Knot of the month: Blood knot

Perfect means to splice two lines

Every angler faces the dilemma of how to tie two lines together. Oftentimes a swivel is chosen, but when you need a streamlined connection that will go through rod eyes, swivels aren’t the answer.

The blood knot, on the other hand, solves the problem — particularly when attaching lines of similar diameter or attaching a fluorocarbon leader to braided mainline.

It’s a little tricky until you get used to it, but once you get the steps down it can be tied quickly. And you’ll have confidence the connection will hold while fighting fish to the boat.

Remember to always moisten your line before pulling it tight, especially for fluorocarbon line that’s easily damaged by heat from friction.

How to tie a blood knot:

1. Cross the two sections of line to be joined and then wrap one tag end around the standing part of the other line five to seven times, depending on line diameter.

2. Pass the tag end back between the two lines.

3. Wrap the other tag end the same way and bring it back through the same opening.

4. Moisten the line and pull the standing lines to tighten the knot.