Page 44 - Patrick Moreau - Marine Knots How to Tie 40 Essential Knots

Fisherman’s Bend

This is a very old knot that has unfortunately fallen into obscurity. It is
particularly useful because it does exactly what we expect: reduces the space
between the knot and the support.
To hoist a spar whose halyard passes through a pulley or a simple sheave in
the mast (like a pole or topsail sprit), using a knot that that is not bulky, the
fisherman’s bend is ideal.
It is safe, compact, and easy to untie as soon as the tension on the halyard is

released.