beginner
85% strength
Double Surgeon's Knot
The quick line-to-line knot for adding tippet or joining similar diameter mono and fluorocarbon.
The 30-second pitch
The Double Surgeon's is what you use when you need line joined now, not after a small engineering seminar. It is bulkier than a Blood Knot, but it wins on speed and reliability. That matters when the fish are eating and your leader just lost an argument with a rock.
How to tie it
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1
Overlap the two lines by 6 to 8 inches.
-
2
Form a loop with both lines together.
-
3
Pass both tag ends and both standing lines through the loop once.
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4
Pass the same bundle through the loop a second time.
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5
Wet the knot and pull all four ends evenly.
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6
Trim both tag ends close.
When to use it
- Joining tippet to leader in fly and float rigs.
- Connecting similar diameter mono or fluorocarbon.
- Fast streamside repairs when a cleaner knot would take too long.
- Avoid it for big braid-to-mono jumps. Use Alberto, Albright, or FG instead.
Common screw-ups
- Pulling only the standing lines and leaving the tags loose.
- Joining lines with a huge diameter mismatch.
- Not wetting the knot, especially with fluorocarbon.
Rigs that use this knot
What to tie it with
Redington Original Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Kit - 9' 4-Piece Medium Action Rod, Crosswater Reel, Rio Fly Line, Leader, and Travel Case - Freshwater & All Water Options
$269.99
Rio Products Fly Fishing Tippet, Fluoroflex Strong Leader, 100% Fluorocarbon for Trout, 30YD Spool
$17.99
2X tippet
$8.99
OPST Strong Fluorocarbon Tippet 15lb
$14.99
Orvis Encounter Outfit - Fishing Rod and Reel Combo - Versatile Outfit with Large Arbor Reel, Weight-Forward Floating Line, Backing, and Leader
$298.00
Rio Tippet Holder
$22.95
