Blood Knot

How to tie the Blood Knot. Used for joining two lines together, the Blood Knot is a tried and true fishing knot and a favorite of fly fishermen. The strength of the knot is increased by making at least 5 and up to 7 wraps on each side of the knot. It works best with lines of approximately equal diameter. The Blood Knot is one of 12 great fishing knots included on the Pro-Knot Fishing Knot Cards (click to see). A series of blood knots can be tied in ever decreasing pound strength of leader material, joining segments of 24 inches or so to create a tapered leader for fly fishing.

As an aside, we are often asked why it is called a "Blood Knot" and with a little research can report the following. The history of the blood knot traces back to the days of sail and a version of it being tied at the ends of whips or cat of nine tails for the purpose of drawing blood. It has also been called a barrel knot at times. 

Scroll to see Animated Blood Knot below the illustration and tying instructions.

 

Blood Knot Tying Instructions

• Overlap ends of lines to be joined. Twist one around the other making 5 turns. Bring tag end back between the two lines.


• Repeat with the other end, wrapping in opposite direction the same number of turns.


• Slowly pull lines in opposite directions. Turns will wrap and gather. Clip ends close to the knot.