Surgeon’s Loop Knot

The Surgeon’s Loop Knot is one of the fastest ways to create a fixed loop at the end of a fishing line.

It’s perfect for attaching leaders, tippets, or lures and making loop-to-loop connections.

To tie this knot, you just tie a loose Overhand Knot, pass the bight through the loop twice, lubricate it, and cinch the knot tight.

Let’s learn it in detail.

How to Tie a Surgeon’s Loop Knot

The Surgeon’s knot is just a Double Overhand Knot with a bight of rope.

Here’s how you can tie this knot step by step:

1. Form a bight at the end of the line.
2. Tie an Overhand Knot.
3. Pass the bight through a second time.
4. Hold the standing line and the tag line and pull to tighten the knot.
5. Trim the tag end.

Pro Tip: If you want it even stronger, you can try the Triple Surgeon’s Knot. Just tie the loose Overhand Knot and pass the bight of rope through the loop twice. 

It is more secure, but also makes the knot bulkier. 

Application and Uses

The surgeon’s Loop Knot is perfect when you need a fixed loop that stays put.

Here’s when you can use this knot:

• Attach an artificial lure or fly so it can move naturally.
• Make a loop to loop connection—like connecting the leader to the fly line.
• In search and rescue operations where you need to create a strong fixed loop, but it’s impossible to untie the knot later.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Quick and easy to tie
• Strong and secure
• Retains a high percentage of line strength

Cons

• Makes the knot bulkier
• Slightly offset from the main line.

Other Alternatives

Perfection Loop

The Perfection Loop is not as secure as the Surgeon’s Loop Knot, but it is neat and aligns perfectly well with the leader.

Bimini Twist

The Bimini Twist retains almost the entire strength of the line. 

It also creates a loop at the end of the line, which is used for loop-to-loop connections.

But, it’s not as simple as the Surgeon’s Loop Knot and is a lot trickier to tie.

Spider Hitch

The Spider Hitch also creates a loop at the end of the line.

It’s easier to tie than the Bimini Twist, but it is not durable and effective on small-diameter lines. It retains the same line strength as Bimini Twist on mono lines.

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