Get all knotted up – with the crossover uni knot

A ‘how-to-tie’ guide for some of the most popular fishing knots

EDITOR’S NOTE: With fishing action continuing through the summer, we thought now would be a great time to introduce a series on several basic fishing knots that can be used by a variety of anglers.

Read the instructions below, then watch the accompanying video for great step-by-step visuals.

Today, we go over the the crossover uni knot, which is used to tie braided line to spinning reels. (Last time, we featured the surgeon’s knot, in case you missed it.)

Make sure your reel is braid-ready with a non-slip texture. To prevent braid from slipping on non braid-ready spools, be sure to tie a monofilament backing to the spool with the arbor knot.

Always moisten your line with saliva or water before pulling tight. This is especially important on fluorocarbon lines they are easily damaged by heat from friction.

Here’s how to tie a crossover uni knot:

1. Open bail on spinning reel and make a large loop with about 20 inches of braid around the arbor.

2. Double back at the top, forming a small circle.

3. Tie a uni-knot by wrapping tag end around both lines six turns, and then through the loop.

4. Moisten the knot, then pull the tag end and main line while holding knot to tighten.

5. Keep loop against the spool and twist it to form a figure eight.

6. Place top loop of figure eight over spool by placing one side around the spool lip so the arbor now has two wraps.

7. Form another figure eight in the loop.

8. Place the top loop of the figure eight over the spool again so the spool is now wrapped three times. Make sure wraps cross over the braid-ready textured area of the spool.

9. Pull main line to tighten knot against the spool and trim the tag end.