Surgeon's Knot
Best Used For
Easy knot to join two lines of moderately unequal size. Quick to tie and very reliable.
About the Surgeon's Knot
The Surgeon's Knot is the go-to choice when you need to quickly and reliably join two fishing lines, especially when they're of different diameters or materials. This knot is incredibly simple - essentially a double overhand knot using both lines - yet it's surprisingly strong and secure. It's particularly popular among fly fishers for attaching tippet to leader.
Best Line Types: Works with any combination - mono to mono, fluoro to mono, different line weights
Knot Strength: Retains approximately 90% of the weaker line's strength
When to Use: Perfect for joining lines of different diameters, adding tippet to leader, emergency line repairs, or when you need a quick, reliable connection in the field.
Speed Advantage: Can be tied in under 30 seconds, making it ideal for quick repairs or when fish are actively feeding.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Overlap the lines: Overlap the two lines by about 6 inches, with the ends pointing in opposite directions.
- Form a loop: Using both lines as one, form a simple overhand loop.
- Pass through once: Pass both tag ends through the loop once.
- Pass through again: Pass both tag ends through the loop a second time for extra security.
- Wet and tighten: Moisten the knot with water or saliva, then pull all four ends to tighten evenly.
- Trim excess: Cut both tag ends close to the knot.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
✓ Pro Tips
- • Perfect for joining different line diameters
- • Can be tied quickly even in poor conditions
- • Works great with slippery fluorocarbon
- • Pull all four ends evenly when tightening
- • Ideal for emergency line repairs on the water
⚠ Common Mistakes
- • Not overlapping lines enough (need 6+ inches)
- • Pulling only two ends instead of all four
- • Skipping the second pass through the loop
- • Not wetting the knot before tightening
- • Using with lines too different in diameter
Video Tutorial
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