The Ultimate Guide to Crimping Fishing Line: Faster, Stronger, and Easier Than Knot Tying

Updated at: 23/03/2025

Tired of battling frustrating fishing line knots that weaken your tackle and waste precious fishing time? Knot tying, while a classic technique, often proves inefficient and unreliable, leading to lost lures and broken lines. Imagine a faster, stronger, and more consistent method that dramatically improves your fishing experience. Say goodbye to unreliable knots and hello to the revolutionary world of crimping your fishing line! This technique offers a significant advantage over traditional knot tying, providing superior strength and a quicker connection every time. It's the secret weapon seasoned anglers rely on to maximize their catch and minimize their frustration.

Crimping offers a secure, reliable connection that outperforms many knots, leading to more confidence in your rig and less time spent re-rigging. This ultimate guide will walk you through the entire crimping process, from selecting the right tools and crimps to mastering the technique for a flawless, strong connection every time. Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and unlock the power of crimped fishing line.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use a crimping tool specifically designed for the diameter of your fishing line. Using the wrong tool can lead to weak crimps and line failure.
  • Ensure the crimp sleeve is properly seated on the line before crimping. Improper seating can result in a weak or ineffective crimp.
  • Inspect the crimp after squeezing. If it looks deformed, uneven, or the sleeve is not fully closed, discard it and try again with a new sleeve. A faulty crimp is a weak point that can cause line breakage.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Line

    • Prepare your leader line (approx. 5 feet).
    Prepare your leader line (approx. 5 feet).
    Prepare the Line

  2. Attach the Crimp

    • Slide the crimp onto the leader line, leaving a small tag end.
    Slide the crimp onto the leader line, leaving a small tag end.
    Attach the Crimp

  3. Attach the Hook/Snap/Swivel

    • Attach your hook, snap, or swivel through the crimp and back through the loop.
    Attach your hook, snap, or swivel through the crimp and back through the loop.
    Attach the Hook/Snap/Swivel

  4. Position the Crimp

    • Pull the crimp down tightly close to the base, ensuring the line is flat and not twisted.
    Pull the crimp down tightly close to the base, ensuring the line is flat and not twisted.
    Position the Crimp

  5. Select Crimp Tool Setting

    • Match the crimp size with the corresponding number on your crimp tool.
    Match the crimp size with the corresponding number on your crimp tool.
    Select Crimp Tool Setting

  6. Position in Crimp Tool

    • Stand the crimp upright in the crimp tool.
    Stand the crimp upright in the crimp tool.
    Position in Crimp Tool

  7. Crimp the Line

    • Apply a firm, two-handed squeeze to the crimp tool.
    Apply a firm, two-handed squeeze to the crimp tool.
    Crimp the Line

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Tips

  • Individually label your crimps for easy identification.
  • Crimping is especially advantageous for heavier leader lines (500lb test and above).
  • Ensure the crimp is properly seated and the line isn't twisted inside.
  • Always stand the crimp upright in the tool to avoid crimping backward.
  • A properly crimped connection will have two slightly pinched edges and a small barrel in between.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Insufficient Crimp Placement

Reason: The crimp is not positioned correctly on the line, leading to a weak point or slippage.
Solution: Ensure the crimp is seated firmly against the swivel or lure, with the correct amount of line extending beyond.

2. Using the Wrong Size Crimp

Reason: Using a crimp that is too small or too large for the line diameter results in a weak or easily broken connection.
Solution: Always use crimps specifically designed for the diameter of your fishing line.

3. Improper Crimping Tool Application

Reason: Insufficient squeezing pressure or uneven pressure from the crimping tool leads to incomplete compression and a weak connection.
Solution: Ensure the crimping tool is properly aligned and apply sufficient pressure until the crimp is firmly compressed.

FAQs

What type of crimping tool do I need?
You'll need a crimping tool specifically designed for fishing line. These come in various sizes and styles, but a good quality, hand-held tool is usually sufficient for most anglers. Ensure it's compatible with the size of crimps you're using.
What size crimps should I use?
The appropriate crimp size depends on the diameter of your fishing line. Always use a crimp that is slightly larger than your line to ensure a secure and even compression. Check the packaging of your crimps for size recommendations.
How do I know if I've crimped the line correctly?
A correctly crimped connection should be completely closed and have no gaps. The crimp should firmly grip the line, appearing smooth and uniformly compressed. If it looks uneven or loose, it’s not properly crimped and should be redone.