How to tie the Arbor Knot
12 Aug 2025
A simple knot that is primarily used to attach fly line or backing to a fly reel, or to attach fly line directly to the reel if you're not using backing.
Step 1
Overhand knot around the long end
Put your backing or fly line around the reel. Take the short end and use it make a simple overhand knot around the long end.
Step 2
Make another overhand knot
Make an overhand knot towards the end of the shorter end.
Step 3
Pull the knots together
Pull on the piece that's closest to the reel in order to pull the last knot against the first one.
Step 4
Pull the knots tight against the reel
Pull on the long end of the line, this will pull both knots tightly against your reel.
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