How to Use the Bimini Twist

Fishing pole

Bimini twists provide a reinforcing loop that adds strength to your fishing line and they are usually less than 5 feet long, although they can be made longer. Learning and mastering the bimini twist will help you to make the most of your fishing time while you are on the water. It is a good idea to practice tying the bimini twist several times before getting out on the boat so you are familiar with it when the time comes to implement it.

Things You'll Need

• Fishing line
• Stick (optional)

Instructions

1. Position your fishing line so that it hangs vertically. Pull out twice the length of line that you want to use and bring the free end in to make a loop to your desired length.

2. Maintain an even tension with your finger or a stick in the loop end. If you are making a bimini twist that is less than 5 feet long, you can do this yourself if you need to, although it is easier with an extra pair of hands. Rotate your finger or the stick so that the line twists, making at least 20 rotations.

3. Keep tension on the end attached to the line and your finger or the stick in the loop with medium tension to help keep the line in place. This is where that extra pair of hands comes in handy, especially if the twist is longer than 5 feet, although a stick works just as well for bimini twists that are less than 5 feet long. Let the free end of the twist loosen slightly as you bring the very end down toward the loop end. In this movement, you will allow some of the twists closest to the attached end to loosen and fall back over the first layer of the twists. Spread this second row of twists that you have just made evenly over the first layer of twists, making your way toward the loop end.

4. Spread the loop end open with your fingers, making sure the loop is open a length of 10 inches from the end of the loop to the twists. Make a half hitch knot on one of the loop strands and pull snuggly to keep it in place.

5. Take the loose end of the line and leave a wide loose loop of string on one side as you wrap the free end of the string around both of the loop strands four times by starting 2 to 3 inches from the end of the loop and working your way toward the twisted part. Make sure the wide loop you just created is maintained and isn't wrapped up in this process. This loop will help to strengthen the knot you are about to make.

6. Moisten your line before you slowly and evenly tighten the knot you have just created. Make sure the knot is snug before you cut off the excess line except for ¼ inch. Reinforce with superglue or rubber type glue if you want to ensure that no unraveling occurs.

References

• Leadertec: Bimini Twist
• Fin Talk: Bimini Twist, Offshore Fishing Knot