5 steps
Triple Surgeon's Knot
The surgeon's join with 3 passes of both tags. Two passes are the basic knot. More passes when the lines are slick or unequal.
Use it for
The surgeon's join with 3 passes of both tags. 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
Triple Surgeon's Knot
Step 1
Lay the two lines together, overlapping by several inches.
Step 2
Form a loop and pass both tags through it once.
Step 3
Pass both tags through the loop again. Pass 2 of 3.
Step 4
Pass both tags through the loop again. Pass 3 of 3.
Step 5
Wet all four strands and pull them evenly. Trim both tags.
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.