KNOW YOUR KNOTS

How to tie the Bimini loop.

If you want an exceptionally strong knot to create a loop and, perhaps ultimately, to move on to adapting it to attach a shockleader, look no further than the Bimini Twist. The knot is long and large, but its length is the secret because it spreads the strain along it.

In the first instance, we’ll show you how to create a Bimini loop. If you want to create a Bimini leader, you create a twisted loop in the lighter mainline, and the thicker leader is tied into the loop, but that’s for another time.

STEP BY STEP

A: Place an overhand loop of mainline on your right hand and twist the line 30 times with your left.

B: Place the loop on a foot or fixed hook, and tension the twists by pulling the loose ends of line in the directions shown.

C: Using your index finger at point 1, pull the line to create a tight barrel.

D: The loose end is secured by tying one to three half hitches on one side of the loop.

E: This locks the knot.

F: Repeat with up to three half hitches on the other side.

G: This locks the knot on the other side.

H: Secure the tag end by taking it around the loop four times, taking the end back through the loop. Moisten with saliva and pull tight.

I: Trim off the tag end with a pair of scissors.