Snapped your line, or want a fluorocarbon leader on the end of your braid? The double uni is the join to learn first. It is just two uni knots, one tied with each line, that slide together when you pull. No loops to hold open, no fiddly tucks, and you can tie it with cold hands on the bank.
In 30 seconds
- Overlap the two line ends by about 20 cm, pointing opposite ways.
- With the first tag, make a loop and wrap through it around both lines. Snug it.
- Do the same with the second tag, the other way.
- Wet, pull the two lines apart so the knots meet, trim.
Medium easy once you know the uni
5 or 6 turns on mono (8 to 10 on braid)
2 knots one on each line
Any pair braid, mono, fluorocarbon
Watch it tied
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Tie it step by step
Green is line 1 and blue is line 2, so you can see which tag does what. If you are joining braid to a leader, make the braid line 1.
Overlap
Lay the two ends side by side so they overlap by about 20 cm, pointing in opposite directions.
Make a loop
Take the tag of line 1, curl it back and lay it across both lines to make a loop. Pinch where it crosses.
Wrap through
Pass the tag through the loop and around both lines, 5 or 6 times on mono or fluoro, 8 to 10 on braid.
Snug it
Wet it and pull the tag firmly so the wraps close into a neat, tight barrel around the other line.
Same again
Turn it round and repeat steps 2 to 4 with the tag of line 2, so the second knot faces the other way. Snug it.
Pull together, trim
Wet both knots, then pull the two main lines apart. The knots slide together and lock. Pull hard, then trim both tags to about 3 mm.
Most common mistake: too few turns on braid. Braid is slippery and will pull through a 5-turn uni. Give it 8 to 10 turns, and give the leader its normal 5 or 6.
Tighten in order: snug each uni on its own first, then pull the main lines. If you slide the knots together while they are still loose, they jam half-formed and lose strength.
When to use it
Double uni
- Mending a broken main line
- Mono or fluoro to a leader of similar thickness
- Braid to a mono or fluoro leader
- Adding new line on top of old backing
Myth: joining two lines always makes a weak spot that breaks first.
Fact: any knot weakens line a little, but a well-tied double uni, wetted and pulled tight in order, is a dependable join for bass, carp and kurper fishing. A rushed or dry one is what breaks.
- Overlap about 20 cm, ends pointing opposite ways
- 5 or 6 turns on mono, 8 to 10 on braid
- Each knot snugged on its own first
- Wet before the final pull
- Knots locked together, no gap
- Test pull before you cast
Final thoughts
Tie it five times at home with two scraps of line. Once the two barrels slide together neatly every time, you can join line anywhere. Want the full set? See the fishing knots every angler needs, or go back to the Palomar and the Albright.