Fly Fishing Knots - Double Surgeons Knot

The Double Surgeons Knot is a frequently used knot for most fly fishers. Since the tapered leader will get progressively thicker after a day’s worth of changing flies, adding some tippet to your tapered leader will allow you to keep the leader at the right length. This will also allow you to make the leader and fly land on the water without a plop. Since you will be using this one regularly throughout the day, practice this one and become proficient.

Application: This knot is used for lengthening the leader by tying in another section of leader or tippet.

Tip: Make sure you give yourself enough line to overlap. There’s nothing worse than getting close to finishing and then struggling to complete the knot. Especially when fish are rising and your buddy is landing fish left and right.

Step 1: Take a section of tippet material in one hand and the leader in the other hand and overlap the two sections about three to four inches and hold the lines together.

Step 2: Make an overhand knot by running the longer end of the tippet and the shorter end of the leader.

Step 3: Make second overhand knot, just like the first.

Step 4: Lubricate the knot/loop with saliva or water, pull tight, and trim close.

Tomorrows Knot: Improved Clinch Knot