5 steps
Bowline
A fixed loop in rope for a stringer, a buoy, or an anchor rode. The tag comes up through a small loop, around the standing part, and back down. It stays open. Mono will slip a bowline, so this is a rope knot.
Use it for
A fixed loop in rope for a stringer, a buoy, or an anchor rode. The tag comes up through a small loop, around the standing part, and back down. It stays open. Mono will slip a bowline, so this is a rope knot.
This line
Do not use a bowline in braid or mono. It is for three-strand rope and dock lines.
Avoid when
A fishing-line loop. Use a perfection loop, a surgeon's loop, or a non-slip loop there.
All steps visible
Bowline
Step 1
Form a small loop with the tag on top.
Step 2
Bring the tag up through that loop.
Step 3
Take the tag around the standing part.
Step 4
Pass the tag back down through the loop.
Step 5
Dress it. The loop stays open.
The drawing follows this tying order. Pause, step, or scrub to stay with the words. The standing line runs to the reel. The tag is the short end you trim. Skin-hook means the point lies flat in the plastic, not out where grass can grab it.
Common mistakes
- The tag left outside the collar in a way that spills. Dress it so the tag sits inside the loop.
- Dress the knot before it takes a load.
Used on
This knot is for hard baits more than a soft-plastic rig.