Albright knot

Joins two lines of very different diameters — braid to a heavy leader, or wire.

Tying it

1. 1

   Step 1: Make a loop in the thicker line.

2. 2

   Step 2: Pass the thinner line through that loop and wrap it ten times over both strands.

3. 3

   Step 3: Bring the tag end back out through the loop, on the side it went in.

4. 4

   Step 4: Wet, tighten slowly and trim.

Always wet a knot before tightening it: dry friction burns the line and costs a good part of its strength.