Arbor Knot

Difficulty: Easy
Strength: Low

Best Used For

Reel AttachmentBacking LineSpool Attachment

Used to attach your fishing line to the reel spool center. Simple and effective for this specific purpose.

About the Arbor Knot

The Arbor Knot is the fundamental connection every angler needs to know - it's how you attach your fishing line to the reel spool. This simple yet secure knot prevents line slippage during the fight and ensures your line stays properly attached even under extreme pressure. It's the first knot you tie when spooling a new reel.

Best Line Types: Works with all line types - monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided lines

Knot Strength: Designed for spool attachment, not breaking strength (rarely tested to failure)

When to Use: Essential for every reel setup - spinning, baitcasting, and conventional reels. First step in spooling any reel.

Universal Application: The only knot specifically designed for reel spool attachment - no alternatives needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Wrap around spool: Pass the line around the reel spool arbor (center shaft).
  2. Tie overhand knot: Tie a simple overhand knot around the standing line with the tag end.
  3. Second overhand knot: Tie another overhand knot in just the tag end (creates a stopper).
  4. Slide down: Slide both knots down tight against the spool arbor.
  5. Tighten securely: Pull the standing line to tighten the first knot against the spool.
  6. Start spooling: Begin winding line onto the reel - the knot will lock in place.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

✓ Pro Tips

  • • Essential first step for every reel setup
  • • Works with all line types and reel styles
  • • Second knot prevents tag end from pulling through
  • • Gets more secure as you add line to the spool
  • • Simple enough to tie in any conditions

⚠ Common Mistakes

  • • Forgetting the second stopper knot
  • • Not tightening against the spool properly
  • • Trying to use other knots for spool attachment
  • • Not leaving enough tag end for the stopper knot
  • • Rushing the process when spooling new reels

Video Tutorial

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