Solano Fly Fishers

Bimini Twist

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1 - Begin by making a loop and twist the line at least 20 times.
Depending on the length you wish to make the double, two people may be required.

2 - Alternately, you may attach the double to something (use a cleat or a rod in a holder and place the line over the rod butt) if another pair of hands is not available. In this case stand inside the loop facing away from the rod, and towards the knot. Be careful of line damage at the end of the double if you do use this method.

This example shows a short double being made. The double end can be placed around the knee or your foot for a double a bit longer. Apply steady tension so the twists come together. Ensure that tension is maintained at all times.

3 - Keeping tension on the standing end (line to the reel), relax slightly the tag end and let it run down over the original twist. This process can be assisted by placing a finger in the "v" at the bottom of the twist.

4 - When the twists are completely wrapped, make a half-hitch around the right leg of the loop and pull tight. This will prevent the knot unraveling temporarily and allow you to proceed to the next step.

5 - Complete the knot with a four turn locking hitch around both strands of the loop. Moisten the line with saliva and pull the tag end slowly. Use you thumb and forefinger to draw back the turns as you tighten them. Trim the tag end but leave enough line so the knot doesn't unravel, which may (unlikely if tied correctly) happen if it is constantly moving in and out of rod guides. The unraveling can be prevented by applying super glue to the knot. A rubber type glue such as Aquaseal or Pliobond is also very useful.

The bimini twist is one of the better methods for developing a strong double in fishing line. It is one of the few that works quite well when working the super-lines such as braid or gelspun line. For use in fishing applications, the old stand by is 20-30 initial twists in nylon monofilament and 60 or more initial-twists in Spectra-type braided line

It looks a little difficult to tie, however, with just a little practice it is easy to master and great when worked in light to medium lines. If chasing larger game fish go with a plait, however, for lighter game fish it’s quite okay.

There is always a lot of debate about the Bimini Twists ability to retain original line strength. In reality that varies considerably with line type, structure and the pulling motion inflicted.

Stretch lines tend to retain the original strength better than non stretch. A sudden jerk on any line will see it break at less weight than a moderate constantly growing weight. In the case of the super lines such as braid and gelspun, the more twists you place in the formation of the knot the better. The more twists, the longer the knot, the longer the knot the greater the give or stretch in it. If using the Bimini Twist with super lines, be sure to set your drag correctly and use a rod with some flex. Both these factors will help reduce any shock when a fast running fish strikes and help the bimini twist retain strength.

Doubles and loops are a major part of sports fishing and loop to loop connections are essential for the connection of wind on leaders and for the connection of fly line to backing from the reel. There are a number of differing methods of tying the Bimini Twist. The method demonstrated at www.marinews.comwww.marinews.com is one of the simplest to master.