Article Surfing Archive

There seems to be as many knots out there as there are fish in the ocean. But this is the three that most us and found out with experience that they don't fail if tied right. The three knots are the loop knot, the Bristol knot and the bimini twist. All these knots are solid performers that have an edge on other knots.

The loop knot often takes a back seat to the clinch for tying on a lure or hook. But experienced anglers know the difference a loop can make, adding action to the presentation.

This knot leaves a small open loop at the eye of the lure or hook, giving it more freedom to move. When a lure or bait is not constrained by the weight or stiffness of the leader, its inherent action really shines. Used with a buck tail, the loop knot lets the jig flutter as its eye moves freely along the loop's perimeter. The loop also lets live bait do its thing, where a clinch can be restrictive. This knot retains 90 to 95 percent of the breaking strength of the line not a concern since the leader is usually heavier than the main line.

How to tie the loop knot: step 1 tie a simple overhand loop in the leader and press the tag end through the eye of the hook or lure. Step 2 bring the tag end back through the overhand loop. Then use the tag end to make a turn around the standing part of the line. Tying a half hitch above the overhand loop. Before snugging down the half hitch, gently pull on both the tag and standing line to form the size of finished loop you want. Tighten the knot by first pulling firmly on the standing line and then the tag end. Trim the tag end close to the knot.

The Bristol knot joins long leader to double main lines in spinning, bait casting and light conventional tackle. The little Bristol passes cleanly through rod guiges and line rollers on spinning reel bails. Because I can wind my lure to the rod tip, I can cast friction free with accuracy and distance.

I us the Bristol when casting artificial for stripers or using jigs. Even if a big fish gets tail wrapped or leaps and falls on the line, the long leader stays intact where the main line may not. The extra length lets me clip off any damaged leader and re rig quickly during a hot bite. How to tie the Bristol knot, step 1 pass the leader through the loop of the doubled main line. Step 2 put your index finger between the leader and doubled line. Wrap the leader around the doubled line five to eight times. Step 3 pass the tag end of the leader back through the loop of the doubled line from where it came. Moisten the connection and cinch down the knot by pulling slowly and firmly on the leader and the doubled line. Trim the tag end, which ought to stand at a 90 degree angle to the line.

Many anglers associate the bimini twist with offshore trolling, but the knot excels on all fishing fronts. Big game anglers have long relied on extended double lines to pressure fish near the boat, the double line, wound onto the reel, gives the angler the upper hand in close quarters. The Bimini retains nearly 100% of the fishing lin's breaking strength, providing shock absorption with no stress spots or weak pounts.

These advantages translate well to casting for sea trout on four pound test, deep jigging for cod on 20 pound bait casting gear, live baiting for big game trolling with 80 pound test. I use a Bimini to create a short double line, often less than three feet long, I favor a short double line and a long wind on leader.

How to tie the Bimini twist Step 1 double back twist the length you'll want your double line to end up. Hold the tag end and standing line firmly with one hand and make 18 to 20 twists by rotating the end of the loop with the other hand. Step 2 keep tension on the fishing line (its easiest to put the outfit in a rod holder) and spread the loop by placing it over your knee or foot. Tighten the twist by spreading the main line and tag 90 degrees. Step 3 keep the line tight. Pull the tag end out at a 90 degree angle to the twists. Maintain tension on the standing line and tag end, then slowly let off some preeure on the tag, allowing it to spiral tightly over the twists of the loop. Step 4 with the tag end, make a half hitch one leg of the loop, locking the wraps. Step 5 then, make a half hitch around both lehs of the loop. I make a couple more half hitches around both legs and trim the tag end close. Other anglers finish their Biminis with clinches or plaits none are incorrect if the knot does not slip.