Skill drill
How to Tie a Double Uni Knot
Joins two lines: overlap the ends, tie a uni knot with each tag end round both lines, then pull the standing lines apart so the two knots slide together.
6 steps, about 3 minutes
Tie it in 3D one decision at a time. Choose wrong and you will watch the knot fail.
When to use it
Joining a leader to your main line, including monofilament or fluorocarbon to braid. Take Me Fishing says the two lines need not be the same diameter, but the join is strongest when they are not dramatically different, and Berkley suggests an Albright knot for lines of very different diameters.
The steps
- Overlap the lines
- Tie the first uni
- Tie the second uni
- Wet it
- Slide them together
- Trim the tags
A drill is practice. Tie each knot a few times at home before you fish with it, and retie any knot that looks wrong.
The written guide
Step by step
- 1
Overlap the lines
Lay the ends of the two lines alongside each other, overlapping by about 6 inches.[2, 3, 4]
Each tag end needs enough overlap to tie a full uni round both lines. Guides give 5 to 7 inches.
- 2
Tie the first uni
Bring one tag end back to form a loop lying over both lines, then wrap it round both lines and through the loop, and pull the tag to draw the turns up. Take Me Fishing uses 4 turns (8 in braid), FWC 6, Berkley 6 to 8; the drill shows 6.[2, 3, 4]
Each uni grips both lines at once. The two knots then jam against each other, which is what holds the join.
- 3
Tie the second uni
Repeat with the other tag end: a loop over both lines and the same number of turns round both, through the loop. In braid, Take Me Fishing doubles the turns.[2, 3, 4]
Two uni knots, one on each line, facing each other.
- 4
Wet it
Wet both knots with water or saliva.[2, 4]
Take Me Fishing says to moisten the knots before tightening to prevent line damage caused by friction.
- 5
Slide them together
Pull the two standing lines in opposite directions so the two knots slide together and seat against each other.[2, 3, 4]
The join is the two knots jammed together. All three guides finish it by pulling the standing lines apart.
- 6
Trim the tags
Trim both tag ends close to the knots.[1, 2]
Take Me Fishing trims the ends close to the knot, and a long tag end catches weeds.
Avoid these
Common mistakes
Turns round one line only
Each uni wraps both lines, through its loop.[2, 3, 4]
Too few turns in braid
Take Me Fishing doubles the turns when the line is braid, four to eight.[2]
Lines of very different diameters
The join is strongest when the two lines are not dramatically different. Berkley suggests an Albright knot for those.[2, 4]
Watch & learn
Double uni on video
Picked from our video library. These are other creators' videos, so where one differs from the drill, the drill's sourced steps are the ones to follow.
How to Tie the Double Uni Knot
Take Me Fishing
0How to tie a Uni-to-Uni Knot (a.k.a. Double Uni) by PENN
PENNfishing
0How to Tie the Double Uni Knot (Easy Line to Line Knot)
The Fishing Lab
0
Keep practicing
Other knots
Start hereImproved clinchThe standard knot for tying fishing line to a hook, lure or swivel: five turns round the line, a tuck by the eye, and a second tuck back through the big loop.7 steps
Technique 2PalomarA strong, simple knot tied in a doubled line: push a loop of line through the eye, tie an overhand knot in it, and pass the loop over the hook.6 steps
Technique 3Uni knotA versatile knot for tying line to a hook, lure or swivel: double the line back, lay a loop over it, and wrap six turns through the loop before sliding it down to the eye.6 steps
Technique 5Surgeon's loopA quick, strong fixed loop in the end of a line or leader: double the end back and tie a double overhand knot with both strands.6 steps
Learn it hands-on
Nothing beats a day on the water with someone who ties these all day long. Browse fishing guides near you and ask for a lesson.
Find fishing guidesSources
Where the checkable claims above come from. Rules and figures change, so confirm anything you are about to rely on against the source itself.
- Knot Tying (I FISH NY lesson plan)New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (extapps.dec.ny.gov)
- How to Tie a Double Uni KnotTake Me Fishing (Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation) (takemefishing.org)
- Freshwater Fishing TipsFlorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (myfwc.com)
- Fishing knots 101Berkley (Pure Fishing) (berkley-fishing.com)
