spider hitch.....

[MATTY]

anybody using a spider hitch,in braid 4/6 lb,to tie a double instead of a bimini?
having a lot of trouble tying a decent bimini in braid and getting it to stick.found winding the line back down first set of twists a bugger,any useful hints ??
been using a improved albright for a while but want to experiment with a short double.

[jimi]

Hey Matty,

I've never used the spider hitch in braid, but I have used it in mono, and it certainly weakens the line a lot. This problem may not be so noticeable in braid, but it is probably still a bit of a risk.

Have you tried doing a plaited double in braid? This knot is very strong (just like the bimini) and is pretty easy to tie. Just get your wife/sister/daughter/girlfriend to show you how to plait hair. It's the same in braid.

It takes a little longer than a bimini to tie, but if you do it the night before that doesn't really matter.

Cheers
James.

[mark savage]

As long as it's new (tied B4 U go) and you're careful when drawing the loops off yr thumb, you shouldn't have any problems - I have never had a break at the knot in 2 - 15kg gelspun (yet) using the hitch. Line breaks have usually been at the lure-leader knot, in the leader from nicks or bite-offs or at the leader- mainline (uni-uni) joiner.

This knot has stood up to some 2 and 3x line class tussles in a single session so it's got my two thumbs up - you really don't want to be mucking around tying knots when the fish are taunting you meters away

Recomendations:
DON'T tie it in 'fluffed' braid - it'll break regardless of the knot.
DO wrap 4-5 loops.
DO be carefull pulling the loops off - neat is good
Do use some lube (spit)

Who taught you to tie the Bimini and what part gives you trouble?

The trick getting the twists to run back down the knot is to spread the loop (with ya two big toes!) and allow the tendency for the knot to want to spin to do the down wrap for you (running the tag end down betwixt thumb and forefinger) - it takes a little practice (best accomplished/mastered in larger dia mono).

Then a simple half hitch around one strand of the loop & a rizzuto whip and she's done.

It's a good knot - best get well skilled at tying it is all.

Follwing the diagram in Starlo n Buschys bream book could be a bit of a problem - theres a wee printing error that confuses the pull thru whip method and rizzuto whip method (showing both methods numbered as tho they are both required one after the other and they arent).

Starlo tells me he hopes to have it corrected in subsequent reprints.

Cheers!

[MATTY]

thanks for the feedback guys.

jimi-haven't tried the plait before,another goodie to try out
i suppose the plaits have to be bedded tightly after very few ?

mark-good tip about the fluffy line although it thought fireline "fluffiness" did not detract from overall strength

trouty-no ones actually shown me how to tie the knot,used a book and animated clips.can get a half decent one in 15kg mono but i want a small double 30-40mm max.
most instructions show the bimini done around the thighs,open to twist back tag end but i suppose around the toes is a better option.

http://home.cfl.rr.com/floridafishing/knot.htm

been using this one for practice runs
cheers

[Craig_S]

Matty, Trouty's got it in one there. Both big toes is the way to go. Use them to tension the loop outwards which helps the spiral back. Its a pretty easy knot once you've done a few, just needs some practice.

Hi Matty,
I only use the spider hitch ( or Cairns quicky as we call it) and have never had any problems with, I disagree that it weakens your set up, nine out of ten lure casters in NQ use the spider hitch both with fireline and mono and I think some of our species might just pull a little harder than bream

Cheers Samurai