Angler's Loop
loop knot
The angler's loop is one of the oldest documented loop knots in cordage generally - it appears in rigging and fishing references well before modern synthetic line existed, because the double-overhand structure that forms it works just as well in natural cord as in monofilament or braid. What has kept it relevant on the water is that it forms a genuinely fixed loop rather than a sliding one: once dressed and cinched, the loop's size doesn't change under load, which matters when it's used to make a loop-to-loop connection between a fly line and its backing, or to hang a lure at a fixed depth.
Tying it is a two-step fold: form a loop, fold that loop over itself again to make a doubled loop, then pass the outer loop through the inner one before pulling the whole thing snug. The resulting knot is compact and reasonably strong for its simplicity, though it does not match the strength retention of purpose-built modern loop knots.
As with virtually any knot tied in monofilament, the line should be wetted before the final pull. Pulling a dry knot closed quickly creates friction heat at the point where the line crosses itself, and that localized heat is a documented cause of premature line failure right at the knot.
The knot's structure is closely related to the perfection loop and the surgeon's loop used in fly fishing, all built from the same family of double-overhand-style folds - the differences between them are mostly in how flat the finished loop sits and how easily it can be tied one-handed in cold or wet conditions. Because the angler's loop doesn't rely on cinching around a hook shank or eye, it's also occasionally used outside fishing entirely, as a simple, dependable fixed loop in light cordage or paracord work where a bowline would be unnecessarily bulky for the load involved. Anglers building a loop-to-loop leader connection typically tie matching loops on both the fly line and the leader butt section, then interlock the two loops directly rather than tying any additional knot between them - a connection that can be broken down and reassembled in seconds streamside.
How to tie the Angler's Loop
Form a loop in the line and pinch the crossing point.
Strength & security
Approx. strength retained: 60-65% of line strength
A compact, genuinely fixed loop that doesn't slip once cinched - useful for a permanent loop-to-loop connection to backing or a leader, unlike a slip knot which is designed to move.
Cautions: Like most sharply-bent knots tied in monofilament, tying it dry and yanking it closed fast generates friction heat that measurably weakens the line; wetting the knot before the final pull is a real, testable difference, not just habit.
Alternatives
- Perfection Loop
Sits flatter and neater, which fly anglers often prefer for tippet-to-leader loop connections where a bulky knot can catch in rod guides.
FAQ
Does the angler's loop slip under load?
No - once cinched it holds a fixed size, unlike a slip knot or honda knot, which are built to move. That's the whole reason to choose it for a permanent loop.
Should I wet the line before tightening?
Yes. Pulling monofilament tight dry generates friction heat right where the knot bends sharply, which weakens the line at exactly its most stressed point.
Can the angler's loop be used outside of fishing?
Yes - it works as a simple, compact fixed loop in light cordage generally, though a bowline is usually preferred for anything approaching real load-bearing rope work.
How does the angler's loop compare to a simple overhand loop?
A plain overhand loop is quicker to tie but noticeably weaker and bulkier at the same time, since it doesn't distribute the bend across as many wraps. The angler's loop's double-fold construction spreads the load more evenly through the knot, which is part of why it holds a meaningfully higher percentage of line strength than a single overhand loop tied the same way.
Is the angler's loop suitable for paracord bracelets?
Yes - its compact, fixed-size loop works well as a closure point in paracord projects, though most crafters use a simpler cow hitch or button knot instead since raw tying speed usually matters more than load-holding precision in that context.
Does braided fishing line tie an angler's loop differently than mono?
The steps are identical, but braid's low friction means the knot can slip before it's fully seated unless it's cinched down firmly and evenly - many anglers add an extra wrap-through when tying this loop in braid specifically for that reason.