Fishing Knots - Get In The Loop With Fishing Knots
By Bob Ives
Fly fishermen, trout fishermen and many other types of anglers often
fish with flies and lures and so have a need for a variety of different
fishing knots to serve different purposes. For example, someone who is
fishing for catfish is not going to need the same knot as someone who is
using a lure bait for barramundi.
A Rapala lure is the perfect example of a bait that needs a different
type of fishing knot. Most fishermen use an improved Clinch knot or a
Palomar knot for these baits, and that's okay .. but just okay. But most
lures are designed to be very active and lively in the water. They
normally wiggle, wobble and dart around in an attempt to attract and
entice a fish. So, if you really want to get the full effect of the
bait, it's better to tie a fishing knot that has a loop in it so the
lure will have the freedom to do its thing. This gives it more wobble
room and keeps the line from getting twisted up.
There are a couple of popular fishing knots that serve this purpose
well: The Perfection Loop and The Surgeon's Loop. Both are easy to tie,
but I tend to prefer the Surgeon's Loop because it is kind of similar to
the Palomar knot in that you are doubling your line and tying an
overhand knot to create it. This makes it easier to remember.
Additionally, many anglers feel that it is a more durable knot than the
Perfection Loop. But, either one should do just fine. Tie the knot
that's easiest for you.
The Perfection Loop
Double the line back to form a loop and pass the tag end across the loop
and around the end to form a second parallel loop. Pass the tag end
between the loops and then pass the second loop through the first.
Moisten and tighten by pulling on the main line and the final loop
created on the other end. Trim of the tag end and you're good to go.
The Surgeon's Loop
This knot also forms a loop at the end of a line allow more action from
the bait and making it easy to attach leaders and snaps. This fishing
knot is real easy to tie and it is very sturdy. It's a bit larger than
the Perfection Loop (bulkier), but in the end, that usually won't make
any difference. If there is a problem with it worth considering, it's
that it always sits a bit offset from the main line. If you are trolling
with light tackle you might want to use a Perfection loop knot.
To tie a Surgeon's Loop, double the main line back on itself forming a
loop. Take the end of the loop and bring it back over the doubled main
line like tying an overhand knot. Go back over that line again with the
end of the loop (another overhand knot) and pull it straight. Moisten
and snuggle up the knot. There's your fishing knot. Trim off the tag,
add your lure and go fishing.
So, you have a choice. Probably the easier fishing knot to tie is the
Surgeon's Loop, but probably the most trolling and lure friendly
is the Perfection Loop. Experiment with both. |
