Surgeon’s Join

Surgeon’s Join
Preparing the rope…

Overlap the lines

1/7

Lay the main line and leader alongside each other with opposite standing ends.

Fishing · 7 steps

Join two fishing lines with two passes through one shared loop.

Also known as Surgeon’s knot, Double surgeon’s join.

The surgeon’s join connects two fishing lines with a doubled overhand passage. Overlap the lines, form one opening, and take the paired ends through twice. One entire leader section has to pass through that opening, which matters when the free section is long or already carries tackle.

This is the fishing bend, not a surgeon’s binding knot tied around an object. Keep all four exiting parts under control while seating so both lines share the same two-pass route.

When to use it

Add tippet to a leader; join monofilament or fluorocarbon sections.

Keep in mind

One entire leader section passes through the loop. This is the fishing bend, not the surgical binding knot.

Check your knot

  • Both lines go through the shared opening twice.
  • The complete required leader section passes through.
  • All four parts draw up evenly without one line escaping the turns.
How to tie Surgeon’s Join
  1. Overlap the lines

    Lay the main line and leader alongside each other with opposite standing ends.

  2. Form a shared loop

    Use both strands together to make a loose loop.

  3. Pass through once

    Pass the tag and the entire leader through the loop together.

  4. Pass through again

    Take the same paired ends through the same opening a second time.

  5. Bring out the ends

    Leave the two standing parts and the two tags free.

  6. Dress the knot

    Moisten real line. Pull all four strands evenly to seat the knot. Keep the turns aligned.

  7. Inspect the double pass

    Two passages through the loop form the fishing surgeon’s knot.

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References & further reading