Idaho Fishing Knots Every Angler Should Know

Oh, the sheer frustration of casting out your favorite lure, feeling that exhilarating tug on the line, and then… snap! Nothing. Just the sting of a lost fish, and often, a lost lure, all because a knot failed. It’s a gut-wrenching experience every Idaho angler knows, whether you're chasing hefty steelhead on the Clearwater or delicate trout in a high mountain lake. This guide is here to banish those knot-related heartbreaks forever by equipping you with the essential fishing knots every angler needs to master for Idaho's diverse waters.

Table of Contents

The Foundation: Why Knots Matter More Than You Think in Idaho

It's easy to overlook something as seemingly simple as tying a knot. After all, it's just a way to attach your line to your hook, right? But in the world of Idaho fishing, where you might be battling a monster Lake Coeur d'Alene Chinook one day and subtly presenting a fly to a wary Henry's Fork trout the next, the strength and integrity of your knots can literally be the difference between a triumphant catch and a story about "the one that got away."

The Heartbreak of a Lost Fish

I can't tell you how many times I've heard anglers recount tales of that dream fish—the kind that makes your heart pound and your hands shake—only for it to vanish into the depths because a knot slipped or broke. It's a common, incredibly frustrating scenario. Imagine you've hooked into a powerful steelhead on the Salmon River, the current is ripping, and the fish is making a blistering run. If your knot isn't tied perfectly, that sheer force, combined with the fish's raw power, will exploit any weakness. It's not just the big fish, either. Even a feisty smallmouth bass on the Snake River can put surprising strain on your tackle. You've invested time, money in gear, and effort into being out on the water; don't let a shoddy knot be the weak link in your chain. Understanding Idaho Fishing Regulations Explained also means understanding the gear requirements, and a strong knot is as fundamental as the right lure.

Matching the Knot to the Line and Lure

Not all fishing lines are created equal, and neither are all knots. What works wonderfully for a monofilament line might be completely unsuitable for braided line, and vice-versa. Monofilament has stretch and memory, fluorocarbon is nearly invisible and abrasion-resistant, and braided line offers incredible strength with no stretch. Each of these materials interacts differently with a knot, affecting its strength and how well it cinches down. Similarly, the type of lure or hook you're using dictates the best knot. A heavy jig for deep-water fishing needs a knot that won't slip under constant vertical tension, while a delicate dry fly for trout requires a low-profile knot that doesn't hinder its natural presentation. Choosing the right knot for the job, tailored to your line and tackle, is a crucial skill that will dramatically improve your success on Idaho's waters. For example, if you're trying to figure out Best Lures for Idaho Trout Fishing, you'll quickly realize that the way you connect those lures is just as important as the lure itself.

Essential Knots for Attaching Hooks and Lures

These are the workhorse knots that every angler should have in their repertoire. They're strong, relatively easy to learn, and will cover the vast majority of your terminal tackle needs when you're out chasing fish in Idaho.

The Improved Clinch Knot: Your Go-To All-Rounder

The Improved Clinch Knot is arguably the most popular and widely used knot for attaching a hook, swivel, or lure to your line, especially with monofilament and fluorocarbon. It's a fantastic general-purpose knot that offers good strength and is relatively easy to tie, even for beginners.

How to tie it, step-by-step:

Thread the eye: Pass the tag end of your fishing line through the eye of the hook or lure. If you're using a double eye on a swivel, pass it through both.
Make five twists: Bring the tag end back and parallel to the main line, then wrap it around the main line five to seven times (more twists for lighter line, fewer for heavier line). Keep these twists neat and tight.
Insert through the loop: Guide the tag end back through the first loop you created right above the eye of the hook.
Go through the second loop: Now, take that same tag end and pass it again through the larger loop that was just formed by the previous step. This is the "improved" part that locks the knot.
Lubricate and cinch: Moisten the knot with saliva or water. This lubrication is absolutely critical as it reduces friction and heat, allowing the knot to cinch down properly and preventing damage to your line's integrity. Slowly pull the main line and the tag end simultaneously, drawing the wraps together into a tight, compact knot against the eye of the hook.
Trim: Once tight, trim the tag end, leaving about 1/8 to 1/4 inch to prevent it from slipping through.

