Well this is the 1st post after quite a while and as it has been a while I thought I would start with another “How to” and this time on a knot that you use so infrequently many anglers forget how to tie it. The knot I am referring to is of course the Arbor knot. As it stands the only use for it is to attach the main line to the spool ( it is not load bearing) but don’t let that put you off. It is quick and easy to tie and packs down nice and small. Some anglers use a load of granny knots or even tape but this knot is far far better as it is small, quick and will not affect your line at all ( unlike tape).
So lets see how to tie it ( click any picture to make it larger) .
1st of all notice that you spool will have a depression cut into it at the base. In the picture above ( click for higher resolution) it is just above the line clip ( the shiny button). This depression is to hold the knot when tied and so the knot doesn’t cause any “lumps” on on the spool that may impede line from leaving and mess up your casting.
Note that for the rest of the pictures I will be using brighly coloured string instead of line just to make it easier to see.
Take the line and tie a simple overhand knot in the end, pull tight and trim off the tag very tight ( you don’t want a tag end at all)
Pass the end of the line over its self to make a loop that is large enough to fit over the spool.
Now tie another overhand knot around the main line with the knotted end that you make earlier as above. Pull this knot tight but don’t make the loop smaller.
Slip the loop over your spool and position the knot in the depression that I showed and pull the loop tight. You may have to wiggle the line back and forwards for the knot to slip and the loop to tighten. Once it is tightened ensure that the knot really is entirely in the depression and you are done, you can now start to wind your new line onto your spool. Note that this knot is good with braid as well as with nylon mono filament.
Note if you tied the second over hand knot in the wrong piece of line it will look like the picture below
This is not what you want as the loop will not tighten down under pressure and you will have to start again.
More knot articles can be found on the site if you wave your mouse pointer over the articles menu at the top or click here.
Did you find this tutorial useful ? are there others that you would like to see ? let me know, either mail me a comment using the contact me button at the top or post a comment below.
The Masterblanker 