Attach fishing line to a reel spool with an overhand around the standing line and a tail stopper.
The arbor knot uses two separate overhands. One is tied around the standing line after the line encircles the spool. The second is tied only in the tag end, where it acts as a stopper. Pulling the standing part brings the first knot toward the spool and the little stopper against it.
The distinction between those two knots matters more than their appearance. If both overhands are tied around the standing line, the arrangement is different. Leave enough tag after the first knot to form the second without losing its end.
When to use it
- Start a suitable fishing line on a reel spool.
- Practice a sliding overhand backed by a separate tail stopper.
Keep in mind
This is a spool attachment, not a general loaded-line join. Slick braid may need suitable backing or a spool-specific method recommended by the reel maker.
Check your knot
- The line goes around the spool first.
- The first overhand encloses the standing line.
- The second overhand is in the free tag only.