Tying Two Lines Together

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To connect two lines together, such as when adding backing to a reel prior to filling with line, or adding a long leader to the tip, you use two improved clinch knots. 

Tie each knot in turn by forming the opposite line you are tying to into a loop to simulate the eye of a hook.  Do this by simply folding the line in two. 

Prior to tying the two Clinch knots, make sure you have tension on both sections of line. 

One way to establish the tension needed is to use the rod to create mild tension on one line, and place the spool or second piece of line under your foot.  

Instructions:

  • While holding the end of the line coming from the rod between your teath, fold the second piece of line around  the first line.
  • Hold the fold by pinching the doubled-up line between the last three fingers and the palm of your dominant hand.
  • Once you have grasped the fold, place your index finger over the fold and then pinch the free end of the line that was passed through the fold between your thumb and index finger.  Proceed to tie an Improved Clinch knot as per the instructions provided on this website.
  • Once you have completed the first knot, and prior to cutting off the excess line from the knot, reverse your grasp on the line and now hold the first clinch knot in your hand with your first finger over the knot so that you can begin wrapping the end of the second line around itself.
  • It’s a good idea to make sure their’s sufficient pressure on the line coming from the rod prior to tying the second knot.  This can be accomplished by placing a foot on the line coming from the rod’s tip and leading to your hand.
  • After the second Clinch knot is tied and pulled snug, grasp the first and second lines, one in each hand, and pull hard.  It’s always a good idea to wet the knots with your tongue prior to pulling tight to ensure all the slack comes out of each knot and the coils snug down against each other tight.
  • While pulling on the two lines, try to pull the coils of each knot down so that the coils are tight together.
  • Only after all tightening and test pulling has been applied should one cut off the excess line being careful to leave an eighth of an inch or so of excess just in case there’s more slippage.  More excess is not possible as this will interfere with the knots passing through the guides of the rod. 

The End.