bimini twist

[Cam]

hey all

i am just learning to tie the bimini twist and was wondering how big the loop should end up being? and also is it realy important to have one, cause i usualy just have my fireline joined straight to the mono leader, any advice here would be much appreciated!!:)

Cam

[smellyfish]

It seems that the Bimini is ideal for heavier fishing like marlin, tuna and the like. I don't think that you need one for Bream and the lighter end of the scale.

[Cam]

oh ok then, cause i remember reading in another post - 'leader' when Traveller replied to it, he sais that he used a bimini, ne one else have ne views on this?

[toddy]

the beauty of a bimini twist is that it forms a stronger connection between the mainline and leader. if the bimini is tied correctly and the knot joining the mainline and leader is strong, when you get a snag, more often than not the line will break at the jighead thus saving you time and effort re-rigging. they are a relitively thin knot when tied on four or six pound fireline, so it won't really impead your cast much at all.
i generally tie mine so that the loop is under a foot in length, and it's alot easier to tie using your hands to open it up rather than wrapping it around your legs as seen in many books.
while it's not critical to use one, it certainly won't hurt.

hope this helps.

[Traveller]

Guys,

I agree with toddy... when I tie bimini for finesse fishing the loop is generally around a foot in length. But I still find it easier to use my feet to open the loop to do the final tying rather than my hand though....

I would then use an improved albright to tie the leader to the bimini.

For larger saltwater gamefish I would use the standard IFGA regulation length.

Traveller

[Cam]

thanx for the replies guys, it gives me something to think about, now just gotta the knot right, hehe

Cam

[Traveller]

Cam, go to the sportsfish site or the fishnet site... they have an animated instruction on how to tie a number of knots and I think there is one for bimini....

[smellyfish]

Using the double uni knot to tie the leader to the main, it definately breaks on this knot as I did it twice yesterday when snagged. Seems the bimini has merit.

[Traveller]

That's why I use triple uni for play/fun day.... so it doesn't break at the fireline/leader join...

[donfish]

Whats a triple uni knot .

donfish

[smellyfish]

Yes what is a triple knot.

[panger]

Traveller explained it to me in a prior post. I haven't tried it yet but I think you do three loops in the line before doing the turns instead of the usual one.

[jason]

I generally use the bimini or spider hitch for my doubles, but lately I have been using the aussie plat.

I know this is generally used for gamefishing and a pain in the butt when first learning it, but I tell you I have not come across a stronder knot that retains 100% breaking strain of your line and no hinderence travelling through the guides when casting......and I always use the good ol no-name for tying on the leader.