Pros: It’s strong, reliable, and straightforward to learn. It works well with monofilament and fluorocarbon lines of various strengths. Many anglers prefer it for its simplicity when tying on bait hooks for trout or small lures for panfish in Idaho's many stocked ponds and reservoirs.

Cons: It can sometimes slip when tied with very slick braided lines. Also, for truly heavy-duty applications or very large, aggressive fish, some anglers opt for a Palomar or Uni knot.

Best for: This is your bread-and-butter knot for general trout fishing, panfish, bass, and attaching swivels or snaps. If you're rigging up for a day of targeting rainbow trout on the Boise River or smallmouth bass in a local reservoir, the Improved Clinch will serve you well. It's especially good for smaller terminal tackle like the hooks often used when learning Idaho Fishing Techniques for Beginners.

The Palomar Knot: Strength for Braided Lines

When you start using braided lines, or when you simply want an incredibly strong, reliable knot that rarely fails, the Palomar Knot is your best friend. It’s a fantastic choice for attaching hooks, swivels, and lures, and it's particularly popular among those targeting hard-fighting species like steelhead and Chinook salmon in Idaho's powerful rivers.

How to tie it, step-by-step:

Double the line: Fold about 6-8 inches of your line back on itself, creating a loop.
Pass through the eye: Push this doubled loop through the eye of the hook or lure. Make sure you have enough length to work with.
Tie an overhand knot: With the loop still through the eye, tie a loose overhand knot around the main line. Don't pull it tight yet; just let it sit loosely.
Pass over the tackle: Open up the loop you created and pass it completely over the hook, lure, or swivel. This step is crucial. Ensure the entire piece of terminal tackle goes through the loop.
Lubricate and cinch: Moisten the knot. Now, firmly pull on both the main line and the tag end (which is still doubled up at this point). The knot will slide down and cinch tightly against the eye of the hook. As it cinches, make sure the loop completely clears the hook and settles properly.
Trim: Trim the tag end close to the knot.

Pros: The Palomar Knot is renowned for its incredible strength and reliability, especially with braided lines. It’s relatively simple to tie, even in low light conditions or with cold hands, once you get the hang of it. Because the line passes through the eye twice, it minimizes chafing and adds extra security.

Cons: It can be a bit bulky, especially with heavier lines or smaller hook eyes. If the hook eye is too small, passing the doubled line through it can be difficult or impossible.

Best for: This knot shines brightest when you're using braided line, which is common practice for How to Fish for Steelhead in Idaho or Idaho Chinook Salmon Fishing Guide trips. It’s also excellent for any situation where maximum knot strength is paramount, like when you're battling a large bass or trying to keep a heavy lure connected to a powerful game fish. Many anglers rely on it for their main line connections when fishing Idaho's major rivers.

The Uni Knot: Versatility for Many Situations

The Uni Knot (or Grinner Knot, as it's known in some circles) is a true all-rounder. It's incredibly versatile, capable of handling a wide range of line types and fishing scenarios. Not only can it be used to tie terminal tackle, but a variation (the Double Uni) is also fantastic for connecting two lines. It's a robust and adjustable knot that every angler should master.

How to tie it, step-by-step:

Pass through the eye: Thread the tag end of your line through the eye of the hook or lure.
Form a loop: Bring the tag end back parallel to the main line, then form a loop by folding the tag end over itself and the main line.
Wrap through the loop: Take the tag end and wrap it around both the main line and itself (inside the loop) about five to eight times. Again, more wraps for lighter line, fewer for heavier.
Pull the tag end: Slowly pull the tag end, drawing the wraps together into a snug knot. Don't cinch it all the way down to the hook eye yet.
Lubricate and slide: Moisten the knot. Now, pull on the main line to slide the cinched knot down until it sits tightly against the eye of the hook.
Trim: Trim the excess tag end.

Pros: The Uni Knot is very strong, adaptable to different line types (though it really excels with mono and fluorocarbon), and can be used for a multitude of connections. It's also fairly compact once cinched down. Its versatility makes it a favorite for many anglers.

Cons: It can be slightly more challenging to learn initially compared to the Improved Clinch, requiring a bit more practice to get the wraps consistent. If not tied carefully, it can sometimes slip on very slick, small-diameter braids.

