The Surgeon’s Knot is the easiest way to join two lines of equal and unequal diameter or different materials together.
It consists of just two overhand knots with the leader pulled through the loop each time.
When tied right, it retains nearly the full strength of the line, close to 100 %.
Let’s learn it in detail.
Surgeon’s Knot Details
Type: Fishing knot
Other Names: Surgeon’s Join Knot, Double Surgeon’s Knot
ABoK Reference: NA
How to Tie the Surgeon’s Knot
- Place the main line and the leader side by side.
- Form a loop with enough overlap to tie a double overhand knot.
- Pull both ends through the loop.
- Go through the loop a second time.
- Lubricate and tighten the knot.
- Trim the tag ends close to the knot.
Triple Surgeon’s Knot
The Triple Surgeon’s Knot is an upgraded version of the Surgeon’s Knot.
The only difference is that instead of going through the loop twice, you do a total of three wraps through the overhand knot.
This provides a bit more security, but also increases the bulk of the knot.
Surgeon’s Loop Knot
The Surgeon’s Loop Knot is another version worth knowing.
Instead of joining two lines, this version forms a fixed loop at the end of the line.
That loop can be used to attach a hook, lure, or swivel.
It’s tied the same way as the join knot, but you fold the line back on itself instead of pairing it with another.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to learn and remember.
- Retains a high percentage of the line strength.
- Works with lines of unequal diameter as well.
- Can be tied quickly in low-light conditions.
- Slightly bulkier than the Blood Knot.
- Creates a small angle in the line where it’s joined.
Applications and Uses
The Surgeon’s Knot has a wide range of applications, not just in fishing:
- Join your main line to the monofilament or the fluorocarbon leader.
- Connect the leader to the tippet.
- Used by surgeons to maintain the tension on a suture.
- Tying quilts.
Other Alternatives
Blood Knot: Difficult to tie but works best with lines of the same diameter, especially monofilament lines.
Nail Knot: Streamlined profile, but more complex and requires tools to tie the knot.
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