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Arbor Knot

Easy

Reel & Rigging · Line strength ~60%

The knot for spooling new line onto your reel. Simple, but everyone needs it — the first knot every angler ties.

When to use it

  • ·Tying line to the reel spool
  • ·Backing onto the spool

Step by step

  1. 1Wrap the line around the spool
  2. 2Tie an overhand knot with the tag end around the standing line
  3. 3Tie a second overhand knot in the tag end as a stopper
  4. 4Pull tight — the stopper knot jams against the first knot
  5. 5Spool the line on under tension

Pro tip

With braid, put a strip of tape or a mono backing on the spool first — braid spins on a bare spool.