Best for: Its versatility makes it suitable for almost any freshwater or saltwater application in Idaho. Use it for attaching hooks, lures, swivels, or even for connecting your main line to your backing. It’s a solid choice for everything from panfish to trout, bass, and even salmon and steelhead if tied precisely. When you're fishing one of the Best Fishing Spots in Idaho and you need a reliable connection for whatever might bite, the Uni Knot is a great option.

Connecting Lines: Splicing and Leader Knots

Sometimes you need to join two pieces of line together – perhaps a heavy main line to a lighter leader, or two sections of leader material. These knots are designed for those crucial line-to-line connections.

The Double Uni Knot: Master of Line-to-Line Connections

The Double Uni Knot is an incredibly popular and effective way to connect two lines of similar or even slightly different diameters. It creates a strong, smooth splice that passes through rod guides relatively easily, making it perfect for attaching a leader to your main line.

How to tie it, step-by-step:

Overlap lines: Lay the ends of the two lines you want to connect parallel to each other, overlapping by about 6-12 inches.
First Uni Knot: Take the tag end of the first line and form a Uni Knot around the second line, wrapping it around both lines 5-6 times. Cinch this knot down, but not completely tight against the second line; leave it a little loose.
Second Uni Knot: Now, take the tag end of the second line and form a Uni Knot around the first line, wrapping it 5-6 times. Cinch this knot down as well, again, leaving it slightly loose.
Lubricate and pull: Moisten both knots thoroughly. Hold both main lines and slowly pull them apart. The two cinched Uni Knots will slide towards each other and meet in the middle, creating a strong, compact connection.
Trim: Trim both tag ends closely to the main lines.

Pros: This knot is exceptionally strong and reliable for connecting two lines. It's relatively easy to learn and performs well with various line types, including braided to monofilament or fluorocarbon. The resulting knot is quite smooth, minimizing snags when casting or retrieving.

Cons: While it handles differing line diameters better than some other line-to-line knots, a significant difference in diameter can make it bulky or prone to slipping. For very large diameter differences, other knots might be preferred.

Best for: The Double Uni is ideal for attaching a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader to a braided main line. This is a common setup for many types of fishing in Idaho, from targeting bass to pursuing trout with lighter leaders. If you're looking at Idaho Fish Species Guide and planning to use a leader for better presentation, this knot is a must-know.

The Blood Knot: A Classic for Leaders

The Blood Knot is a traditional and elegant knot known for creating a very strong, slim, and symmetrical connection between two lines of similar diameter. It's particularly favored by fly anglers for constructing leaders or joining sections of monofilament and fluorocarbon where a smooth, low-profile knot is essential for casting and presentation.

How to tie it, step-by-step:

Overlap and twist: Overlap the two lines you wish to join by about 6-8 inches. Take the tag end of one line and wrap it around the other main line 5-7 times. Keep the wraps tight and neat.
Insert tag end: After wrapping, pass that same tag end back through the gap created by the first wrap, making sure it exits between the two main lines. Hold it lightly in place.
Second side twist: Take the tag end of the second line and wrap it around the first main line, also 5-7 times, in the opposite direction.
Insert second tag end: Pass this second tag end back through the same central gap, but from the opposite direction of the first tag end. Both tag ends should be exiting the knot in opposite directions.
Lubricate and cinch: Moisten the entire knot assembly. Gently and slowly pull on both main lines simultaneously. The coils will begin to draw together. Once the coils are neat and snug, give a firm final pull on both main lines until the knot is tight and compact.
Trim: Carefully trim both tag ends as close as possible to the main knot.

Pros: The Blood Knot creates an incredibly strong, virtually symmetrical connection. Its slim profile makes it excellent for passing through rod guides, a major advantage for fly fishing or when casting long distances. It's particularly effective with monofilament and fluorocarbon.

Cons: This knot can be notoriously difficult to tie correctly, especially for beginners or with stiff lines. It also struggles with lines of significantly different diameters, often leading to a weaker connection or improper cinching.

Best for: Fly anglers frequently use the Blood Knot for joining sections of their tapered leaders, ensuring a smooth transition. If you're learning How to Fly Fish in Idaho, mastering this knot will be a rite of passage. It's also useful for conventional anglers who need a strong, subtle connection between two monofilament or fluorocarbon lines of similar test strength.

Specialized Knots for Specific Idaho Fishing Scenarios

While the previous knots cover most situations, there are times when a more specialized knot can make a real difference in your fishing success, whether you need a quick leader fix or want to maximize lure action.

