How to Tie the Ground-line Hitch

The Ground-line Hitch is considered to be a little more secure than the Clove Hitch. So if you are looking for a good way of securing a line to a spar or stanchion, then it is well worth considering the Ground-line Hitch. The Ground-line Hitch is very quick and easy to tie and can be also tied with a quick release slip.

What is the Ground-line Hitch Used For?

According the Geoffrey Budworth, the Ground-line Hitch is often used by fishing trawlers on their nets for catching cod. The US Cavalry also adopted this knot to tie their horses to a picket line. The Knot gets it’s name because it is often attached to the ground-line, a weighted rope that is on the bottom of a fishing net. One of the problems to be aware of with the Ground-line Hitch is that it does not behave well if the rope is swinging.

I personally would use the Ground-line Hitch as a general tie down knot, for non critical loads. I am a great fan of slipped or quick release knots. Often people will say that you should not use a slipped knot, as it can be accidentally tipped. However, I find that if a slipped knot is smartly dressed, then it does hold firm. Sometimes, idiots will pull the end to see what happens, I try to avoid tying knots near those type of people 🙂