Trails » Fishing » Fishing Reels & Line » Fishing Line » How to Join Fishing Lines

How to Join Fishing Lines

How to Join Fishing Lines

All images and ilustrations by Daniel Ray

Saltwater fishing can be demanding and using a leader is required for many saltwater fish. Although a swivel can be used, many fishermen choose to join the fishing lines together with a Uni-Knot. This easy-to-tie knot will allow two different sizes of line to be quickly joined together. When properly tied, Uni-Knots are extremely strong and will not slip. Try the Uni-Knot when you are using a leader for low visibility or for abrasion resistance.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

How to Join Fishing Lines

Things You’ll Need:
  • Fishing pole with line Section of leader material Nail clippers
  • Fishing pole with line
  • Section of leader material
  • Nail clippers
Step 1
Step 1 illustration
Step 1 illustration
Overlap the tag ends of both the fishing line and the leader so they are parallel to each other. Ensure that both tag ends of line and leader are 10 to 12-inches long. Grasp the fishing line's tag end and form a loop.
Step 2
Step 2 illustration
Step 2 illustration
Take the fishing line's tag end and make six revolutions around the parallel lines. Pull the fishing line's tag end slowly while holding the other two lines. Ensure that the knot tightens uniformly and that the knot's coils are in a row.
Step 3
Step 3 illustration
Step 3 illustration
Keep pulling the ends until the knot is fully tightened. Ensure that all coils are aligned and push up tightly against each other. Trim the tag end flush with the nail clippers.
Step 4
Step 4 illustration
Step 4 illustration
Repeat Steps 2 and 3 using the leader. Instead of the loop being on the bottom as in the illustration, the loop will be on top of the two parallel lines. When the second knot is tight and trimmed, pull tightly on both standing ends of line and make sure both knots are tight against each other.

Tips & Warnings

 
Moisten the knots when you are tightening them to help to make the knots seat smoothly.

Resources

Article Written By Daniel Ray

Daniel Ray has been writing for over 15 years. He has been published in "Florida Sportsman" magazine. He holds an FAA airframe and powerplant license and FCC radiotelephone license, and is also a licensed private pilot. He attended the University of South Florida.

Write for Trails.com

  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

    More Backcountry Camping...

  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

    More Beach Camping...

  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

    More Camping Basics...

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword