Australian Braid Knot Tying
Form a loop leaving a long tag end. Braid the loop and tag end tightly together (the actual braid length depends on the line weight). Complete the braid using a bight in the tag end. Pull the original loop through the bight. Lubricate and then tighten the bight by pulling smoothly on the tag end. Trim the tag end.
Australian Braid Knot Details
Uses: The Australian Braid (or Plait) is an alternative to the Bimini Twist and creates a strong loop for use as a double-line leader on the end of a fishing line which can then be used for a loop-to-loop connection.
Tying it: The animation demonstrates the technique but, for photography, only shows a small number of braids. In practice this knot requires a lengthy braid to work well.
| 1" |
| 2" |
| 3" |
| 6" |
| 8" |
Recommendations: The values in the table are based on recommendations from Leadertec and shows the recommended length of braid for different fishing lines.
Techniques: An additional safeguard to prevent unraveling is provided by a spot of rubber glue over the trimmed tag end.
Advantages: This braid transfers the strain gradually to the knot over a considerable length. Although it is not nearly so well known as the Bimini Twist, its supporters claim it is easier to learn and quicker to tie. It also presents the smallest diameter. As few men are used to braiding, if you are a male reader and have a daughter, try and persuade her to make the braids for you.
Breaking Strain: The Australian Braid (or Plait), like the Bimini Twist, is claimed to preserve 100% of the line's breaking strain. However, these remarkable results are obtained in the laboratory and may also be obtained under ideal conditions - cooled, wet, and without too great a shock loading. I have not found reports of careful laboratory testing for the Australian Braid - and results in use almost certainly vary. Sudden jerks generate heat due to friction and are more likely to cause failure at lower breaking strains.
