How to Tie Two Fishing Lines Together

Easy Guide

Merging two fishing lines together is a fundamental skill that every angler should master. Whether you’re connecting a leader to your main line or simply extending the length of your fishing line, knowing how to securely tie two lines together can greatly enhance your fishing experience. In this guide, we’ll cover two popular and effective knot types for joining fishing lines: the Double Uni Knot and the Blood Knot.

Double Uni Knot

Renowned for its strength and simplicity, the Double Uni Knot is ideal for tying together lines of similar or slightly varying diameters. Follow these steps:

  1. Lay the Ends of the Lines Over Each Other: Start by overlapping the ends of the two lines for about 6 inches.
  2. Form a Loop with One Line: Take one line and form a loop by bringing its end over both lines. Then, make a simple knot by passing the end through the loop. Ensure that it’s only wrapping around both lines and not itself.
  3. Wrap and Tighten: Wrap the end of the line around both lines five to seven times. After wrapping, pull the end tight to cinch the wraps together, forming half of the Uni Knot. Wetting the knot can help reduce friction and allow it to tighten more smoothly.
  4. Repeat with the Other Line: Repeat steps 2 and 3 with the other line, ensuring you’re forming the knot on the opposite side of the initial one.
  5. Draw the Two Knots Together: Slowly pull the main lines in opposite directions. This will bring the two Uni Knots together until they’re tightly seated against each other. Trim the tag ends close to the knot.

With thanks to the Zoe Angling Group for this superb explanation.

Blood Knot

The Blood Knot, although slightly more complicated than the Double Uni Knot, is perfect for tying together lines of similar size and is especially good for fly fishing lines. Here’s how you tie it:

  1. Overlap the Line Ends: Similar to the Double Uni Knot, start by overlapping the ends of the lines to be joined for several inches.
  2. Twist the Lines: Twist one line around the other five to seven times. Then, bring the end back to the middle where the lines first overlapped.
  3. Repeat with the Other Line: Perform the same twisting action with the other line, making sure to twist the same number of times as the first line. Bring its end to the middle to meet the other end.
  4. Moisten and Tighten: Wet the knot to reduce friction. Hold both ends of each line (the main line and the tag end) and pull gently to tighten the wraps towards the middle. Ensure that the wraps compact neatly without overlapping improperly.
  5. Trim Excess: Once the knot is fully tightened and seated, trim the tag ends close to the knot to complete the join.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting, mastering these knots can make a significant difference in your fishing success. Practice tying both the Double Uni Knot and the Blood Knot with some spare line at home before heading out to ensure you can confidently and efficiently manage your line on the water.

Thanks to tightlinevideo for this excellent clip.

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