| There seems to be as many knots out there as | | | | the doubled main line. Step 2 put your index finger |
| there are fish in the ocean. But this is the three | | | | between the leader and doubled line. Wrap the |
| that most us and found out with experience that | | | | leader around the doubled line five to eight times. |
| they don't fail if tied right. The three knots are | | | | Step 3 pass the tag end of the leader back |
| the loop knot, the Bristol knot and the bimini twist. | | | | through the loop of the doubled line from where it |
| All these knots are solid performers that have an | | | | came. Moisten the connection and cinch down the |
| edge on other knots. | | | | knot by pulling slowly and firmly on the leader and |
| The loop knot often takes a back seat to the | | | | the doubled line. Trim the tag end, which ought to |
| clinch for tying on a lure or hook. But experienced | | | | stand at a 90 degree angle to the line. |
| anglers know the difference a loop can make, | | | | Many anglers associate the bimini twist with |
| adding action to the presentation. | | | | offshore trolling, but the knot excels on all fishing |
| This knot leaves a small open loop at the eye of | | | | fronts. Big game anglers have long relied on |
| the lure or hook, giving it more freedom to move. | | | | extended double lines to pressure fish near the |
| When a lure or bait is not constrained by the | | | | boat, the double line, wound onto the reel, gives |
| weight or stiffness of the leader, its inherent | | | | the angler the upper hand in close quarters. The |
| action really shines. Used with a buck tail, the loop | | | | Bimini retains nearly 100% of the fishing lin's |
| knot lets the jig flutter as its eye moves freely | | | | breaking strength, providing shock absorption with |
| along the loop's perimeter. The loop also lets live | | | | no stress spots or weak pounts. |
| bait do its thing, where a clinch can be restrictive. | | | | These advantages translate well to casting for |
| This knot retains 90 to 95 percent of the | | | | sea trout on four pound test, deep jigging for cod |
| breaking strength of the line not a concern since | | | | on 20 pound bait casting gear, live baiting for big |
| the leader is usually heavier than the main line. | | | | game trolling with 80 pound test. I use a Bimini to |
| How to tie the loop knot: step 1 tie a simple | | | | create a short double line, often less than three |
| overhand loop in the leader and press the tag end | | | | feet long, I favor a short double line and a long |
| through the eye of the hook or lure. Step 2 bring | | | | wind on leader. |
| the tag end back through the overhand loop. | | | | How to tie the Bimini twist Step 1 double back |
| Then use the tag end to make a turn around the | | | | twist the length you'll want your double line to end |
| standing part of the line. Tying a half hitch above | | | | up. Hold the tag end and standing line firmly with |
| the overhand loop. Before snugging down the half | | | | one hand and make 18 to 20 twists by rotating |
| hitch, gently pull on both the tag and standing line | | | | the end of the loop with the other hand. Step 2 |
| to form the size of finished loop you want. | | | | keep tension on the fishing line (its easiest to put |
| Tighten the knot by first pulling firmly on the | | | | the outfit in a rod holder) and spread the loop by |
| standing line and then the tag end. Trim the tag | | | | placing it over your knee or foot. Tighten the |
| end close to the knot. | | | | twist by spreading the main line and tag 90 |
| The Bristol knot joins long leader to double main | | | | degrees. Step 3 keep the line tight. Pull the tag |
| lines in spinning, bait casting and light conventional | | | | end out at a 90 degree angle to the twists. |
| tackle. The little Bristol passes cleanly through rod | | | | Maintain tension on the standing line and tag end, |
| guiges and line rollers on spinning reel bails. | | | | then slowly let off some preeure on the tag, |
| Because I can wind my lure to the rod tip, I can | | | | allowing it to spiral tightly over the twists of the |
| cast friction free with accuracy and distance. | | | | loop. Step 4 with the tag end, make a half hitch |
| I us the Bristol when casting artificial for stripers | | | | one leg of the loop, locking the wraps. Step 5 |
| or using jigs. Even if a big fish gets tail wrapped or | | | | then, make a half hitch around both lehs of the |
| leaps and falls on the line, the long leader stays | | | | loop. I make a couple more half hitches around |
| intact where the main line may not. The extra | | | | both legs and trim the tag end close. Other |
| length lets me clip off any damaged leader and re | | | | anglers finish their Biminis with clinches or plaits |
| rig quickly during a hot bite. How to tie the Bristol | | | | none are incorrect!if the knot does not slip. |
| knot, step 1 pass the leader through the loop of | | | | |