100 Percent Arbor Knot

How to tie the 100% Arbor Knot. The 100 Percent Arbor Knot is the creation of the late Bill Nash as part of his Flycasting Systems and it provides for a method of attaching the backing line to a fly reel that delivers 100% line strength (one hundred percent of the rated breaking strength of the backing line).

 

While the standard Arbor Knot is used for simply attaching the line to a spool, having a 100% arbor connection can be quite comforting to know in the event of facing being "spooled" by a big fish that is more than your system can handle. In that event, assuming the backing has a greater breaking strength than the tippet or leader, you will get back your expensive fly line if spooled to the end!

 

 

100% Arbor Knot Tying Instructions

• Tie a Bimini Twist knot at the end of the backing line to create a double line section loop that is about 24" long. A triple Suregeon's Loop or Spider Hitch could be substituted here for speed, but you will lose a little strength.
• With the doubled lines, form a large loop and tie a two turn Nail Knot (a Half Fisherman's) in front of the Bimini. Tie an overhand or Double Overhand Stopper knot at the tag end of the double line and work it down close to the nail knot before tightening and trimming it. Tighten the nail knot down firmly.
• Fold the double line loop into a double loop and slip it over the spool of the fly reel (spool removed).
• Pull on the standing line to slide the nail knot tight against the arbor. You will need to work the main line back and forth to close the loops completely.
• Re-attach the spool to the fly reel and wind on your backing and fly line.