How to Tie a Marlin Spike

The marlin spike hitch knot, also sometimes written as marlinspike, is a knot used to tie a line to a stick (or a marlin's spike traditionally, hence the name). This is generally done so that the other end of the rope can be tied to a heavy object, which can then be dragged more easily. It is easy to tie and easy to untie, as it simply slips off nice and free. It can be tied to anything from a stick to a large piece of wood.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rope
• Stick or other long sturdy object (known here as a line)

1. Cross the rope over your line (i.e. stick, piece of wood, marlin spike).

2. Make a loop by crossing the rope with itself as you are pulling it over the line.

3. Bend the loop down and underneath your line.

4. Pull your rope tightly against the line.

5. Slip the knot you've made into the center of your line.

Resources

• Video Tutorial From Expert Village