Fishing Knot Terminology
Tag End- This is the end of your line (or leader) used to make the knot.
Standing End- This is the part of your line that is attached to the reel or backing and is opposite the tag end. When tying a knot this part of the line ‘stands’ still.
Backing Line- This is attached to the reel. Backing line is commonly used with braid to ‘fill’ up the spool. Braid has such a thin diameter it takes much more to fill a spool on its own. Putting mono as backing line saves using too much expensive line to fill a spool.
Breaking Strength – The amount of poundage pressure that it takes to break line, displayed in pounds.
Leader – A piece of line added to the standing line and then tied to a hook or lure. Anglers commonly tie fluorocarbon leaders onto braided line to lower visibility in clear waters.
Loop- A circle formed by placing the tag end over itself.
Bight- A section of line that is bent in a U-Shape.
Elbow- Created when an extra twist is added to a loop.
Wrap- A rotation made with the tag end of the line around the standing end.