The Double-Fisherman Bend joins two rope ends by wrapping each rope around the other and then drawing the two finished knots together. It is a secure load-bearing bend.
High-performance fibers are not interchangeable. Use the joining knot, number of wraps, and tail lengths approved for the exact rope or cord. A Triple Fisherman is appropriate for some products, but it is not a universal solution for Technora, Dyneema, or other slick cordage.
PROS
• Very secure for joining two ropes.
• Tightens under load.
• Can join compatible ropes or cords when the manufacturer and chosen system permit the combination.
CONS
• Can be extremely difficult to untie after loading.
• Bulky enough that you need to think about edges, constrictions, and whether the knot can physically pass where you need it to go.
CAUTION: Do not assume a third wrap makes every high-performance cord safe to join. Follow the exact product’s approved joining instructions; a retrieval cord does not become a rappel rope because a stronger-looking knot was tied in it.
CANYONEERING USAGE
Join two rope or cord ends with a compact, secure bend when the material and application are appropriate.
Create closed Prusik or accessory-cord loops by joining the two cord ends.
Use in rope-rescue or hauling systems when a compact rope join is preferred and the knot has been fully dressed and tightened.
Use the Triple Fisherman variation when the cordage manufacturer or training standard calls for an additional wrap, especially with slick high-performance fibers.
Leave generous tails and tighten each half of the bend before pulling the two knots together.
ADDITIONAL READING:
• CMC Pro – Double Fisherman's Bend
• Petzl – RAD LINE: Joining Knots
• Petzl – Setting Up a Rappel During a Ski Descent (Double Fisherman)
• American Canyoneering Academy – Need-To-Know Canyon Knots
• The Mountaineers – Standard Techniques
• CMC Pro – Evaluating Rescue Knot Efficiency in 11 mm General Use Ropes
• CanyoneeringUSA – How to Tie Two Ropes Together
DOUBLE / TRIPLE FISHERMAN BEND
01
Lay the two rope ends in opposite directions and overlap them far enough to tie a complete bend with generous tails.
02
Using the red working end, form a loop around the blue rope and the red standing part. This begins the first red wrap.
DOUBLE / TRIPLE FISHERMAN BEND
03
Continue the red working end around in the same direction to complete the first wrap cleanly.
04
Make a second red wrap beside the first. Keep both coils neat and side by side.
DOUBLE / TRIPLE FISHERMAN BEND
05
Pass the red working end through BOTH red coils in the direction shown.
06
Pull the red working end to snug its half of the bend. Dress the two red coils neatly and leave a generous tail.
DOUBLE / TRIPLE FISHERMAN BEND
07
Now use the blue working end to form a loop around the red rope and the blue standing part on the opposite side.
08
Continue the blue working end around to create the first blue wrap.
DOUBLE / TRIPLE FISHERMAN BEND
09
Add the second blue wrap beside the first, keeping the coils neat and parallel.
10
Pass the blue working end through BOTH blue coils in the direction shown.
DOUBLE / TRIPLE FISHERMAN BEND
11
Snug and dress the blue half of the bend, leaving a generous tail.
12
Pull the two standing parts in opposite directions. The red and blue knots should slide together and seat against each other.
DOUBLE / TRIPLE FISHERMAN BEND
13
Dress and inspect the finished bend. For a Triple Fisherman, add one additional wrap on EACH side before threading the working end through the coils.
KNOT GUIDE