Australian Braid Fishing Knot

When to Use the Australian Braid Knot

The Australian braid fishing knot, also sometimes referred to as the Australian plait knot, is used to create strong double-line leaders for offshore saltwater fishing. Don't let the word "plait" confuse you; it is just another term that is used for a braid.

This knot provides a loop-to-loop connection that is attached to the main fishing line and passes through the rod guides without catching. In these situations, the Australian braid is often tied as an alternative to the Bimini twist knot.

One of the benefits of using a plait knot for fishing is that any strain to the knot is distributed over the length of the braid. This is the reason why it can be helpful to learn how to tie a plait if you are offshore fishing for large game fish using heavy monofilament or fluorocarbon fishing lines.
 

How to Tie the Australian Braid Fishing Knot

You can learn how to tie an Australian braid knot for offshore or deep sea fishing in just a few steps. While there may be other variations of this knot if you search online for "fishing knot ausie plait," this is considered to be the easiest method.

1. Form a loop with your line. Insert the tag end through the loop, leaving plenty of line to work with.
2. Braid the tag end and loop strands together (you should have three strands to work with -- the two strands of the loop and a strand from the tag end). If you are using heavy line, be sure to make the braid longer so that it is more secure.
3. Once you have enough leader material braided, use the tag end to make a second loop on top of the original loop.
4. Make three to four wraps around the original loop and through the existing loop.
5. Pull tightly on the tag end to secure the knot, and then trim off the tag end.

Be sure to practice tying offshore fishing knots, such as the Australian braid, as often as possible. Learning how to tie fishing knots that are the most appropriate for the type of line and fishing technique can be a fun challenge.