Australian Plait

 
 
The Australian Plait, also known as the Australian Braid is essential in creating a tidy and robust double line. It is an alternative of a Bimini Twist and it is formed in such a way that leaves a loop at the end.

Correctly tying the Bimini Twist is important so that it has the strength necessary and is secure enough for the fishing line. The correct steps to tie this knot include:
 
Step 1:
Double the string or rope that will be used to create the braid. 
 

Step 2 & 3 :
 

Step 3:
Start by wrapping the tag that is at the end around the main strand towards the back and then bring it back up and in the middle of the two strands.Once this is done, make sure that it is extremely tight.

Step 4:
After this, you will have three stands, two hanging ones, and the loop. It will look like an apple that has a stick passed through it, only flexible.

Step 5 & 6 :
The longest tag is what will be used for this process moving forward. The shorter one will be the stagnant body and the braiding will be moving away from this part.

Step 7: 
Step 8: 
Repeat the same process for the other side of the loop. Each time, make sure that as soon as the string or rope make a lap through the loop, you pull it towards the stagnant side. This ensures that you have a tight plait all through. Keep repeating the process over and under while alternating between the loop sides and pulling towards the stagnant side. The plait length is entirely determined by its use. This may vary between individual needs and preferences. Once the desired length is achieved, it is important to complete the knot. In order to do this, you use the longer string- which by now is shorter than you began with. You create a loop and continue plaiting with the now doubled tag end. Plait it about three to four times then pull the doubled line through the loop. Depending on the measurement of the string or rope you began with, the loop size will vary. Make sure you tighten the knot as firmly as you can. Finally, cut off the hanging tag end that was formed when you created a loop towards the end of the knot.
 

Our Take:

Different people have different ways to tighten their knots once they are done making their Australian plait, choose what works best for you.
Joshua Keaton
Joshua Keaton

Joshua is our senior staff writer for Fishing.org and Shooting.org. He is an avid hunter, clay shooter and amateur photographer.