When going fishing, making a solid join for your lure and line is essential for a successful catch. Two methods to make a join are a knot and a crimp, which ensures the line stronger and effective in their own ways.
There are differences between fishing crimps vs knots; here are some.
| Crimps | Knots | |
| Solid connection | Yes | Yes |
| Execution | Simple | Complex |
| Price | Expensive | Cheap |
| Ideal for | Heavy and saltwater lines | Fly fishing and braided lines |
Page Contents
What Are Crimps?
Crimping a fishing line inserted in a metal sleeve, creating a secured loop. Sleeves are made from metal like brass, copper, or aluminum. There are three available crimp sleeves round, oval, and double barrel.
- Round sections are used for lightweight fishing
- Oval sections are used for heavy lines and long-line fishing
- Double barrel sections are also used in long-line fishing and provide a more secure crimp but cost more than the oval section.
What Are Knots?
Securing the fishing line by making a knot requires some techniques to create a fixed knot connecting the line with the lure. Knots come in different styles depending on the weight of the line and hook to ensure it won’t unravel.
What Separates Crimps vs. Knots?
There are a few factors that differentiate these two. And by comparing them head to head, you will know which will work best for the type of fish you catch.
1. Connections Strength
Measures the strength of the crimp or knot withstanding the wind, casting, and fish pulling from the line.
Crimps create a strong bond for thick lines and are suited for heavy and saltwater lines to secure the lure and bait while the fish thrashes. There are several crimp sizes for fishing, depending on your line type.
Knots provide a good bond for thin lines and are suitable for fly fishing and braided lines. The strongest fishing knot can secure the connection without compromising the line’s integrity.
2. Durability
Determining how reliable the link is, avoiding failing when catching fish, and how robust the construction is with your rig.
Crimping braided fishing lines are made from metals like copper, brass, and aluminum, able to withstand corrosion and sun damage. A solid crimp provides a reliable connection between line, lure, hook, and bait.
A strong knot, like the Palomar knot, provides a secure connection on the line without using any additional materials.
3. Fishing Line Type
Determines what type of line suits each application, as several fishing lines are in the market for catching fish of different sizes.
Knots are suitable for small lines used in fly fishing as they provide a secured join without adding bulk to the fishing line. Braided fishing lines are best knotted for a sleek profile.
Here are some fishing knot examples you can try out:
Crimps are excellent with heavy lines as it adds weight, and the fishing line is thick enough to accept the metal sleeve. Fishing lines like fluorocarbon, nylon monofilament crimps, and wires are best crimped.
Here’s a simple size chart to follow when buying crimps:
| Length | Inner diameter (mm) | Outer diameter (mm) | Wall thickness (mm) |
| 10mm | 0.6 | 1.0 | 0.2 |
| 0.8 | 1.2 | 0.22 | |
| 1.0 | 1.5 | 0.22 | |
| 9mm | 1.2 | 1.7 | 0.22 |
| 1.4 | 1.9 | 0.25 | |
| 1.6 | 2.1 | 0.25 | |
| 1.8 | 2.3 | 0.25 | |
| 8mm | 2.0 | 2.5 | 0.25 |
| 2.2 | 2.7 | 0.25 | |
| 2.4 | 2.9 | 0.25 |
4. Fish Size
We learn what size of fish requires you to use a knot or a crimp to connect your line to your lure or hook.
Long-line fishing requires a crimp fishing line, as it strongly connects to the lure enabling anglers to catch big-mouth fish in fresh and salt waters. There are various crimp sizes for fishing.
Fly fishers prefer knots because they are light and do not stress the fishing line. With a little technique, a knot adds flare to the lure, making it stand out underwater for small-mouth and freshwater fishes.
5. Cost
Affordability is crucial to any fishing tackle; many may sacrifice quality over quantity. However, having both quality equipment at a reasonable price is better.
Metal crimp sleeves are expensive, made from copper and brass, and coated with a special rust-resistant coating.
Meanwhile, knots are free as it only uses the fishing line to create a secure connection with the lure. You will only invest in a few tools, which goes a long way.
6. Pros and Cons
As we compare knots and crimps, we now establish their weakness and strengths, as seen below.
Knots
- Good for thin and braided lines
- Lightweight
- Aesthetically pleasing
- It Takes time to perfect
- Not suitable for heavy lines
- Easy to unravel
Crimps
- Excellent for thick fishing lines
- Provides a reliable connection
- Suitable saltwater fishing
- Easy to use
- Unsuited for thin fishing lines
- Expensive
- Not recommended for small fish.
Which Do We Prefer?
Knots are affordable and lightweight, preferable for fishing small-mouth fish and fly fishing with their unique use of the fishing line.
Crimps are reliable for long-line fishing and saltwater against the waves, currents, and big fish. Its weight is an advantage in open ocean fishing and is rust-resistant.
Conclusion
To Crimp, Or Knot?
Choosing from fishing crimps vs knots is crucial to a successful catch depending on the rig, location, and type of fish when connecting fishing lines, lures, and bait. Knowing what to use comes with the experience and preference of the angler.
Hi, I’m Thomas Kirk. As someone who loves fishing, I am here to offer everyone help on all aspects of angling, whether it’s preparing live bait or determining when to crank in a fish. As you go through the guides here, feel free to let us know your thoughts and any topics you want to learn more about.