The Rapala Knot - No Swivels, No Snaps

2026-09-22 • Category: fishing • Tags: #fishing, #baitcasting, #rapala, #flyfishing, #knots

I like to keep things simple when fishing. That is why I don't use swivels or snaps when fishing with spoons and flies. Instead, I tie them directly to my fluorocarbon leader using the Rapala knot.

Rapala fly

The Rapala knot is probably best known for attaching hard lures, but I also use it for spoons and flies. For me, the main reason is not that it is particularly complicated or somehow magical. It simply gives the lure a little more freedom.

The knot creates a small, free loop around the eye of the lure. The eye can move inside this loop instead of being locked directly into the knot. This allows the spoon to swing from side to side and gives flies a little more freedom to move in the water.

It is a small detail, but when you are fishing without snaps or swivels, it makes a lot of sense.

How to tie the Rapala knot

1. Make a small loop

Make a small loop in your fluorocarbon leader. Don't tighten it. I usually make it around 5–10 mm in diameter.

2. Go through the lure eye

Pass the free end of the fluorocarbon through the eye of your spoon or fly.

3. Back through the loop

Now bring the free end back and pass it through the original loop, keeping it parallel to the main line.

Pull about 5 cm of the free end through the loop. You need this extra length for the wraps.

4. Wrap it around the main line

Take the free end and wrap it four times around the main line.

Try to keep the wraps neat and next to each other. There is no need to make this more complicated than it is.

5. Back through the loop again

Now take the free end and pass it back through the loop.

The knot is ready to be tightened.

6. Tighten it

Wet the line and slowly pull the knot tight.

Keep an eye on the small loop around the lure eye. Don't pull it completely closed. The whole point of the Rapala knot is that the lure eye remains free to move inside this loop.