The Surgeon's Knot: Quick and Easy Leader Loop

The Surgeon's Knot is another excellent line-to-line connection, particularly valued for its ease of tying and reliability. It's a fantastic choice when you need to quickly add a tippet to a leader, create a dropper loop for multiple flies, or connect two lines of slightly different diameters. While perhaps not as elegant as the Blood Knot, its speed and strength make it a practical choice on the water.

How to tie it, step-by-step:

Overlap lines: Lay the two lines you want to join parallel to each other, overlapping them by about 6-8 inches. This creates a double strand of line.
Form a loop: Treat these two overlapping lines as a single strand and tie a simple overhand knot with them, forming a loop. Don't cinch it tight yet.
Pass through the loop (twice or thrice): Take both tag ends and both standing lines, and pass them through the loop you just created. For added strength, especially with slicker lines, you can pass them through a second or even a third time. The more passes, the stronger the knot, but also the bulkier. Two passes (the double surgeon's) is common, three (the triple surgeon's) is even more robust.
Lubricate and cinch: Moisten the knot. Now, firmly pull all four strands (both main lines and both tag ends) simultaneously and slowly. The wraps will draw together into a neat, secure knot.
Trim: Trim the two tag ends close to the knot.

Pros: It’s incredibly easy and quick to tie, even with cold fingers or limited visibility. It's very strong and reliable, handling dissimilar line diameters better than a Blood Knot. It's a forgiving knot that consistently produces good results.

Cons: It's generally bulkier than a Blood Knot, which can be a minor issue for passing through small rod guides or for highly delicate presentations.

Best for: The Surgeon's Knot is a go-to for many conventional and fly anglers. Use it to attach a tippet to a leader, create dropper loops for nymphing multiple flies for trout, or quickly extend a leader on the go. It’s perfect for those moments on the water when you need a fast, dependable line-to-line connection, perhaps when you're fishing one of the many streams listed in Best Rivers for Fishing in Idaho and need to change your setup quickly.

Loop Knots: Giving Your Lure Action (Rapala Knot)

Most knots cinch tightly against the eye of a hook or lure, creating a rigid connection. While strong, this can sometimes restrict the natural movement of a lure, especially those designed with built-in wobble or swim actions like crankbaits or jerkbaits. Loop knots create a small, non-cinching loop at the connection point, allowing the lure more freedom to move, which can be critical for enticing finicky fish. The Rapala Knot is one of the most popular and effective loop knots.

How to tie the Rapala Knot, step-by-step:

Overhand knot on main line: Take your main line and tie a simple overhand knot in it, about 4-6 inches from the end. Do not cinch it down.
Pass through lure eye: Pass the tag end of your line through the eye of the lure or hook, then bring it back through the center of the overhand knot you just made.
Wrap around main line: Wrap the tag end around the main line 3-4 times, moving back towards the lure.
Pass back through overhand knot: Take the tag end and pass it back through the original overhand knot, entering from the same side it exited previously.
Pass through loop: Now, pass the tag end through the small loop formed by the wraps you just made.
Lubricate and cinch: Moisten the knot. Hold the tag end and the main line firmly, and slowly pull them to tighten the knot. Crucially, as you tighten, stop just before it completely cinches down, leaving a small, open loop at the lure's eye. The goal is a knot that's tight everywhere except right at the eye, where the loop remains.
Trim: Trim the tag end.

Pros: This knot dramatically improves the action of certain lures by allowing them to swim more freely and naturally in the water, which can lead to more strikes. It's also a reasonably strong knot when tied correctly.

Cons: It's a bit more complex to tie than a standard clinch or Palomar. If not tied with care, the loop can be too large, or the knot can weaken over time if it slips. It's not suitable for all lures; only those that benefit from enhanced movement.

Best for: The Rapala Knot, or similar loop knots, are perfect for crankbaits, jerkbaits, topwater lures, and even some jigs or soft plastics that you want to have maximum freedom of movement. If you're targeting Idaho Bass Fishing Guide for smallmouth or largemouth with reaction baits, this knot can be a game-changer. It allows your lure to dance and dart in the water, mimicking natural prey more effectively.

