What is the Surgeon's Knot used for?

Join main line to leader in fishing in a matter of seconds; Join lines of different diameters or materials; Make quick splices in low light or with cold hands; Join fine lines when rigging fly-fishing setups; General splicing of thin cords and twine in everyday tasks; Field situations where you need to join two lines firmly and fast.

How do you tie the Surgeon's Knot?

The Surgeon's Knot is one of the fastest, strongest ways to join two lines — even lines of different diameters. What sets it apart from an ordinary knot is the double turn on the first loop, which grips and stops the joint from slipping while you tighten it. Tied well, it retains most of the line's strength. Follow the illustrated step-by-step, with a photo for every stage, on Desbravai.

Is the Surgeon's Knot hard to tie?

The Surgeon's Knot is rated easy, in the Bends category and is taught with a photo at every stage on Desbravai.

What precautions apply when using the Surgeon's Knot?

Don't confuse it with the surgical suturing knot: here the job is to join two lines, not close tissue; Without wetting it before tightening, friction can weaken the line (especially monofilament); On braided line it may need extra turns to keep from slipping; Leave the tag ends with some slack before trimming, since the knot can slip a little as it seats.

Surgeon's Knot

Q: What other names does the Surgeon's Knot have?

It is also known as Surgeon's Knot, Surgeon's Join Knot, Nudo de cirujano, Nudo del cirujano doble, Nó do cirurgião para emenda, Nó cirurgião de união de linhas. (ABOK #1209)

Joins two lines (even of different diameters) with a double initial turn that locks in place

Also called: Surgeon's Knot, Surgeon's Join Knot, Nudo de cirujano, Nudo del cirujano doble, Nó do cirurgião para emenda, Nó cirurgião de união de linhas · ABOK #1209

What it is for

Join main line to leader in fishing in a matter of seconds
Join lines of different diameters or materials
Make quick splices in low light or with cold hands
Join fine lines when rigging fly-fishing setups
General splicing of thin cords and twine in everyday tasks
Field situations where you need to join two lines firmly and fast