4 steps
Surgeon's Knot
The surgeon's join with 2 passes of the leader's long end and the main-line tag. Two passes are the basic knot. More passes when the lines are slick or unequal.
Use it for
The surgeon's join with 2 passes of the leader's long end and the main-line tag. Two passes are the basic knot. More passes when the lines are slick or unequal.
This line
Braid wants more than two passes.
Avoid when
A bulky six- or seven-pass surgeon in the tip of a fly leader. It will click in the guides.
All steps visible
Surgeon's Knot
Step 1
Overlap the braid and the leader, tags at opposite ends.
Step 2
Pass the long end of the leader and the tag end of the main line through one opening.
Step 3
Pass those same ends through that opening again.
Step 4
Dress it. Four strands leave the knot. Trim both tags short.
The drawing follows this tying order. Pause, step, or scrub to stay with the words. The standing line runs to the reel. The tag is the short end you trim. Skin-hook means the point lies flat in the plastic, not out where grass can grab it.
Common mistakes
- One pass, which is only an overhand and will slip.
- Pulling one line harder so the knot cocks.