How to Tie a Knot Albright Special
The Albright Special has long been the angler's "go-to" knot for joining
two lines of unequal diameters. It's most commonly used by big-game
fishermen to create heavy shock leaders. When used with a Bimini Twist
on your lighter line, you can create a knot system that has nearly 100%
breaking strength. The Albright Special is also a favorite knot for
tying monofilament or braided lines to wire leaders when fishing for
toothy critters. Anglers fishing clear waters with braid can also use
the Albright Special to attach a low-vis fluorocarbon leader for
line-shy fish.
STEP 1: Double the tag end of the larger-diameter line to form a small
loop and hold it in your left hand. With your right hand, push the tag
end of the smaller-diameter line through the loop (as shown), leaving 10
or 12 inches for ample room to tie the knot.
STEP 2: Slip the smaller line under your left thumb about 6 to 10 inches
from the tip of the tag end. Then, using your thumb and forefinger,
pinch the line firmly against the larger strands of the loop. With your
right hand, start wrapping the smaller line away from you and around the
loop, working from left to right toward the round end of the loop.
Each wrap should shoulder the one before it.
STEP 3: Make 10 to 14 consecutive wraps with the smaller line around
both legs of the loop (you can use fewer wraps with heavier line, but no
fewer than 20 to 24 wraps when using braid). From the bottom up, push
the tag end of the smaller line back through the loop, being sure that
it exits on the same side of the loop from which it entered. Moisten
the knot before beginning to tighten.
STEP 4: With the thumb and forefinger of the left hand, carefully slide
the coils of the smaller line neatly toward the end of the loop, but
stopping 1/8 inch from the loop's end. While still holding the lines
with your left hand, use pliers with your right hand and pull hard on
the tag end of the smaller line to draw the coils tight so they can't
slip off the end of the loop. Then pull firmly on the standing part of
the smaller line. Moisten the knot again and alternately pull hard on
the tag end and standing part of the smaller line one more time.
STEP 5: Finish the knot by using both hands to grip the standing parts
of the smaller line and larger line, then simultaneously pulling them as
hard as possible to firmly seat the knot (take extra care not to slice
your hand if using braid). Trim the tag ends. When tied properly, this
knot has a comparatively low profile, allowing longer leaders to flow
smoothly through the guides when casting and retrieving.
Text and illustrations by Tom Waters
