How to Tie a Knot Bimini Twist
When properly tied, the Bimini Twist is stronger than the original rated
breaking strength of your fishing line. The Bimini is the primary knot
used for making double lines in offshore trolling applications. It is
also used to fashion shock leaders for casting, fly leaders, or as a
connection for attaching swivels. The following directions are for
creating a double line of five feet or less -- two people are usually
required when tying a 15- to 30-foot Bimini (IGFA-compliant) double
line. A lot of practice is required to tie this knot correctly, but
those who become proficient can tie a 20-turn Bimini Twist using mono in
less than a minute.
STEP 1: Measure a little more than twice the length of main line you'll
want for the desired section of double line. Then, double the tag end
of the length back against the standing part to form a loop. Hold both
the tag end and the standing line firmly with the left hand, while you
slip the four fingers of your right hand in the loop. Separate your
hands to keep the loop tight. Then, rotate your right hand 20 times (30
or more times if your main line is braid) in a clockwise direction.
STEP 2: Prop up your right foot to bend your knee. Slip the loop in your
right hand over your knee, keeping the line tight with your left hand
so the twists don't unravel. Separate the standing part of the line
(left hand) from the tag end (right hand) so they form a 90-degree
angle. Pull the tag end and standing section of the line toward you
evenly, maintaining tension and a 90-degree angle. The twists will
tighten and draw down towards your knee.
STEP 3: Once the twists are tight, shift the position of both hands to
the right, keeping the 90-degree bend. The standing line should now be
inline with the twists and the tag end at a right angle to them. As you
pull on the standing part with your left hand, the tag end in your right
hand will start to feed over the twists. Maintain moderate tension, but
allow the line to feed (A). Place the forefinger of your right hand
inside the loop and pull toward you to help the tag end feed smoothly
(B).
STEP 4: When the wraps over the twists reach the junction of the loop,
hold them against the twists with the forefinger of your left hand (A).
Make a single half-hitch with the tag end around the right leg of the
loop and pull the tag end (B) until the half-hitch seats. You no longer
have to maintain tension and may remove the loop from your knee. NOTE:
With braided line, consider tying a half-hitch or two around each leg of
the loop, followed by two to four half-hitches around both legs.
STEP 5: To finish the knot with a locking hitch (uni-knot), hold both
legs of the loop together with your right hand. Lay the tag end against
both legs, leaving enough slack underneath to form a small semi-circle.
Wrap the tag end around both legs of the loop five times, passing each
turn inside the loop. Moisten the wraps, then work the tag end back
toward the twist slowly. You may have to use the thumb and forefinger of
your right hand to draw the wraps back repeatedly as you tighten so
that they don't jump over the knot. Draw the locking hitch down as
tightly as you can (use pliers if necessary) and trim the tag end a
1/4-inch from the knot.
Illustrations by Tom Waters.
