Q:

I have heard that the Bimini Twist is the best knot to tie from line to leader. The only way I've seen to tie this knot is with one line(creating a loop). How do you connect the line and leader together to tie the twist? Thanks for the help.

Greg Talbot

A:

Hi Greg,

Sorry about that -- the Bimini's best application is to the leader/bite tippet connection. The Bimini does little more than form a loop in the end of the leader - importantly - a loop formed by a knot that does not weaken the line strength as most knots do. The Bimini is designed to protect the tippet.

When attaching a bite tippet (mono/wire guard) to any loop, it is difficult, if not impossible, to koin the two lines if the ratio exceeds than 3 to 1. Translated to simple fishing, this means that you should be able to join a 30 lb. bite tippet to a Bimini Twist loop tied to a 10 lb. test leader.

(Let me offer a further tip: Provided you've made your Bimini long enough, double the loop back on itself and tie a double surgeon's knot. Now you really have something going for you when you make the 3 to 1 ransition. Assuming the 10 lb. test line used in this example, the double loop strength becomes just slightly less than 20 lb. test ...)

What knot to join the Bimini Loop/Surgeons Knot combo to the bite tippet? Try the Albright Knot -- to learn the knot, order Ande's Book of Knots. It's free! Call: 561-842-2474 or fax 561-848-5538.

Doug Macnair

AFTERTHOUGHT: Forgot to add that the Bimini loop is also useful as a connecting link in a loop-to-loop connection to shock tippet tied to a a fly. As you know, loop-to-loop does not sacrifice line strength. By the way, the Spider's Hitch is almost as good as the Bimini and very easy to tie. I is also covered in Ande's little book. The secret to tying any of these knots is doing it slowly, carefully and with plenty of lubrication (otherewise known as spit.)

Doug