When it comes to connecting backing to fly line via loop to loop connections, there’s no doubt that the bimini twist is one the best knots of all time. Generally considered to provide 100% line strength, the twisted construction of the bimini twist actually allows the knot to stretch slightly, thus providing a knot strength that’s far superior to most other loop knots. We’ve used it the world over, from king salmon to bonefish and tarpon, and have yet to see it fail (if tied correctly of course!).
However, while we love the bimini twist, our favorite backing knot to connect to our fly line is the double bimini twist. Same knot, just doubled over beforehand to create two loops instead of one. By creating two loops, not only is the knot tougher against abrasion, but the extra loop also helps to distribute the stress on the loop of the fly line over a greater area. This helps prolong the life of your fly line by preventing the backing from cutting into the coating of the welded loop.
When fighting big fish, the last thing you want to think about is the strength of your knots. Give the double bimini twist a try and never worry about your backing connection again! Here’s how to tie it.
How to Tie the Double Bimini Twist
Good info!! I’ve never tied this one so I’ll have to give it a try. It seems like we get stuck sometimes with the same 3 or 4 knots and never try anything new.
Keep up the post! Folks are reading.
David
Truly appreciated. I have been looking all over for this knot. As always keep up the great posts!
Sure thing Doug! Thanks for reading!
Can you tie a shock leader the same way?
Thanks for the tutorial! I feel that I am able to successfully tie this knot, but I have a question. When I tie this knot, the two loops are twisted together. I can successfully connect the backing to my fly line via a loop to loop connection, but I was wondering if these twists were normal or and issue.
can you use this with 50# gelspun rather than dacron?
also, while I realize the bimini is a stronger knot, a triple surgeons knot with the gelspun doubled is easier to tie and appears to produce the same loop. What do you think?
Thanks and keep the great information flowing.
What is the point of a double bimini when a bimini is one of the strongest knots that is around 99% line strength? I fish a single bimini and tuna fish and have never had the knot break before. Not sure why you would want so much line in a double bimini to get in the way on the spool.
Hi Johnny,
Great question. You’re absolutely right in regards to line strength. Where I prefer to use a double bimini is when using fine diameter backing material (I prefer Hatch premium backing, but the same goes for gel-spun, or even 20 lb. dacron) which has a tendency to ‘cut’ into the factory welded loop of the fly line when fighting hard-fighting fish. With two loops, the pressure on the fly line is distributed over a larger area of the fly line loop to keep from cutting through the coating, and also helps keep the loop to loop connection from rolling over itself like it can with thinner backing materials.
However, with larger diameter backings, such as 30 lb. dacron, I’d have to agree with you, it’s probably a bit overkill. Hope that helps clarify Johnny. Thanks for reaching out.
Kyle, in step 11 you indicate tying a uni knot. My understanding is that a uni knot is a sliding knot. In this application there is no way for the uni to slide tight to the Bimini twist. Are you using a 5 turn surgeons knot to finish instead? Thanks for the clarification and thanks for the tutorial.