Capt. Jesse’s UNI Knot for Connecting a UVT Tuna Jig to Leader
Quick & Easy Fishing Knot Tutorial
When you’re jig fishing for tuna, the knot connecting your jig to the leader is not the place to cut corners. A bad knot costs fish, confidence, and sometimes expensive gear. That’s why the UNI knot is a staple connection for anglers who fish UVT jigs hard.
In this tutorial, Captain Jesse Wynn breaks down his go-to method for tying the UNI knot when connecting a UVT Tuna Jig to a leader. It’s a simple, reliable knot that holds up under heavy drag and real offshore pressure.
👉 Watch the full tutorial here:
Why Capt. Jesse Uses the UNI Knot with UVT Jigs
The UNI knot is one of the most dependable knots for jig fishing because it’s strong, repeatable, and easy to tie correctly on the water. When paired with UVT’s hardware and jig design, it creates a clean, trustworthy connection you can fish with confidence.
In the video, Jesse is tying on one of his favorite jigs — the UVT Captain Cory’s Tuna Jig in Electric Chicken, a color he relies on when tuna need extra visibility or contrast.
UNI Knot Tips from Captain Jesse Wynn
These are the exact points Jesse emphasizes in the video — small details that make a big difference.
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Tie to the solid ring, not the split ring
This ensures a cleaner connection and reduces unnecessary movement or wear. -
Use 3 turns for leader over 80 lb
Heavier leader requires fewer wraps to seat properly. -
Use 4–5 turns for leader under 80 lb
Thinner leader needs more wraps to prevent slipping. -
Pull the knot evenly when cinching
The knot should tighten smoothly and seat snug against the ring. -
Re-pull the tag end if needed
Sometimes the knot needs a second pull to fully seat correctly.
As Jesse puts it:
“An old timer once told me you know you tied it right if it ends up looking like a Christmas tree.”
If your knot stacks clean and flares evenly, you did it right.
Step-by-Step: How Jesse Ties the UNI Knot
Here’s the quick breakdown Jesse follows every time:
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Run the leader through the solid ring of the jig
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Double the line back alongside itself
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Form a loop with the tag end
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Wrap the tag end around the doubled line
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3 wraps for 80 lb+ leader
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4–5 wraps for lighter leader
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Wet the knot
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Pull evenly to cinch and seat the knot
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Re-pull the tag end if needed
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Trim clean
The goal is a knot that seats tight, stacks clean, and doesn’t slip under pressure.
Need a Clearer Visual? Watch the Animated UNI Knot Breakdown
For anglers who like seeing every step clearly, we’ve included a second UNI knot video using an animated, step-by-step format. This version makes it easy to follow the wraps, loop, and cinch sequence without distractions.
👉 Animated UNI Knot Tutorial:
Why This Matters with UVT Tuna Jigs
UVT jigs are designed to be fished hard — heavy drag, deep water, and aggressive fish. The UNI knot complements that design by creating a strong, low-profile connection that won’t compromise action or reliability.
When you’re fishing proven jigs like the Captain Cory’s Tuna Jig in Electric Chicken, the last thing you want is a weak connection. Tie it right once, and fish without second guessing.
Final Thoughts
The UNI knot doesn’t need to be complicated — it just needs to be tied correctly. As Captain Jesse Wynn shows, a few small details make all the difference.
If you’re jigging with UVT gear, this is a knot worth mastering. Tie it clean, make it look like a Christmas tree, and fish with confidence.
