BACK TO BASICS
by Paul Borcherds
Part 5: Knots for double lines
W
ITH fishing there are a number of applications where you will need to create a strong loop or double line between the line coming off the reel and the terminal tackle end. Some examples are when you need to connect Dacron or super line (braid) backing to monofilament line, connect leader material or a windon leader, and when you need to create strong connections to barrel or snap swivels. There are a few different ways to create double lines, but the most commonly used — with monofilament lines — are the Spider Hitch, the Bimini Twist and the Aussie Plait. Aside from knot strength, another benefit of the double line is protection against line chafing when it rubs against the bill or tail of a fish which may be able to chafe the line enough to break through one strand. If this happens there will still be another strand of line intact to successfully land the fish. WHICH DOUBLE LINE SHOULD YOU USE? Although each of the double line knots mentioned above works well when properly tied, an angler may be stuck with the decision of which one to use. Each one has its own pros and cons which should be measured up before making the decision. The Spider Hitch may be faster and easier to tie, especially whilst in a rocking boat, but if the knot is not properly seated and the hitches fail to come tight in the proper sequence, the knot has a very good chance of failing. The same applies to the Bimini which is prone to failure due to line burn just above the knot if the rolls were done too tight or, in the case of the Aussie Plait, if the first wrap was not pulled up tight against the standing line. This illustrates that it is almost always human error that causes the knot to fail and not the knot itself. If tied properly, both the Spider Hitch and the Bimini will provide a knot test strength equal to 90%-95% of the original line strength, and the Aussie Plait anywhere between 95% and 99.9%. To ensure your choice of double line loop knot retains as much of the original line strength as possible, you first have to make sure you use the right number of twists or wraps in the line after creating your loop. Secondly, you need to finish it well. In the case of a Bimini or Aussie Plait there are countless ways to finish the knot 40 • SKI-BOAT January/February 2015
(knotless, half-hitches, etc.). Find the finish that works best for you — and stick with it. Thirdly, use the double line knot of choice according to the line class. A Spider Hitch works well in monofilament line up to 50 lb. The thinner diameter of braid means the Spider Hitch can also be used in line classes up to 100 lb — or even a bit more. Biminis are most commonly used in line classes from 20 lb to 130 lb, and Aussie Plaits only in heavier mono line classes 80 lb to 130 lb. Lastly, if you’re in doubt as to whether the knot is well seated or not, rather cut it off and start again. TYING THE SPIDER HITCH This double line loop is named in honour of “Spider”Andresen who showed it to the Dupont Line Company. Spider apparently learned it from Cuban anglers, but who exactly invented it is a mystery. Although it lacks the same shock absorption as a Bimini or Aussie Plait, it more than makes up for this with versatility and ease in lighter line classes. 1. Double over a length of line, anything from 20cm to 100cm in length. 2. Make a reverse loop and hold the loop between thumb and extended forefinger. 3. Take hold of the doubled line and encircle the extended forefinger from the tip of the thumb. 4. Encircle the forefinger 360 degrees. 5. Continue encircling the forefinger another four to five times (15 times if using superbraid). 6. Pass the end of the double line through the reverse loop from behind. 7. Slowly pull on the double line, allowing the loops to unwind off the forefinger. 8. Keep pulling all the wraps off the forefinger. 9. Continue until all the wraps are off the forefinger 10. Moisten with saliva and pull evenly on all four ends to tighten. 11. Keep pulling on all four strands until the knot seats. 12. Trim the tag end approximately 5mm from the knot. 13. The completed Spider Hitch knot. • For further information or to purchase a knot tying tool, contact Paul Borcherds on 082 652 5659 or send him a message via Facebook.