Arbor knot
A simple knot used to attach backing to the reel spool arbor. It tightens under tension so the backing grips the spool instead of slipping.
- Group
- Loops & line-to-reel
- Category
- Knots & rigging
- Level
- Beginner
- Water
- Fresh & salt
Last updated
What Arbor knot means
Start with this knot when spooling a fly reel. It connects the first end of backing to the spool arbor, the center of the spool that the backing wraps around.
The common version uses an overhand knot in the tag end as a stopper, plus a second overhand knot around the standing line. When the line is pulled tight, the stopper jams against the knot on the standing line and cinches down on the arbor.
Some anglers wind the backing two or three times around the arbor before tying the first knot for extra grip, especially on smooth, polished spools. The arbor knot still does the job of keeping the backing tied to the reel.
Why it matters on the water
Backing that slips on the spool feels like a drag problem. The handle turns, the fish runs, and nothing comes tight. A clean arbor knot, plus a little friction under the first wraps, prevents that.
If backing is tied on poorly, the whole spool job can fail under load. Getting the first connection right saves time later.
Read next
- BackingBacking is thin, strong line spooled onto a fly reel under the fly line. It adds extra length for long runs and helps the fly line fit the reel correctly.
- Fly reelThe fly reel holds your fly line and backing, and it gives you a drag system to control a running fish.
- Loop-to-loop connectionA loop-to-loop connection joins two lines by passing each loop through the other, then pulling tight. It is commonly used to attach a leader to a looped fly line or a sink tip to a running line.
- Nail knotA nail knot is a compact line-to-line knot used to attach fly line to backing, or to tie a butt section or leader directly to fly line.