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Bimini Twist
Used primarily for offshore saltwater trolling and double-line fishing 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 fishing 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
fishing line being used.
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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.
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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 ! |
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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.) |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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