The Bimini Twist is the foundation of serious offshore fishing — the knot that turns the end of your main line into a doubled section capable of handling the maximum rated strength of the line without reduction. Every offshore angler should know it.
When to Use the Bimini Twist
- Offshore trolling for tuna, billfish, wahoo, mahi
- IGFA world record attempts (required for legal leader setups)
- Heavy inshore fishing where maximum leader connection strength is needed
- Any situation where the leader must be connected at 100% main line strength
How to Tie the Bimini Twist — Step by Step
The Bimini Twist requires two hands and a method to hold tension — most anglers use their knee, a hook, or a partner. Practice on the dock or at home before attempting at sea.
Step 1: Form the Loop
- Double 30+ inches of line to form a loop
- Hold the tag end and main line together in one hand
Step 2: Make 20 Twists
- Hold the loop open (slip it over your knee or around a fixed object)
- Rotate the tag end / doubled section 20 times — keep twists tight and even
Step 3: Spread the Loop and Wrap
- With the loop still over your knee, push the tag end into the V where the twists begin
- Apply outward pressure on both legs of the loop — this opens the twists slightly
- Begin wrapping the tag end back over the twists toward the main line — the tag end wraps OVER the twists, covering them
Step 4: Half Hitches
- When the wraps reach the main line junction, make 2 half hitches around one leg of the loop
- Then make 2 half hitches around both legs of the loop together
Step 5: Finish and Trim
- A final locking knot or series of half hitches secures the tag end
- Trim the tag end close — within 1/8 inch
Using the Bimini Twist
Once tied, the Bimini creates a double-line loop. Connect this loop to your leader using:
Surgeon’s loop (loop-to-loop): If your leader has a loop at the end (loop-to-loop connection). Fast, strong, and used in most modern offshore setups.
Albright Knot: For connecting the Bimini loop to a heavy leader (80–200lb monofilament) — thread the leader through the loop and wrap the doubled Bimini around the leader.
IGFA Leader Rules
For line class records, IGFA rules specify:
- Double line (Bimini): must not exceed 15 feet (for most line classes) or 30 feet (130lb class and up)
- Leader: must not exceed 15 feet (12-pound class and lighter) or 30 feet (heavier classes)
- The double line + leader combined cannot exceed the length limits
The Bimini Twist is the standard method for creating IGFA-legal double line.