specific tools.
Well, I guess it goes the same for other products that have a similar build.
What doesn’t work… are the cutters. Well, they work, but they don’t really work that well. For something that is built as an all-purpose tool, this is a rather big negative, and possibly a deal-breaker for some potential buyers. Sure you can bring another cutter, but that technically negates about 25% of the overall efficiency of the product.
Despite that, the rest of the components work very well. They’re not perfect, but it is very serviceable to the point of minimum absolute convenience, which is to say it’s great for standard, non-specialty use.
TQUNION Easy Fish Hook Remover With Fishing Quick Knot Tying Tool 4 in 1 Fly Line Clippers with Retractor Combo Kit
The TQUNION Easy Fish Hook Remover is a fishing hook cancellation and flying line quick knotting tool and a 4-in-1 quick knot knotter and wire cutters with an ergonomic plastic handle that perfectly fit your palm. The quick knotter tool is made with durable 420 stainless steel, while the fishing hook remover is made with aluminum. The product is designed for efficient single hand use and is able to remove most of the hooks even the deep embedded hooks with less harm to the fish that allows an angler to release fish to water without damage. Fishing Hook Remover Tool comes in three different colors - silver, red, and black.
Pros
- Comes with both a hook remover and a knot tying tool
- Best for single-hand use
- Very affordable
Cons
- The shaft could be a little longer
Our Take
The TQUNION Easy Fish Hook Remover is a set of tools that will help you tie knots and unhook fishes with ease and precision. The first of the tools is the fishing hook remover tool, which is designed for unhooking fishes fast and easy. I was impressed by how easy it is to maneuver this tool. It has precise measurements that reduce the damage to a fish. It also minimizes the deaths of fishes that are unhooked.
It has an ergonomic plastic handle that can fit your palm perfectly, making it great for single-hand use. When used, the hook remover will keep your fingers away from the hooks, so you don't have to worry about unhooking fishes with sharp teeth like snapper or a trout.
Meanwhile, the 4-in-1 Quick Ligation Tool is also perfect even for beginners. It is very easy to use and has a perfect size for portability and accessibility during your fishing trip. For a price tag of $13.99, this kit is definitely worth it!
SF Fly Fishing Zinger Knot Tying Tool
The SF Fly Fishing Zinger Knot Tying Tool is a four-in-one package that combines the features of the oval retractor, circular retractor, measuring tape zinger, and nipper. The four tools are designed to fit into a very small and compact tool that makes it easier to carry anywhere you go. The tool can also be used as a hook sharpener, line clippers, jig eye cleaner/line knot picker, and knot tier combo, D-ring use for easy attachment. It is also great for clear hook eyes, trimming line, honing hooks, and a nail knot tying tool. Made with durable stainless steel material, this tool is very lightweight, weighing only 1.20 oz and can easily fit into a pocket.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Has four-in-one purpose
- Very lightweight
- Good customer support
Cons
- Not very durable; made with thin materials
- The rivets may come off completely when swiveled
Our Take
The SF Fly Fishing Zinger Knot Tying Tool is definitely a well made handy piece of gear. All parts were in working condition. The clippers are made for lighter lines associated with a tapered fly leader. No problems when cutting the 1X line. The nail knot worked as expected. The needle for cleaning out the fly hooks works great, and the round piece protects you from inadvertently sticking your fingers.
I also like the way that the hook sharpener is not just a piece of sandpaper glued onto the flat piece. All in all, this four-in-one tool is great value, especially that it only costs around $7. And whenever you may have a problem with the tool, the makers have specialized in fishing tackle supplies for 16 years, and you can freely contact them for any bits of support that you might need with the product.
SAMSFX Fishing Line and Hook Knot Tying Tool Kit
The SAMSFX Fishing Line and Hook Knot Tying Tool Kit include four different fly fishing tools in one package. This consists of a quick nail knot tool, hook tier, loop tyer, and retractors, which meets more of your fly fishing needs in a single purchase. The fishing knot tying tool can tie your lines securely in a matter of minutes, so you don't have to worry about your knot coming undone, especially when tying nail knots. The hook tier is a brass multi-tool that is great for connecting fishing line to the hook and an essential knot tool for carp fishing and fly fishing. Also, the loop tyer is made of plastic that allows you to tie loop knots for hair rigs or hook lengths quickly. It can also be used as a hook remover for disgorging hooks. Lastly, the carabiner-style zinger with a gun-black zinc alloy frame and a retractable 24"/ 60CM nylon harness is perfect for a quick release hook.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Well-made
- Accurate measurements
- A lot of Youtube tutorials for beginners
Cons
- It needs a little practice to perfect the tool
- Can be hard to tie knots when used while in a rocking kayak
Our Take
The SAMSFX Fishing Line and Hook Knot Tying Tool Kit features a multifunction tool that has multiple uses. It can be used as a jig hook cleaner, hook tier, fast knot tying, and loop tyer. With its design and quality, it is the perfect tool to use in snelling hooks on leaders and for making double uni knots.
While at first, it might seem like this product is low-end, trying it for the first time made me realize that it is well-made. It has a nice lanyard, and it's burr-free. It's actually really helpful for those who are just starting to love the art of angling or even to those who have poor eyesight. However, you need a few practices to get a handle on tying a nail knot, but don't let that discourage you.
I promise, it's not the tool that you need to use forever; it's just teaching your fingers where the lines go and when/where to apply tension. Once you perfect this art and you have established your muscle memory, you will realize that this product is worth it.
On top of that, there are also multiple tutorial videos online that can help you maximize this product. With its very affordable price, this product should be in all anglers' toolbox!
