How to Tie a Monkey Fist with Ball Bearing
Tying a monkey fist with a ball bearing is a popular technique among anglers and boaters for creating an effective fishing lure. This method involves wrapping a piece of rope around a ball bearing to create a dense, irregularly shaped knot that mimics the movement of a monkey’s fist. The ball bearing adds weight to the lure, making it sink faster and allowing it to reach deeper water. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of how to tie a monkey fist with a ball bearing.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
– A ball bearing (any size will work, but a larger one will provide more weight)
– A length of 100% cotton line or monofilament (at least 20 feet long)
– Scissors
– A lighter or matches (optional)
Step 1: Prepare the Line
Start by cutting a length of line that is at least 20 feet long. The longer the line, the easier it will be to work with. Tie a simple overhand knot at one end of the line to create a loop. This loop will be used to attach the ball bearing later on.
Step 2: Thread the Ball Bearing
Take the loose end of the line and thread it through the ball bearing. Ensure that the ball bearing is securely seated in the loop and that the line is pulled tight. If necessary, use a lighter or matches to melt the end of the line to prevent it from fraying.
Step 3: Begin the Monkey Fist Tying Process
Now, begin the monkey fist tying process. Hold the ball bearing in one hand and the line in the other. Start by wrapping the line around the ball bearing in a clockwise direction, keeping the wraps tight and even. Continue wrapping the line around the ball bearing until you have achieved the desired thickness for your monkey fist. For most anglers, 15 to 20 wraps are sufficient.
Step 4: Secure the Wraps
Once you have reached the desired thickness, take the loose end of the line and pass it through the loop you created in step 1. Pull the loose end tight to secure the wraps and form the base of the monkey fist. Trim any excess line and melt the end to prevent fraying.
Step 5: Finalize the Monkey Fist
To finalize the monkey fist, pull the loose end of the line through the center of the wraps, creating a loop. This loop will serve as the fishing hook or attachment point for your lure. Trim any excess line and melt the end to prevent fraying.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully tied a monkey fist with a ball bearing. This versatile fishing lure can be used in various fishing scenarios and is known for its effectiveness in attracting fish. With practice, you can experiment with different wrapping techniques and weights to create the perfect monkey fist for your fishing needs. Happy fishing!
