Surgeon’s Loop
A fixed loop in the end of fishing line made with a doubled overhand structure. Commonly used in loop-to-loop connections.
How to tie the Surgeon’s Loop
- Double the line to form the loop length you need.
- Tie an overhand with the doubled section, passing the bight through twice in total.
- Moisten, adjust the loop, and tighten evenly before trimming.
Safety note: These steps support practice and recognition. Climbing, rescue, lifting, towing, and other critical systems require qualified instruction and equipment-specific procedures.
Which knot should you choose?
Use this for an end loop, the Dropper Loop for a branch in the middle of line, and the Surgeon’s Knot to join separate lines.
Why it earns its place
Few steps make it a useful first fishing loop to practice.
Where it fails
Dress the doubled strands evenly. Extra turns add bulk, and this fishing reference does not qualify the knot for life-safety use.
Quick facts
| Function | Fishing connection |
| Practice level | 1 / 5 (editorial rating) |
| Tutorial | Animated Knots by Grog |
External reference
KnotStyle provides the selection advice, written practice sequence, inspection points, and cautions above. Use this independent animation as an additional visual reference.
View external animation ↗Source and editorial notes
Reference: Animated Knots by Grog: Surgeon’s Loop. Source checked 2026-09-11. Selection advice and difficulty ratings are editorial judgments, not strength tests. How this guide is prepared.