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How to Tie a Surgeon's Loop

Easy
🎣 Fishing🐟 Leader🎏 Fly Fishing

The surgeon's loop creates a strong, permanent loop at the end of a fishing line — the standard terminal loop for loop-to-loop connections to fly line and leader.

How to Tie a Surgeon's Loop Step by Step

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Written Instructions — Surgeon's Loop

  1. Double the line end Fold the line end back on itself to create a doubled section with a loop.
  2. First overhand with doubled line Treating both strands as one, tie an overhand knot — pass through once.
  3. Second pass — surgeon's step Pass both strands through the same loop a second time.
  4. Wet and tighten Moisten, pull loop in one hand and main line in the other to seat knot.
  5. Finished loop Strong permanent loop for loop-to-loop connections.

Tips for Tying a Surgeon's Loop

  • Size the loop before tightening — it's very difficult to resize after the knot is tight.
  • Two passes is the minimum. Three passes makes an even stronger loop.
  • Unlike a perfection loop, the surgeon's loop is easy to tie in the field without a needle or tool.
  • This loop is typically used for connecting to fly lines or as a loop for attaching snaps.

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