Arbor Knot
Arbor Knot
Attaches backing or line to the arbor (center spool) of a reel. The first knot tied when spooling any reel — quick, simple, and sufficient since drag does the heavy lifting, not the knot.
Video by Sportfishing Report on YouTube
About the Arbor Knot
The Arbor Knot is the first knot tied in any fishing setup — it connects the backing or main line to the arbor (center spool) of the reel. Without it, all your line would simply spin freely inside the reel housing.
It's not a high-strength connection — you'll never fight a fish all the way to the arbor knot — but it needs to be secure enough to grip when you first start winding line onto the spool. Two simple overhand knots, and you're ready to spool.
Best Used For
Ideal applications
- ✓ Attaching mono, fluoro, or braid to any reel arbor
- ✓ Fly reel backing to arbor
- ✓ Spinning and baitcasting reel spooling
Not ideal for
- ✗ Any application other than spool attachment
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these 4 steps to tie the Arbor Knot. Watch the video above while following along.
Step 1: Wrap around the arbor
Pass the line around the reel arbor (the center shaft of the spool). Bring the tag end back alongside the standing line.
Step 2: Tie an overhand knot around the standing line
Tie a loose overhand knot with the tag end around the standing line.
Step 3: Tie a second overhand knot
Tie a second loose overhand knot in the tag end only, creating a stopper knot.
Step 4: Pull tight and test
Pull the standing line to draw the first overhand knot tight against the arbor. The second knot acts as a stopper, preventing the first from slipping. Wind on your line.
Pro Tips
- The stopper knot (second overhand) must be larger than the gap in the first
- For braid, wrap around the arbor twice before tying — braid is very slippery
- Apply drag and test that the line grips the spool before adding more line
Common Mistakes
- Skipping the stopper knot — the line will slip off the arbor
- Not wrapping twice for braid on smooth spool surfaces
- Pulling the tag end instead of the standing line to tighten