Hitches

Anchor Bend

Fisherman's bend
DIFFICULTY ●●○○○

A round turn through a ring with the first half hitch locked under the turn itself, then a second half hitch to finish. Despite the name, it's a hitch — and the classic way to tie rope to an anchor.

boatinganchorringwet
See it tied step-by-step ↗

Why it earns its place

Holds superbly on wet, slimy rope where other hitches creep, because the trapped hitch can't work loose. Trusted at the one connection a boater can't afford to lose.

Where it fails

Can jam after long submersion under load — traditionally the tail is also seized or tied off to the standing part for permanence. Not the hitch for quick-release jobs.

Quick facts

TypeLocked ring hitch
Under loadExcellent, wet or dry
UntyingCan jam
Best forAnchors, moorings, rings

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