Arbor Knot: Securing Line to Your Reel Spool

The Arbor Knot isn't about connecting to fish; it's about connecting your fishing line to your reel spool. It's the very first knot you'll tie when spooling new line onto your reel, and while simple, it's vital for preventing your line from slipping on the spool, especially when you're fighting a strong fish that tries to strip line off your reel.

How to tie it, step-by-step:

Wrap around spool: Take your line and wrap it around the arbor (the core) of your reel spool.
First overhand knot: Tie a simple overhand knot with the tag end around the main line. Don't pull it tight yet.
Second overhand knot: With the very end of the tag end, tie another simple overhand knot. This knot should be smaller and will act as a stopper.
Cinch and slide: Pull the main line until the first overhand knot slides down and rests against the second, smaller overhand knot. This creates a secure stopper.
Pull main line to seat: Now, pull on the main line coming off the reel until the entire knot assembly slides down and cinches tightly against the reel spool. It should be snug and not slip when you pull.
Trim: Trim the tag end.

Pros: It’s incredibly simple to tie and very secure. Once cinched correctly, it will prevent your line from slipping on the spool, ensuring your drag system works effectively.

Cons: It's a single-purpose knot, only for attaching line to the reel arbor. It won't hold under extreme pressure if there's no other line on the spool, but that's not its intended function.

Best for: This is the only knot you need for initially spooling any type of fishing line onto any reel. It's a foundational knot that ensures your entire line system begins with a solid, non-slipping connection. Before you even think about fishing, you need to make sure your reel is spooled correctly, and the Arbor Knot is the first step. You can often find spools of line and accessories on Amazon that make this process easier.

Knot Tying Best Practices and Troubleshooting

Tying a knot isn't just about following steps; it's about understanding the nuances that turn a "tied knot" into a "strong knot." These practices will elevate your knot-tying game and prevent costly failures.

Lubrication and Cinching Down

This is perhaps the most overlooked, yet critically important, step in tying almost any fishing knot. When you pull a knot tight without lubrication, the friction created generates heat. This heat can actually weaken and compromise the molecular structure of your fishing line, particularly monofilament and fluorocarbon. This might not be visible to the naked eye, but it creates a stress point where your line is more likely to break under pressure.

Why it matters: Imagine the delicate fibers of your fishing line rubbing harshly against each other as you tighten. Without moisture, they can abrade, fray, and melt slightly, leading to a significant reduction in knot strength. When you moisten a knot with saliva or water (a quick dip in the lake works, too!), you create a lubricant that allows the wraps to slide smoothly into place and cinch down tightly and evenly, without generating damaging heat.

The process: After forming the knot and before the final pull, always give it a good moistening. Then, cinch it slowly and steadily. Don't just yank it tight. A slow, controlled pull ensures all the wraps seat properly and evenly, distributing the load across the knot. A knot that looks neat and symmetrical is often a strong knot. If it looks twisted or haphazard, it probably hasn't cinched properly and should be re-tied.

Trimming Tag Ends and Testing

Once your knot is cinched tight, the job isn't quite done. The tag end—the excess line protruding from the knot—needs proper attention.

Trimming: Always trim your tag end cleanly and closely, but not flush against the knot. Leaving a tiny bit, say 1/8 to 1/4 inch, provides a small buffer. If you trim it too short, right up against the knot, the line can sometimes slip through under extreme pressure. Use sharp line clippers or scissors for a clean cut; chewing or tearing the line can fray it and weaken the knot.

Testing: Before you ever make your first cast with a newly tied knot, give it a quick test. Hold the main line and the hook/lure firmly and apply steady, increasing pressure. Don't go to breaking point, but give it a good, firm tug. Feel for any slipping or movement in the knot. If you feel anything shift, or if the knot starts to unravel, cut it off and re-tie it immediately. This simple test is a crucial final quality check that can save you the heartache of a lost fish or lure. It’s much better to discover a faulty knot on the bank than in the heat of battle with a trophy catch. This diligence is especially important when you’ve bought new gear or line, perhaps from Amazon, and you’re unfamiliar with its characteristics.

Practice Makes Perfect: Tools and Resources

Let's be real: tying fishing knots can be tricky, especially those complex ones. But like anything in fishing, practice makes perfect. The more you tie them, the faster and more confidently you'll do it, even in less-than-ideal conditions on the water.

