The Point of the Loop
Tying a loop knot in your line has many purposes and can have many added benefits as well. Whether you want your lure or fly to soar through the air freely, or you simply need to attach your fishing lead to your fishing line, the loop knot will be one of the most important things you could learn. Fishermen of all ages have used a variety of knots through the years, but the most versatile is the loop knot.
There are so many different types of loop knots out in the world, and it can be a bit confusing when you start out. However, worry not! The knot making decision is actually quite simple once you know the style of fishing you aim to use and what your set goals are. We are going to give you the step by step breakdown on tying the three most common knots in the loop knot world.
Non-Slip Loop Knot
A non-slip loop knot is the easiest way to practice tying your fly or lure to your fishing line. This style of tying helps whatever lure or fly you use to move in a much more realistic way. Instead of forcing the water around a knot that is tied closely to whatever it is a person is using, it leaves it open, allowing the water to glide right through. There are many videos out there that can guide you to tying the perfect non-slip knot, but we plan on making it easier for you and giving you the steps here.
The Steps:
To tie the non-slip loop knot, one must first know how to tie an easy overhand knot. The overhand is essentially the most basic of knots. You start with your straight line and loop it around and back through itself, pulling tight.
For the non-slip knot, you want to put an overhand knot roughly ten inches away from the end of your line. Then you want to pass the working end of the line through your eye or lure. Bring that working line back through the overhand knot, forming a loop. The outside of the overhand knot, called the standing line, is where you will take the next step.
Once you have pulled your working line through the overhand knot, you want to twist it, wrapping around the standing line five times. You then bring the working line back up, next to the wraps, and through the overhand loop in the opposite direction. Once you have done that, the final step is wetting the line a bit and carefully pulling both ends to tighten the knot completely and trimming the ends to remove any excess working line.
Perfection Loop Knot
Another common type of loop knot is the perfection loop knot. It is simply the best loop knot for attaching a fly lead line to a fly-fishing lead. It’s sleek, strong, straight, and it will get the job done like no other. The perfection loop knot is also extremely helpful with tying sinkers and hooks.
The Steps:
The perfection loop knot is quite simple in its own right. Using the working line, you want to create a single, small loop. Then you want to surround the small loop with a second larger loop. You would then take your working line and go right down the center of the two loops. , under the large loop and over the small loop, kind of like a weaving motion.
Once you have completed these steps, you want to work the large loop through the smaller one, untill you can pull it all the way through. Grab all four ends and pull them tightly, creating the perfection knot. And as always, trim the working line to make it look clean and fresh.
In-Line Dropper Loop Knot
The final loop knot we will teach you is the in-line dropper loop knot. The in-line dropper loop allows a fisherman to use two flies or hooks when they so desire. It increases the distance between components as well, such as the hook and sinker. This type of knot will make it all around easier to control every aspect.
The Steps:
The in-line dropper loop knot has two methods of tying; however, we will give you the simplest method. It starts with a single loop. Make that loop and keep a hold of the top. Wrap it around itself 6 times, to create a matchstick effect while keeping a central hole. Once it has been wrapped, you want to take the top loop you have been holding and pass it straight through the central hole you saved. Once it is through, it is easy enough to wet the ends and keep them pulled taut and pull the loop tight, finishing the knot.
Tips and Tricks:
Tying loop knots has its own set of guidelines and tricks to make it easier. Using water before you pull the knots tight works as a lubricant to make sure it slides as easy as it can and holds firm. You want to be sure to give yourself plenty of working line, though be careful because too much in some knots can make it a bit more arduous. And, finally, always be sure to trim your working line. Even the most effective knot could be hindered by loose line trailing.
There are many other loop knots a fisherman can use, but these are the most common loop knots. The key to doing it perfectly is to practice, of course. If you follow the steps we laid out, and practice repeatedly, you will reach a point where tying these knots is second nature. Know your knots and know your end goals. It is the greatest way to make sure you are successful in your endeavors.
