Skill drill
How to Tie a Surgeon's Loop
A quick, strong fixed loop in the end of a line or leader: double the end back and tie a double overhand knot with both strands.
6 steps, about 3 minutes
Tie it in 3D one decision at a time. Choose wrong and you will watch the knot fail.
When to use it
Making a loop in the end of a leader. Texas Parks and Wildlife calls it a quick, easy loop often used in leaders because it is relatively strong, and Pennsylvania's guide uses it for snelled hooks, swivels and lures with lots of action.
The steps
- Double the end
- Tie an overhand
- Through again
- Wet it
- Pull it tight
- Trim the tag
A drill is practice. Tie each knot a few times at home before you fish with it, and retie any knot that looks wrong.
The written guide
Step by step
- 1
Double the end
Double the end of the line back on itself, so you hold two strands side by side.[1, 3, 4]
The whole knot is tied with both strands together; the bend at the end becomes the loop.
- 2
Tie an overhand
Tie an overhand knot in the doubled line, and leave it loose and open.[1, 3]
The doubled line goes through this overhand a second time, so it has to stay open.
- 3
Through again
Bring the doubled line through the same overhand a second time, making a double overhand.[1, 3, 4, 5]
That second pass is what makes it a surgeon's loop. Texas, Pennsylvania, Florida and Take Me Fishing all describe the knot as a double overhand.
- 4
Wet it
Wet the knot with water or saliva before you draw it tight.[2, 3]
Pennsylvania's guide wets every knot before drawing it tight; friction heat can weaken dry line.
- 5
Pull it tight
Slide the knot to set the size of the loop, then hold the main line and the tag end together and pull the loop to tighten it.[1, 4]
Texas Parks and Wildlife sets the loop size by pulling the loose knot to where you want it, and tightens by pulling the loop against the main line and tag together.
- 6
Trim the tag
Clip the tag end about 1/8 inch from the knot.[1, 3]
Texas Parks and Wildlife gives 1/8 inch for this knot. Cut flush and the clippers can nick the line.
Avoid these
Common mistakes
Tightening the first overhand
Leave it open: the doubled line goes through it again.[1, 3]
Only one pass
One pass is a plain overhand loop. The surgeon's loop is a double overhand.[1, 3, 4]
Trimming flush
Leave about 1/8 inch. Clippers can nick the line.[1, 3]
Watch & learn
Surgeon's loop on video
Picked from our video library. These are other creators' videos, so where one differs from the drill, the drill's sourced steps are the ones to follow.
How to Tie a Surgeons Loop Fishing Knot
Dieter Melhorn Fishing
0Surgeon's Loop Knot Tutorial For The Best Action Of Hook Or Jig
BD Outdoors
0Fishing Knots: Surgeon's Loop Knot - How to Tie a Surgeon's Loop for Lures and Hooks!
Fishthatwontquit
0
Keep practicing
Other knots
Start hereImproved clinchThe standard knot for tying fishing line to a hook, lure or swivel: five turns round the line, a tuck by the eye, and a second tuck back through the big loop.7 steps
Technique 2PalomarA strong, simple knot tied in a doubled line: push a loop of line through the eye, tie an overhand knot in it, and pass the loop over the hook.6 steps
Technique 3Uni knotA versatile knot for tying line to a hook, lure or swivel: double the line back, lay a loop over it, and wrap six turns through the loop before sliding it down to the eye.6 steps
Technique 4Double uniJoins two lines: overlap the ends, tie a uni knot with each tag end round both lines, then pull the standing lines apart so the two knots slide together.6 steps
Learn it hands-on
Nothing beats a day on the water with someone who ties these all day long. Browse fishing guides near you and ask for a lesson.
Find fishing guidesSources
Where the checkable claims above come from. Rules and figures change, so confirm anything you are about to rely on against the source itself.
- Fish Texas: A Basic Guide for the Beginning AnglerTexas Parks and Wildlife Department (tpwd.texas.gov)
- Learn to fish: tying the knotUtah Division of Wildlife Resources (wildlife.utah.gov)
- "Knotes" on KnotsPennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (pa.gov)
- Fishing Loop KnotsTake Me Fishing (Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation) (takemefishing.org)
- Freshwater Fishing TipsFlorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (myfwc.com)
