The Uni Knot Overview: A Versatile Fishing Essential

Hi all, Warren here from Toit Fishing! Today, let’s dive into the Uni Knot – a knot as versatile as it gets, perfect for various fishing scenarios.

You know, I’ve got these two fishing buds, Tom and Kevin. We’ve been casting lines together for years, ever since we met during the early days of the Blacktip Challenge. That was a fantastic tournament, but alas, it’s no more. Anyway, back on track! You might find this hard to believe, but Tom and Kevin use the Uni Knot for everything. They tie their hooks, swivels, line-to-line connections, and lures with it. They might even figure out how to drink beer with it one day! Okay, maybe not the beer, but you get the gist – you can do almost anything with this knot.

The Versatility of the Uni Knot

Joking aside, the reason this knot is so revered is because of its sheer versatility. It’s a true one-trick pony when it comes to making secure connections. Let’s break down why the Uni Knot is so special.

The History and Evolution

What’s fascinating about this knot is its rich history. According to the Ashley Book of Knots, this knot was originally called the Gallows Knot, which is similar to the scaffold knot or hangman’s knot. Yes, it’s been around so long that it might’ve even been used in some grim historical contexts.

Originally, this knot had fewer wraps. Today, the more standard form, which we call the Universal Knot, usually has five wraps. Over time, it’s developed several names, like the Grinner Knot in the UK or the Duncan Loop in the States. Despite the different names, most anglers know it simply as the Uni Knot.

Why the Uni Knot Stands the Test of Time

The Uni Knot has proven reliable for various types of lines. But as with every tool, advancements push its limits. For example, when Spectra and Dyneema lines hit the market in the early ’90s, they held up well with a slight increase in wraps. However, the advent of new “superlines” with more strands and special coatings, like 8-strand PowerPro, has pushed us to add even more wraps to avoid slippage.

For instance, when I use 30lb 8-strand superslick PowerPro, I employ at least nine wraps to prevent slippage. Interestingly, the diameter of the hook or swivel affects slippage too. A larger hook will more likely cause slippage with the same line size. That said, I’ve never tied a 30lb line to a 16/0 hook for actual fishing, so your mileage may vary!

Mastering the Wraps

To avoid losing your catch, it’s essential to understand the balance between slipping and breaking. Adding too many wraps can weaken the knot because it generates too much heat and never cinches down properly. For monofilament, three wraps might be all you need, similar to the old Gallows Knot.

As I’ve mentioned in other posts, spend an evening at your dining room table with a cup of tea and some music, and practice tying your knots. Different lines will require different numbers of wraps to find that perfect balance. It might just save you from loosing that 35lb snook on the weekend.

Recognizing the Cinched Uni Knot

It’s crucial to know what the finished Uni Knot looks like when fully cinched. Many resources, especially the ones using rope pictures, show a misleading version where the outer line runs straight down from top to bottom. That’s not accurate.

When you draw the Uni Knot closed by pulling the tag end, the knot begins to untwist, causing the outer line to wind itself around the inner wraps. This is part of what gives the knot its strength. Make sure to allow the knot to freely untwist at the lower end, permitting the outer coil to naturally wrap around the inner coils. This wrapping may vary depending on the line type and the number of initial wraps.

We have a step by step guide with photos you can review here.

Detailed Analysis of the Uni Knot

Before fully tightening the knot, observe it closely. At the lower end, you’ll see two lines running up to the top of the knot – the standing end and the line used to form the knot. The tag end begins wrapping as soon as it enters the knot from the top.

There are two main variants:

• Tag End Cinch:The tag exits the rear of the knot, parallel with the standing end, with a uniform outer wrap over the inner wraps.

• Standing End Cinch: The tag exits at a 90-degree angle to the end of the knot with a shallow wrap around the majority of the line.

The latter can be problematic if you try to tighten the knot using the standing end only. The Uni Knot is designed as a slip knot, allowing the standing end to move freely through its center. Proper cinching should be done by pulling the tag end, which neatens the knot and prevents slippage.

Questions to Ponder

The two pictures above show the two variants of the knot. What is alarming is if you take the time to look at the images on “Google Images” you will notice the majority reflect the Standing end Cinch which does throw up some big alarm bells.

• Which variant do you use?
• Do you think we need further discussion on this shortfall?

Final Thoughts

So there it is, the Uni Knot – an all-time great that’s versatile, strong, and easy to learn. I’d rate it a solid 8 out of 10. It’s really held up over time. Looking forward to seeing how this knot stacks up on the Tensile Testing machine.

Thanks for reading! If you have any comments or questions, or if you’d like us to delve even deeper into this knot, let us know. Share your methods for tightening this knot too. Take care, and see you next time!

Wozza

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