How to Tie an Arbor Knot in 7 Steps

An arbor knot, also called a stop knot, is used to secure the end of your rope, either to a ring or another object. As with any knot, there are several ways to tie an arbor knot and they will all serve their purpose of preventing the end of your rope from unraveling. The type of arbor knot you choose to use depends on the weight and size of the objects you plan on securing your rope to.

As a fisherman, it’s important to learn how to tie an arbor fishing knot because the knot is often used to tie a wide range of lines such as fly line backing, fluorocarbon line, and monofilament to an arbor fishing reel. However, it’s not recommended to use an arbor knot on a braided line if you don’t have a non-slip spool.

When a non-slip spool isn’t available and you plan to use a braided line on your baitcasting or spinning reel, you can use the arbor knot to attach the monofilament backing to your spool and then add the braided line with a joining knot.

An arbor knot is a very common way of securing a line around something. For example, you may tie one if you want to string up holiday lights on your house. They’re also used in lanyards, which are primarily found around power tools and catfishing reels, like salmon or bass fishing reels.

How Do You Tie an Arbor Knot

The arbor knot is quite easy to tie. It’s worth knowing because it’s used on a wide range of reels. Whether you use a spinning, fly, or baitcasting reel, it’s important to learn how to tie the knot.

The knot gives you something strong to hold on when you throw your rod and reel overboard as well as something that you can count on to effectively use to pull up your catch using your line.

So how do you tie an arbor knot? Here are a few steps to follow:

• Start by twisting the end of the tag around the fishing line end. Continue wrapping the line around the spool several times.
• Next tie a loose knot in the line’s standing end. The second knot will be the stopper.
• Complete the loop you have built simply by tugging the standing end towards the spool of the larger arbor reel.
• Lubricate the knot while tightening to prevent weakness caused by friction.
• Make sure the second overhand knot lies snug next to the first one.
• Complete the arbor fishing knot by tugging both ends against each other to tighten the spool
• Trim the remaining tag end and you are good to go. You can then reel your fishing line to your reel and tie your leader line preferably with a line joining knot.

Similar to other fishing knots, arbor knot fishing is quite easy to tie once you have had some practice. Be patient and practice until tying an arbor fishing knot becomes second nature.

How to Tie an Arbor Knot on a Baitcaster

An arbor knot on a bait caster is used to attach your spool of line to your bait caster reel. The arbor knot attaches directly to your reel instead of attaching through your fishing rod like you would with a worm or uni-knot.

This type of knot is harder to tie but more secure than tying directly into a fishing rod so it’s recommended for baitcasters only.

Simply follow these steps:

• First, run two loops side by side through each other at least eight inches long with one overhanging loop on top and one underhand loop on the bottom.
• Next, cinch tight both ends together so that they lie flat against each other. Then, push in another loop through both end loops followed by pulling taut all three lines until there are four knots together.
• Next, repeat step three once again then take all four ends together to complete the knotting process. Repeat the process again on the opposite side until you have four knots.
• Once completed correctly, test your new arbor knot out by grabbing both lines from just below where they come out of guides making sure there are no twists before setting the hook; if not properly tied don’t use and retie again!

Uses of the Arbor Knot in Fishing

A traditional fly fishing knot, arbor knots are used to join fishing line to tippets. A standard practice in fly fishing, arbor knots can be used in spinning and saltwater angling as well. For years now, these knots have been used in tying flies for trout fishing.

When a fisherman’s line comes into contact with rocks or snags on a stream bottom, arbor knots protect weaker lines from breaking due to their slightly stronger nature. Failing at first hit by another object, arbor knots will usually slip or loosen before breaking entirely.

Conclusion

The arbor knot may not look like a knot that you’ll be tying frequently but it should be the first one you tie before you leave for your day out in the water trying to nab a prize catch.

You are also most likely to use an arbor knot any time you feel like changing the fishing line attached to your reel.

The arbor knot is mainly used to tie your mainline to the reel’s spool. The knot is also ideal for use on fixed and centrepin spool reels. However, keep in mind that when you use braided lines on a spool that’s smooth and slippery, it may slip off.

Instead use an arbor knot braid to tie the monofilament line then wind an extra layer to act as a backing. You can also tie the braid to the monofilament backing using an Albright knot instead.