Arbor Knot: How to Tie an Arbor Knot [Quick and Easy]

If you’re looking for how to tie the fishing line to the reel, you should learn the arbor knot.

The arbor knot is a simple fisherman’s knot used to attach a fishing line to the arbor of a reel.

The arbor knot may look complicated, but if you practice it a few times, you’ll get it.

Table of Contents

Tying the Arbor Knot

Wrap the line around the spool using the tag end in a clockwise direction.
Make a loop around the standing line with the tag end. Tie an overhand knot and pull until it’s snug.
Make a second overhand knot in the tag end right above the first one. (Optional, you tie the overhand knot in the tag first if you’d like).
Slide both knots to tighten against the spool. Use saliva or liquid to reduce friction.
Clip the tag end.

Tips

Backfill the knot with mono when putting the braid on a reel or using tape to prevent slipping.
If you have a highly polished and slippery reel, increase friction by winding the line multiple times around the arbor and then making the first knot. The wraps should be tight around the spool as you turn.
Moisten the line before pulling. This will reduce friction when you are tying the line to the reel and when you are tying the arbor knot.

Advantages

It will not slip off when you are winding the fishing line around the spool.
The best choice of knot for monofilament and fluorocarbon lines.
Good for tying the line to the reel.

Disadvantages

This knot can only be used with different lines if the spool has braid-ready and non-slippery.
It can leave a large bump on the spool.
Tying the braid to spool can slip.

Uses

It’s used to attach a line to the spool.

Alternatives

100% Arbor Knot – A simple arbor knot does not have enough strength to withstand the weight of a large fish, but the 100% arbor fishing reel knot does.
Uni Knot – This fishing knot is also known as the Duncan Loop Knot and the Grinner Knot, and it is ideal for terminal and monetization tackle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make an arbor knot?

If you’re looking to put a line on a spinning reel, then first make a loop and put it around your spool. Then do an overhand knot over the two lines. Then do an overhand knot on the tag end. Pull tight after moistening. This knot works on fly reels as well.

Jon Stenstrom

Founder & Angler

Jon Stenstrom is a fishing enthusiast. He has over 25 years of fishing experience, and 6 years of spearfishing experience, and is currently learning how to boat. Jon has his Open Water PADI Certification and FII Freediver Level 1 Certification. Jon has traveled the world to fish and dive, most notably in the Great Barrier Reef, Baja Mexico, Thailand, and Malaysia. More Articles