Double Surgeon’s Knot: How to Tie It and When to Use It

The double surgeon’s knot is a reliable and versatile knot that can help you connect two fishing lines securely. It’s easy to tie and can be used in a variety of fishing situations. In this guide, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step process on how to tie the knot and when to use it.

What is the Double Surgeon’s Knot?

The double surgeon’s knot is a type of knot that is commonly used in fishing to connect two lines. It’s a variation of the traditional surgeon’s knot and is known for its strength and versatility. The knot is created by tying two overhand knots, one on top of the other, and then pulling the lines in opposite directions. This creates a strong, secure connection that can withstand the pull of a big fish.

One of the benefits of the double surgeon’s knot is that it can be used to connect two lines of different diameters. For example, if you need to attach a thin leader line to a thicker main line, the double surgeon’s knot can help you create a smooth transition. This can be useful when fishing for species that are easily spooked by visible fishing lines.

How to Tie the Double Surgeon’s Knot

The double surgeon’s knot is a straightforward knot that can be tied quickly and easily. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Double Overhand Knot

Begin by holding the ends of the two lines you want to connect and lay them parallel in your hand.

Create a loop with both lines and pass the end of the loop through the loop itself.

Repeat this process to create a double overhand knot.

Step 2: Second Double Overhand Knot

Take the loop created by the first double overhand knot and make a second double overhand knot in the same manner.

Be sure to keep the two knots close together and snug. 

Step 3: Tighten the Knot

Pull the standing ends of both lines to tighten the knot.

Ensure that the knots are snug against each other.

Step 4: Trim the Ends

Cut the excess tag ends, leaving a small tail of each line.

Congratulations! You have now tied the double surgeon’s knot. Remember to practice tying the knot a few times before hitting the water to make sure you have it down.

When to Use the Double Surgeon’s Knot

The double surgeon’s knot is a versatile knot that can be used in a variety of fishing situations. Here are some examples of when to use the knot:

Connecting two lines of different diameters

As mentioned earlier, the double surgeon’s knot is particularly useful when connecting two lines of different diameters. It helps create a smooth transition between the two lines, making it less visible to the fish.

Attaching a leader to the main line

When fishing for species that are easily spooked, such as trout or bonefish, it’s important to have a leader attached to your main line. The double surgeon’s knot is a great knot to use for this purpose, as it creates a strong connection between the two lines.

Tying two lines together quickly

If you need to tie two lines together quickly, such as when changing lures or rigs, the double surgeon’s knot is an easy and reliable knot to use.

Joining two broken lines

If you have two broken lines and want to join them together, the double surgeon’s knot can help you create a strong and secure connection.

When I first got into fly fishing, the double surgeon’s knot became my catch-all knot. When in doubt, I used the double or even triple surgeon’s. This is because overall, the double surgeon’s knot is easy to tie with my fat fingers, useful in a number of situations, and something I could tie quickly while in the water. 

Now that you know when to use the double surgeon’s knot, you’re ready to start incorporating it into your routine on the water.