Trilene Knot
Trilene Knot
Developed by Berkley for their Trilene monofilament, this knot's double pass through the hook eye distributes stress across two contact points — giving it superior strength over the standard Clinch on monofilament.
Video by Sport Fishing Report on YouTube
About the Trilene Knot
The Trilene Knot's defining feature is threading the line through the hook eye twice before making the wraps. This double contact at the eye distributes load across a larger surface area, reducing the stress concentration that causes most knot failures on monofilament line.
In testing the Trilene Knot consistently outperforms the standard Improved Clinch on monofilament by 5 to 10%, making it a worthwhile upgrade for anglers fishing mono who want extra insurance on the connection.
Best Used For
Ideal applications
- ✓ Monofilament to hooks, lures, swivels
- ✓ General freshwater fishing
- ✓ Bass and walleye applications
- ✓ Light to medium saltwater
Not ideal for
- ✗ Braided line — double-thread through eye is difficult
- ✗ Very small hook eyes where double-threading is impossible
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these 5 steps to tie the Trilene Knot. Watch the video above while following along.
Step 1: Double-thread through the eye
Pass the tag end through the hook eye, then bring it back and pass through the eye a second time in the same direction. You now have two loops of line at the eye.
Step 2: Keep the double loop open
Leave the double loop at the eye open and parallel. Hold it pinched between thumb and forefinger. It must stay open for the final step.
Step 3: Make 5 wraps around the standing line
Wrap the tag end around the standing line 5 times working away from the hook. Keep wraps even and touching.
Step 4: Thread back through the double loop
Pass the tag end back through both loops at the hook eye — threading through the entire double loop you kept open in step 2.
Step 5: Wet and tighten
Wet thoroughly. Pull the standing line while holding the hook to seat the wraps against the eye. Trim tag end to 1/8 inch.
Pro Tips
- Thread through the eye twice in the same direction
- Keep both strands at the eye parallel — do not cross them
- 5 to 6 wraps for most applications
- Engineered specifically for monofilament — the ideal mono terminal knot
Common Mistakes
- Only threading through once — defeats the purpose
- Crossing the double loop at the eye — keep strands parallel
- Too few wraps — use 5 to 6