beginner
84% strength
Surgeon's Loop
A fast loop knot for leaders and quick-change rigs when clean matters less than getting back in the water.
The 30-second pitch
The Surgeon's Loop is not elegant. It is not trying to be. It is the knot you tie when your buddy just hooked up, your leader is a mess, and the river is briefly handing out coupons. It is strong enough, fast enough, and ugly in a dependable way.
How to tie it
Video by
Dieter Melhorn Fishing
— full title: How to Tie a Surgeons Loop Fishing Knot
Prefer another teacher? Try the
alternate video tutorial on Fishthatwontquit
.
-
1
Double the line to form the loop size you want.
-
2
Tie a loose overhand knot with the doubled line.
-
3
Pass the loop through the overhand knot a second time.
-
4
Wet the knot thoroughly.
-
5
Pull both the loop and standing line evenly until seated.
-
6
Trim the tag end close.
As shown in the video
Products visible in the tutorial
These are the items the demonstrator uses on screen. Affiliate links where we have a match in our catalog.
leader
Monofilament or fluorocarbon leader
Both work — doubled line creates the loop
When to use it
- Fast loop-to-loop leader connections.
- Pre-rigged leaders for float, fly, and drift setups.
- Cold weather reties where a Perfection Loop feels like a prank.
- Avoid it when a bulky knot will hang in guides or collect weeds.
Common screw-ups
- Making a loop so large it catches on everything in the county.
- Failing to pull both strands evenly when seating.
- Leaving the doubled overhand loose and bulky.
Rigs that use this knot
Alternatives
What to tie it with
Redington Crosswater Fly Fishing Outfit - 4-Piece Fly Rod with Crosswater Reel, Rio Mainstream Fly Line & Zippered Travel Case - Complete Starter Kit
$199.99
Redington Crosswater Fly Fishing Outfit - 4-Piece Fly Rod with Crosswater Reel, Rio Mainstream Fly Line & Zippered Travel Case - Complete Starter Kit
$199.99
Redington Fly Fishing Field Kit, Fly Rod and Reel Combo Starter Kit, Line and Carrying Case Included
$179.99
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