At home practice: Don't wait until you're streamside with numb fingers and a trophy fish on the line to try a new knot. Practice at home with a piece of scrap line (heavier line is easier to start with) and an old hook. Some anglers even use small dowels or pencils to simulate a hook eye. Repetition builds muscle memory.

Knot tying tools: There are various knot-tying tools available that can assist, especially with smaller knots or when your eyesight isn't what it used to be. Things like knot-tying aids or bobbin-style tools can help hold lines in place. You can find many excellent options for knot-tying tools and even practice kits on Amazon, complete with different line types and instructions.

Resources: Beyond this guide, there are countless videos online, detailed diagrams, and even apps that can provide visual, step-by-step instructions. Keep a small knot-tying card or brochure in your tackle box for quick reference. The more confident you are in your knots, the more confident you'll be on the water, and that confidence often translates into more successful fishing trips, whether you're chasing Idaho Steelhead Fishing Guides or just local trout.

Knot Selection Table for Idaho Species and Techniques

To help you quickly choose the right knot for your Idaho fishing adventure, here's a handy reference guide summarizing the knots we've discussed, their best uses, and ideal line types.

Quick Reference Guide

This table is designed to give you a fast overview, but remember to refer to the detailed instructions for each knot to ensure you're tying them correctly and practicing the best practices for lubrication and cinching.

Knot Name	Best Use	Line Type	Ideal Idaho Species/Scenario	Key Strength/Feature
Improved Clinch	Attaching terminal tackle (hooks, lures, swivels)	Monofilament, Fluorocarbon	General trout, panfish, light bass on the Boise River	Strong, easy to learn, versatile for most light-to-medium tackle
Palomar Knot	Attaching terminal tackle (hooks, lures, swivels)	Braided Line, Heavy Monofilament, Fluorocarbon	Steelhead, Chinook Salmon, large bass, heavy jigging	Extremely strong, highly reliable, especially with braid
Uni Knot	Attaching terminal tackle, line-to-line (Double Uni)	All types	Versatile for trout, bass, salmon, attaching swivels, leader connections	Strong, adjustable, good all-around knot, forms a smooth connection
Double Uni Knot	Line-to-line connection (main line to leader)	All types (similar diameters)	Braided main line to fluorocarbon leader for bass/trout	Excellent for connecting lines, smooth for casting
Blood Knot	Leader-to-leader, line-to-line	Monofilament, Fluorocarbon (similar diameters)	Fly fishing leaders, clear water nymphing on Silver Creek	Very strong, slim, symmetrical, traditional fly fishing choice
Surgeon's Knot	Leader loops, quick tippet, line-to-line	Monofilament, Fluorocarbon	Dropper rigs, quick leader extension for trout, panfish	Fast and easy to tie, reliable for various line diameters
Rapala Knot	Attaching lures for enhanced action	Monofilament, Fluorocarbon	Crankbaits, jerkbaits for smallmouth bass on the Snake River	Creates a non-cinching loop for natural lure movement
Arbor Knot	Securing line to reel spool	All types	Initial spooling of any fishing line onto a reel	Simple, very secure, prevents line slip on spool

Adaptability and Personal Preference

It’s important to remember that this guide provides a foundation, but fishing, much like knot tying, has an element of personal preference and adaptability. Many experienced anglers develop their own favored knots, sometimes even variations of standard knots, that they trust implicitly. You might find one knot easier to tie consistently than another, or you might find one performs better with a specific brand of line you prefer.

The key is to experiment, practice, and learn what works best for you and the specific Idaho fishing conditions you encounter. Conditions like cold weather, strong winds, or low light can make even a familiar knot challenging to tie. Being confident in two or three strong, versatile knots will serve you far better than knowing a dozen knots poorly. Always consider the target species, the type of water, and the gear you're using. For example, if you're venturing out on one of Idaho's year-round fishing waters, you might need a different knot in winter than in summer, due to line stiffness or finger dexterity. Keep learning, keep practicing, and those knot-related heartbreaks will become a thing of the past!

Disclaimer

The information provided in this guide is for general informational purposes only. Always consult the latest Idaho Department of Fish and Game regulations and official publications before fishing, as rules and conditions can change. The strength and reliability of any fishing knot depend on proper tying technique, line condition, and many other factors beyond our control.

Idaho Fishing Knots Every Angler Should Know