Surgeon's Knot
When to Use This Knot
One of the easiest and fastest line-to-line knots for connecting two lines together. The Surgeon's knot retains about 90% of line strength and is ideal for joining leader to tippet in fly fishing or adding a leader to your main line. It works well even when the two lines differ in diameter.
How to Tie a Surgeon's Knot — Step by Step
Lay the two lines side by side with about 6-8 inches of overlap.
Treating both lines as a single strand, form a simple loop with the overlapping section.
Pass both lines through the loop together to form an overhand knot. Do not tighten yet.
Pass both lines through the loop a second time (making it a double overhand knot).
Moisten the knot, then pull all four ends simultaneously to tighten the knot evenly. Trim the tag ends.
Tips for a Better Knot
- For maximum strength, pass the lines through the loop three times instead of two, creating a Triple Surgeon's knot.
- Make sure you pull all four line ends at once when tightening to ensure the knot seats evenly.
- This knot is a great alternative to the Blood knot when lines are of different diameters.
- The Surgeon's knot is bulkier than a Blood knot, so it may not pass through rod guides as smoothly.
Best Line Types
Monofilament
Standard nylon line. This knot works well with mono's inherent stretch and grip.
Fluorocarbon
Nearly invisible in water. This knot holds reliably on fluorocarbon's stiffer material.