How to Tie a Loop Knot

Tying a loop knot is an essential skill for anglers, sailors, and outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a knot that can maintain strength while offering flexibility and ease of use. There are several loop knots, each serving different purposes. Understanding their application can enhance your knot-tying repertoire. Here’s a deep dive into some popular loop knots and how to tie them.

The Overhand Loop

The overhand loop is one of the simplest knots. It serves as the foundation for other, more complex knots. Here’s how to tie it:

1. Form a loop by laying the working end over the standing part of the rope.
2. Bring the working end under and then through the loop.
3. Pull both ends to tighten the knot.

This knot is quick and provides a fixed loop at the end of a line. It’s suitable for tying off gear or creating a simple starting point for more complex knots.

Surgical Loop Knot

The surgical loop, often used in fishing, offers reliability under strain. To create a surgical loop knot:

1. Form a loop by doubling the line back on itself.
2. Create a second loop using the doubled portion.
3. Pass the original loop through this new loop twice.
4. Moisten the knot and pull firmly to tighten.

This knot is effective when joining two lines of similar sizes, popular for its utility in creating loops for leaders and dogbones.

Bowline Knot

The bowline is prized for its strength and ease of untying, even after bearing a heavy load. To tie a bowline knot:

1. Create a small loop away from the working end.
2. Pass the working end through this loop from underneath.
3. Wrap the working end around the standing part.
4. Bring the working end back through the loop.
5. Tighten by pulling the standing part while holding the loop.

This knot is a go-to for securing sails, connecting mooring lines, and forming a reliable loop for rescue operations.

Perfection Loop Knot

The perfection loop is known for forming a neat, small loop at the end of a line, often used in fly fishing. To tie it:

1. Create a loop by passing the end over the standing line.
2. Form a second loop above the first, crossing over again.
3. Pass the working end through the first loop from underneath.
4. Tighten by pulling on both the working end and the standing part.

Its compact design works well for attaching leaders or connecting to snaps and hooks.

Spider Hitch Knot

The spider hitch knot creates a double line, useful in angling for strengthening line sections. Here’s how to make it:

1. Double the line back on itself, forming a loop.
2. Wrap the working end around the doubled line, forming a second loop.
3. Pass the working end through this new loop three times.
4. Moisten and tighten by pulling on all four line segments.

This knot efficiently doubles line strength without needing extra attachments and is used frequently to enhance durability in fishing applications.

Bimini Twist

Bimini Twist is preferred in deep sea fishing tournaments, creating a strong, yet flexible loop. Tying it involves these steps:

1. Create a large loop by rotating the working end around the standing line about 20-30 times.
2. Maintain the twists tension while spreading the loop ends.
3. Fold the twists back on themselves, and lock with half hitches.
4. Moisten and pull tight to lock the knot.

This knot delivers nearly 100% line strength, fostering confidence in challenging fishing conditions.

Improved Clinch Loop Knot

The improved clinch knot is a versatile, dependable knot providing a fast loop. Here’s the method:

1. Thread the line through the eye of the hook or swivel and double back.
2. Create five to seven wraps around the standing line.
3. Pass the end through the first loop above the eye, then through the loop formed behind.
4. Moisten the knot and pull on the standing line to tighten.

It’s a staple for attaching hooks or lures and is versatile enough for different fishing methods.

Davy Knot

While not a loop knot itself, understanding the Davy knot provides perspective on minimalistic knot tying in fishing:

1. Pass the line through the hook eye.
2. Create a simple overhand knot, but don’t tighten it yet.
3. Pass the working end above the overhand knot and make a single wrap around the standing part.
4. Tighten by pulling on both the hook and the standing line.

This compact knot is simple, effective for getting the most strength in fine tippets when fly fishing.

Double Surgeon’s Loop

The Double Surgeon’s Loop is recognized for its ease and strength. To tie it:

1. Double the end of the line to form a loop.
2. Tie an overhand knot with the doubled line, but don’t tighten it yet.
3. Pass the loop through the resulting hole once more.
4. Pull on all four segments to tighten.

This multi-purpose knot proves useful for forming quick loops in mono or fluoro lines, commonly used in leader rigs.

The Figure Eight Loop Knot

The figure eight offers a larger stopper knot or loop, popular in climbing and sailing. Here’s how to tie it:

1. Form a bight by folding the rope onto itself.
2. Wrap the working end around the standing part then back through the loop.
3. Follow the line back, threading through the figure-eight shape formed.
4. Tighten by pulling on the loop and standing ends.

This knot ensures a strong end loop, easily untied after use, making it valuable in applications requiring frequent knot changes.

The Dropper Loop Knot

The dropper loop is mainly used in fishing to create multiple hooks on a single line. It’s tied as follows:

1. Form a loop in your line and twist about six times.
2. Take the original loop and pass it through the center opening of the twists.
3. Hold the loop in place and pull on all four line ends gradually to tighten.

Creating a 90-degree dropper that holds hooks or lures efficiently contributes to better setup customization in various fishing styles.