Blood Knot

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I use this knot when joining two monofilaments together, especially if they are different diameters. This is a knot that takes practice…
The secret to this knot is hand placement. It is important to anchor the mainlines in the palm of your hand with your small (pinky) finger. This will allow you to put some tension on the two lines for easy overlapping. You will find that if you try and join two different diameters of monofilament that are drastically different, they will not cinch to one another. This is because one of the lines is so much softer or thinner than the other. A good rule of thumb is they should not be more than two breaking strengths different. For example: you can join 6 lb Test to 10 lb Test, but you will have difficulty joining 6 lb Test to 12 lb Test.

Improved Clinch Knot

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This is an easy knot to learn. The improved clinch knot is the most commonly used knots for joining monofilament to hooks or lures.
With all knots, make sure you moisten the monofilament near the eye before pulling the line tight to reduce heat friction which will cause pre-mature breakdown.

Nail Knot

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There is no doubt that this knot can be frustrating. I would recommend not attempting this knot without a nail knot tool. Do not even attempt this knot using a nail or a tube. There are many companies that produce a great nail knot tool. The one I use is by Creek Company. It is a knot tying tool as well as line nipper and hook eye cleaner.
This knot is primarily used for joining your fly line to your backing on the reel.
I have used this knot in extreme circumstances, like joining a spectra fibre or fireline to a wire leader.
A word to the wise: Practice, practice and practice.

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