How to Tie a Bimini Twist

A Bimini twist is a knot used in fishing to create a secure loop at the end of a fishing line. It is most often made to attach a wind-on leader or prevent chafing and is unusual in that the Bimini twist is actually stronger than the line itself.

Instructions

1. Form a bight of line and twist it at least 12 times. The specific number of twists to make the knot is highly variable and dependent upon the application. Some sources recommend more than 60 for braided line while others maintain 12 to be sufficient for all applications.

2. Use the working end of the line to wrap back over the twists created in Step 1. Begin from the standing end and work all the way back up to the loop using a similar number of twists.

3. Push the working end of the line through the loop and form a small bight with it. Push the bight outside the loop, bring the working end over the loop and put it through the bight. Dress and tighten the knot thus created as close as possible to the wrappings created in Step 2.

4. Weave the working end of line over both sides of the loop, under both sides of the loop and over both sides of the loop. Begin from the knot created in Step 3 and work toward the end of the loop.

5. Continue weaving back toward the knot created in Step 3. Pass the working end of line under the loop, over the first weave, over the loop, under the first weave, under the loop and over the first weave. Tighten the weaves to complete the Bimini twist.