Bimini Twist

Used primarily for offshore trolling and double-line leaders. A bimini twist creates a long loop of line which is stronger than the the line itself. A Bimini twist is a simple method of doubling your fishing line in order to prevent chafing or to create the necessary loop in order to attach a wind-on leader.

A short Bimini twist (up to five feet) can easily be accomplished by one person. To tie a Bimini twist longer than five feet takes two people, although it could be done alone with a lot of practice.

This knot is a 100% knot, meaning, it retains 100% or the original strength of the line being used.

Step 1
Measure a little more than twice the length you will want for the double-line. Bring end back to standing line and hold together. Rotate end of loop 18 - 23 times, by twisting it.

Step 2
Slowly spread the loop to slide twists together about 10" below tag end. You want to spread the lines evenly, keeping the same angle on each side, so they do not wrap on top on one another. Step both feet through loop and bring it up around knees so pressure can be placed on column of twists by spreading knees your apart. It is easiest to learn the knot with two people so one person can hold and spread the lines while the other person ties the knot. Bimini twists over 5 feet long really need two people to tie properly, unless you have 8' legs

Step 3
With twists now snug together, hold standing line in one hand with tension just slightly off the vertical position. With other hand, move tag end to position at right angle to twists. Keeping tension on loop with knees, gradually ease tension of tag end so it will roll over the column of twists, beginning just below the upper twist. (as the line continues to spread apart the tag end will wrap back down over top of the twists.)

Step 4
Spread legs apart slowly to maintain pressure on loop. Steer tag end into a tight spiral coil as it continues to roll over the twisted line. It take a practice, but avoid the twists jumping back over top. The twists should lay side by side and coil down nicely as shown to the right.

Step 5
When spiral of tag end has rolled over column of twists, continue keeping knee pressure on loop and pinch the end of knot to keep it from unraveling. Put a finger in crotch of line where loop joins knot to prevent slippage of last turn. Now make a simple half-hitch with tag end around nearest leg of loop and pull up tight.

Step 6
With half-hitch holding knot, release knee pressure but keep loop stretched. Using remaining tag end, take half-hitch around both legs of loop, but do not pull tight.

Step 7
Make 2-3 more turns with the tag end around both legs of the loop, winding inside the bend of line formed by the loose half-hitch and toward the knot. Pull tag end slowly, forcing the loops to form in a spiral.

Step 8
Moisten spirals and pull loops tight against main knot. Leave about 1/4" of a tag end when trimming. Keep practicing, it takes some time, but is a great knot worth the effort.

Braid Ring Knot

Though this knot is considered as an exotic connnection, it is a little more tedious to tie, but offers supreme holding power. This knot is almost similar to a normal Blood Knot, but with more wraps to prevent sliding when tied on super lines.

Step 1
Pass the line through the hook eye or ring, twice leaving plenty of tag.

Step 2
Wind the tag around the main line five or six times.

Step 3
Then wind it back again the same number of times.

Step 4
Thread the tag through the center of both ring wraps.

Step 5
Slide the knot closed with gentle pressure on the main line, stroking the knot back periodically as you do so to keep the wraps in sequence. This prevents them bunching up as the knot closes.

Step 6
Finished Product

Rapala Knot

The Rapala Knot is popular method to tie a lure (such as a Rapala!) to a line such that it can move freely and unimpeded by the knot.

Essentially the same as the Non Slip Mono Loop, the knot has one more step in it’s making. Whether this makes it more secure is still up to debate.

It does make it slightly more difficult to tighten down neatly, but with practice can be done. You should know how to tie one or the other for the occasions that you want your bait to swim more naturally.

Step 1
Tie an overhand knot. Leave 5" of free end. Run free end through the eyelet.

Step 2
Run free end back through overhand knot.

Step 3
Wrap free end around standing part of line 3 times.

Step 4
Thread free end through back of overhand knot.

Step 5
Pass free end through loop that is formed.

Step 6
Moisten line and draw up tight. Trim excess

Reef Knot

For uniting the end of two ropes of similiar diametre, start the Reef Knot by crossing the ends, forming a simple overhand knot, then tying another reverse form of the overhand knot, so that both ropes emerge from the same side of the loops. Pull the two end at either side simultaneously to draw the knot together.

A flat knot, the Reef Knot is the solution where bulkiness in the rope join is undesirable.

Fisherman's Bend

If you are looking for a secure knot for mooring around bollards and wharves, try the Fisherman's Bend. For permanent use, the tag end of the rope should be lashed down.

Bowline Knot

For making a temporary eye in any rope, the bowline knot is ideal, as it never slips and is therefore useful for mooring or securing fish alongside.

Spider Hitch

The offshore fisherman often have a need to tie a double line - a long loop of line that is obviously stronger, and easier to handle, than the line itself.

The Spider Hitch is a fast, easy knot to create a double-line leader. Under steady pressure it is equally strong but does not have the resilience of the Bimini Twist under sharp impact.

It is not practical with lines above 15 kg test.

Step 1
Form a loop of the desired length, say 1.25m. Twist a section into a small loop.

Step 2
This is the only tricky part - hold this loop with thumb and forefinger, the thumb extending above the finger, and with the loop standing up beyond the tip of the thumb.

Step 3
Wind the doubled line around the thumb and the loop 5 times. Send the rest of the long loop through the small loop, and pull gently to unwind the turns off the thumb.

Step 4
The knot is now formed and worked into tight coils.

Double Surgeon's Knot

The Double Surgeon's Loop is a quick, easy way to tie a loop in the end of a leader. It is often used as part of a leader system because it is relatively strong.

Step 1
Double the tag end of the line. Make a single overhand knot in the double line.

Step 2
Hold the tag end and standing part of the line in your left hand and bring the loop around and insert through the overhand knot.

Step 3
Hold the loop in your right hand. Hold the tag end and standing line in your left hand.

Step 4
Moisten the knot in water and pull to tighten. Trim tag end to about 1/8 inch.