How to Tie a Line on a Fishing Reel

If you don't want to see all your fishing line pop off the reel while battling a big fish, learn the easy-to-tie arbor knot.

For some, few things in life compare to a relaxing afternoon of fishing. And few things compare to hooking a big fish only to have the line come loose from the reel and the fish swim away with the line in tow. Knowing how to securely connect the fishing line to the reel can help prevent that sinking feeling.

Things You'll Need

• Fishing reel
• Fishing line
• Snips

Instructions

1. Wrap 5 to 6 inches of fishing line around the arbor, or center part of the reel. Pull the free, or tag, end of the line so there is at least 5 inches of line extending past the reel in order to tie the arbor knot.

2. Tie an arbor knot. With the tag end, tie an overhand knot around the main line. Tie a second overhand knot at the end of the tag end so the end of the line won't slip through the first knot.

3. Moisten both knots with a small amount of water. Moisture helps to add strength to the knots and prevent slipping by locking the knots in place.

4. Pull the knots down securely around the arbor. Hold the tag end of the line and pull both knots down toward the center of the reel. The knots should lock against each other and prevent the fishing line from coming loose from the reel. Clip excess line from the knot with snips.

Tips & Warnings

• This knot works well with monofilament lines as well as Dacron backing for fly reels.

• Be careful when pulling the knot tight around the arbor as it is possible to receive a cut from tightly stretched fishing line.

References

• Animated Knots by Grog: The Arbor Knot

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Animated Knots by Grog: The Arbor Knot