How to tie a Uni Knot

Hi all, Warren here from Toit Fishing. Today, we’re going to delve into the Uni Knot, or as some call it, the Universal Knot. This is a fantastic all-around knot that has truly stood the test of time. Believe it or not, there is a similar knot with just three wraps referenced in the Ashley Book of Knots, dating all the way back to an encyclopedia from 1762. So yes, this knot has been around for ages!

When we’re talking knots, there are a few key terms to keep in mind:

Tag End: The end of your line, which you will use to create the knot.

Standing End: The remainder of the line that runs up to the rest of the reel.

Cinch: The act of tightening the knot until it binds down to its completed state.

Alright, let’s pull back time on this classic and see what all the fuss is about.

Uni Knot Instructions

1. Inserting the Tag End:

Take the tag end and thread it through the eye of your hook or swivel to start your Uni Knot.

2. Creating the Loop:

Pull through roughly 10 inches of line, then compress the two lines together gently and hold them between your left thumb and index finger.

3. Forming the Loop:

Take the tag end, cross it over to form a loop, and grab this tag end with the same fingers by tucking it in. The loop should form under the standing end, and at this stage, it will resemble the shape of a number six. Ensure the two center lines are close together.

4. Making the Wraps:

Using your right thumb, middle, and index finger, begin to wrap the tag end around both lines in a clockwise direction. For now, make three wraps. Increase the number of wraps depending on your line type.

5. Gathering the Knot:

Pull the tag end to gather the knot, but don’t tighten it completely yet. It should be small enough to fit in your mouth. Wet the knot with saliva for lubrication.

6. Drawing it Tight:

Pull the tag end until the knot starts to tighten around the standing end, allowing the knot to unwind as it tightens naturally. On thicker lines, refer to the Long Nose Pliers holding the Tag end. For thinner lines, simply draw it closed but not fully.

7. Final Tightening:

Take the standing end in one hand and the hook/swivel in the other. Give a good, firm pull. Adding a bit of extra saliva might help to tighten it snugly. Double-check the tag end with a pull as well. Use the Holes on the handle of the Toit Blue Tools to securely hold the hook and prevent slipping when cinching the knot.

8. Trimming the Tag End:

Use Toit 7″ Scissors with Line knots to trim the tag end, leaving about 1/8 inch or 3mm.

So there you have it— that’s the Uni Knot! It’s a brilliant knot, great for all types of lines, and it’s earned its reputation. Remember, the key is to cinch the knot almost entirely by pulling the tag end. Once you get the hang of it, you might find you can speed up the final stages.

The Benefits of the Uni Knot

One of the standout features of the Uni Knot is its ability to continually tighten down throughout its life while at the end of your fishing line. This characteristic is a key reason for its success. In contrast, knots that are stationary don’t have this continual tightening concept built in.

This knot has seen all the transitions in line improvements over the years and still holds up remarkably well. It’s particularly effective on monofilament and fluorocarbon lines, where 3-4 wraps are usually sufficient. However, with slippery braided lines, especially the new-age “superlines,” you might need to add more wraps. Just remember, it’s crucial to test and adapt the knot based on varying line types and diameters.

Give it a Go!

Now it’s your turn to give it a go. Practice makes perfect, after all. Spend some time tying this knot and getting used to the variations you might encounter. You’ll quickly notice how the loop’s position and wraps can vary.

Hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Thanks for reading, and I hope you learned something new or felt inspired to tie a better knot. Until next time, happy fishing! – Wozza

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