Abstract: A thwartable link for a vertical fishing line includes a substantially tubularly shaped body having a first end and a second end and first and second opposed side walls extending between the first and second ends. Each of the side walls has an axially extending elongated slot passing therethrough. A knife blade is located within the interior of the tubular body adjacent the first end but facing the second end. The fishing line extends through the slots in the side walls and through the interior of the tubular body. A stop is attached to the line adjacent the first side of the tubular body preventing the line from being pulled through the elongated slot in the first side. A tether extends between the second end of the tubular body and the line. The tether is connected to the line on the same side as the stop means but is spaced therefrom. An elastic O-ring surrounding the tubular body temporarily retains the line adjacent the second end of the tubular member.