How to tie fishing line to fishing or spinning reel? Arbor Knot

There are many ways how you can attach fishing line to fishing reel.

This fishing knot is beginner friendly and one that every fisherman should know.

It's very important to know that this knot is not super strong and unbreakable, it is opposite this knot is the one that will save your fishing equipment.

 

This video belongs to youtube fishing knot channel How to Fish

The Arbor Knot is essentially the  seatbelt  for your fishing line. While most knots are about catching the fish, this one is entirely about protecting your gear and ensuring your line actually stays attached to the reel.

Think of it as the foundational anchor. Without a proper arbor knot, your entire day on the water could end in a  ghost reel  situation where the line spins but the spool stays still.

 Why It’s a Lifesaver for Your Reel

 1. Prevents  Line Slippage

Modern fishing reels especially those using braided line are very smooth. Braided line is essentially slippery plastic. If you don't use an arbor knot (which cinches tighter as tension is applied), the entire  block  of line can spin around the spool like a loose wedding ring on a finger.

 The Result: You try to reel in, but the line doesn't move. The arbor knot creates the initial friction needed to  grip  the metal.

 2. The  Last Stand  Protection

If you hook into a massive fish that  runs  (pulls out all your line), you will eventually hit the end of your spool.

 The Save: A weak knot will snap or untie, and you’ll lose your fish and $30 worth of line.

 The Arbor Knot: It’s designed to be a  jam knot.  The more the fish pulls, the tighter the overhand knot jams against the main loop, giving you one last chance to stop the fish before everything is gone.

 3. Even Line Lay

A bulky, messy knot at the start creates a  bump  on the spool. As you wind more line over that bump, it creates an uneven surface.

 The Save: The arbor knot is low profile. It keeps the core of the spool level, which prevents tangles and  wind knots  later when you're casting.

 How to Tie Arbor Knot (The 3 Step Logic)

You don't need a PhD in seamanship for this one. It’s just two simple overhand knots:

1. The Loop: Wrap your line around the reel spool and tie a standard overhand knot around the  standing  (main) part of the line. This creates a sliding loop.

2. The Stopper: Tie a second overhand knot at the very end of the  tail  (the tag end).

3. The Cinch: Pull the main line. The loop will slide down and tighten against the spool, and the  stopper  knot will jam against the first knot, locking it in place.

 

Pro Tip: If you are using Braided Line, the arbor knot might still slip because braid is so slick. Most anglers put a small piece of electrical tape over the knot or  back  the reel with a few yards of monofilament first.