I am trying to learn how to tie a taut line knot but am having trouble. Any suggestions?

I will assume it's a spinning reel, and then you may have several methods. You can tie a slipping knot on the line, open the pickup, slip your knot on the reel spool, tighten it, and then reel in. A more efficient way may be to install your reel on the rod, first pass your line through the first guide, and then do the same things. Tie a knot on the spool, with the pickup open, and reel in. Now when you reel in, I can suggest you to do this in a bucket of freshwater, as it will tighten your line with no efforts, and the line spool will not jump all over the place.
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Here is a website i suggest, i watched their video to learn how to tie things up this way, it works for more then just hammocks and its quite useful to know how to do! How to Tie Your Hammock To Anything That Stands

I'm not the best at tying knots, but have a look here:
Fishing Knots Fly Fishing Knots Knots For Fishing Fishing Line Knots How... they have some amazing knots on there for fishing, hope that helps.

Hi - I have one of these and just some practice is all it takes. I bought a spool of cheap line at the local store to practice with.

Not hard to learn and makes great nail knots and hook snells too.

Regards - Fred

I assume your using wire cable. Termination ends are available and a special set of pliers are required.

You can do a little searching online to find tutorials for tying sailing knots. If there is a specific knot that you are looking for I would suggest going to Wikipedia to see the list of knots and then look YouTube or a site like eHow for step by step instructions for how to tie them.

List of knots Wikipedia the free encyclopedia

Trucker's knot. I use this because it provides great tension and offers a quick release. It's great for mainlining a tarp or even a clothes line.

Be sure to wet the knot before you tie it when using monofilament line to prevent friction heat and weakening the knot.

take the rope out with the starter on the table turn counter clock wise about 6 to 7 turns. lining up the holes, stick a screw drive throw the holes to hold. feed the rope throw tie off pull the screw driver out let the starter pull the rope in tie to handle.