by Chris Tattersall

Created on: November 28, 2008   Last Updated: June 05, 2011

The Bimini Twist is a way of producing a very strong loop at the end of a fishing line which can then be attached to the leader (leader: a final length of line attached to the main line holding the lures or bait, usually stronger than the main line and often used when fishing for fish which may break or bite through the main line). The Bimini Twist, if correctly tied should have no weak spots which can occur in conventional knots, such as the blood knot.

The primary function (and origin) of the Bimini Twist comes from big game fishing, such as in the Bahamas (where the name Bimini comes from). However, the Bimini Twist loses none of its function with lighter fishing line, although the process of tying becomes a lot more difficult.

The following stages are for a right-handed person creating a Bimini Twist with a fishing line to be used in big game fishing.

STAGE 1

Create a big loop at the end of the fishing line using around 6 to 8 feet of the line, but leave a length (around a foot) of the end of the line hanging. This is termed the 'tag end'.

STAGE 2

In your left hand, hold the joined end of the loop (with the tag hanging). With the right hand inside the end of the loop, rotate the right hand in order to make around 20 twists in the line. The line must remain taut throughout.

STAGE 3

Keeping the line taut, use your feet on the floor to hold the loop. The line will now be vertical. Keep holding the end of the twists in your left hand at all times.

STAGE 4

With your right hand inside the loop (just above your feet), lift up towards your left hand. The twists will now become compressed

STAGE 5

When your right hand reaches around the level of the knees, keep the loop open by putting it over the top of both knees. (The loop will now be the length of your legs from knees to feet.) Your right hand will now be free. Remember to keep the line taut with the left hand.

STAGE 6

Keeping a tight grip of the main line with the left hand, hold the tag end tightly with the right hand at 90 degrees to the main line. Keep tension on both ends at all times.

STAGE 7

Open your knees, which will compress the twists further. While this happens, allow the tag end of the line wrap itself around the original twists in a downward motion, making sure the tag end doesn't overlap itself.

STAGE 8

Keeping tension on the line with your left hand, tie a half-hitch around one of the legs of the loop using the tag end with the right hand while maintaining tension. This is the most awkward part of the process.

STAGE 9

Once a half hitch has been tied, all tension can be released and the basic Bimini Twist has been created.

STAGE 10.

The final stage is the one with most variety; however the easiest method of finishing is to tie between five to 10 half-hitch knots around the two legs of the loop, just below the end of the twists, using the tag end of the line.

STAGE 11

Trim the tag end, leaving only a couple of inches.

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