Did a little scientific knot testing, and found that all of my biminis broke at the very bottom of the knot, and at 35-38 lbs. in 50 lb. braid.

The turns are nice and tight, and not overlapped. Everything appears to be snugged up the way it's supposed to be.

Any suggestions for getting a stronger knot?

In crease the number of twists to at least 40, I use 50.

And yes, the Bimini will always break at that same spot. The switch back at that point is where the most cutting pressure is put on the standing line. By increasing the number of twists the friction within the knot is increased which reduces the self cutting tendency of the Spectra at the switch back.

Another strengthing method is to apply super glue to the wraps.

And always be sure to tie the loop end of the Bimini into some sort of a knot on something else like a hook, swivel or a mono leader. I usually use a Cats Paw on a hook (3 turns) inorder to test the knot. By doing this you ensure that the pressure is distributed evenly between the two lines and that they are pulled evenly.

Walt

Knots ranged from 10 to 30 turns, and there was no appreciable difference in breaking strength. There was an article in one of the mags (Sport Fishing, maybe?) last year which indicated that fewer turns actually produced better knot strength, but ?????

The doubled braid was connected to heavier mono using a slim beauty knot- I'm getting ready for tuna season here in the northeast (a good while away- we just got rid of the last of our snow, but...). The braid to mono knot held up fine- it was just the bimini....

Heatwave, increase the turns to 50 and post up and let me know what happened.

Walt