How to Tie an Englishman's Knot

An Englishman's knot bend also goes by several other names, including the Angler's knot, Fisherman's knot and Waterman's knot. Use it primarily in fishing to join two lines of equal diameter together, especially very thin lines.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Place the two lines parallel to each other but with the working ends pointed in opposite directions. Call the line on the left line A and the line on the left line B.

2. Place line A above line B and bend the working end of line A over line B from the front. Bring the working end of line A back over the standing end of line A and tuck it through the loop just created in line B.

3. Bend the working end of line B over line A from the front. Bring the working end of line B back over the standing end of line B and tuck it through the loop just created in line B. Note that this results in two overhand knots angled in the same direction, which will allow the two knots to fit together properly.

4. Moisten the knots before pulling them tight when using monofilament line. This will help prevent the knot from weakening as it heats up from friction.

5. Dress the Englishman's knot by pulling the standing ends of the lines in opposite directions to snug up the two overhand knots next to each other.

6. Double these overhand knots when using monofilament line. The Englishman's knot is difficult to untie and shouldn't be used on good rope, especially if it will be bearing a heavy load.