Surgeon's Loop

~85% — for loop terminations

mono fluoro braid

Updated 15 May 2026 · by Fish-logged

A fast, foolproof loop in the end of a line. Fold the line back on itself, tie a double overhand, snug down. Used to form dropper loops for paternoster rigs, to attach pre-tied hooklengths via loop-to-loop, and as a quick fixed loop for lures.

When to use it

If you need a loop in a hurry, this is the knot. Hooklengths get tied with a loop at one end so they can be swapped on the bank via loop-to-loop. Snoods on multi-hook sea rigs are usually surgeon's loops. Avoid it as a hook-side loop on lures that need free movement — the Rapala loop is better there.

How to tie it

Fold the end of the line back on itself to form a loop of the size you want (typically 4–8 cm).
With the doubled section, tie a simple overhand knot — but instead of pulling through once, pass the loop through the knot a second time. This is the double overhand.
Moisten and pull both the standing line and the loop's tip slowly. The four strands of the knot should compact into a clean barrel.
Trim the tag end flush.