Improved Blood Knot

Improved Blood Fishing Knot

If you already know how to tie a blood knot, you may be interested in learning when and how to tie improved version. As you learn how to fish and tie different fishing knots, it may be helpful to know the difference between the improved blood knot and the original version. The smaller diameter line or tippet is doubled when tying the improved version of this knot, making it an effective knot to use for lines that vary considerably in diameter.

If you have not learned how to tie the original version of this knot yet, it may be easier for you to learn that knot first and then build on your skills with this improved version. The improved version of this knot has become one of the most popular saltwater fly fishing knots for species like tarpon.

How to Tie an Improved Blood Knot

You can learn how to tie the improved blood knot by practicing the process a few times. Follow these step-by-step "blood knot fly fishing" instructions for the improved version.
 

1. Double four inches of the lighter line and cross it over the heavier line, leaving about four inches from the tag end.
2. Wind the doubled line over the heavier line three times, working away from the end where they initially crossed.
3. Bring the loop of the doubled line back to where it initially crossed the heavier line and place it just underneath the heavier line.
4. Wrap the heavier line three times around the standing end of the doubled line.
5. Pass the tag end of the heavier line through the same opening where the tag end of the doubled went through, but in the opposite direction.
6. Pull on both standing ends to tighten the knot and trim the tag ends. You just tied an improved blood fishing knot!

Remember, while this knot is often used when saltwater fly fishing, you can use it anytime you are connecting two lines of differing diameter. If you have not learned how to tie the original blood knot yet, it may be easier for you to learn that knot first and then build on your skills with this improved version.