A fishing line, like a chain, is only as strong as its weakest spot. Often this is the knot.

Nylon monofilament (fishing line) has a number of bad habits. It is very smooth and slippery, it can cut itself if the knot isn't right, it tends to rot if exposed too often to sunlight and saltwater and it stretches under pressure. Some knots in fishing line simply pull out under pressure. Others can reduce the breaking strain of the line to less than half.

It isn't necessary to memorise dozens of knots. Select one good one and it will serve for 90 per cent of situations. Once you have chosen a knot, practise until you can tie it upside down, with your hands behind your back or wearing a blindfold!