How do you tie a perfection loop?
Short answer
Make a loop by passing the tag behind the standing line, then a second smaller loop in front of it, bring the tag between the two loops, and pull the second loop through the first. Wet it and pull. Unlike other loops, it ends up perfectly in line with the leader.
How do you tie a perfection loop?
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First loop
Form a loop by bringing the tag end behind the standing line. Pinch the crossing point between finger and thumb.
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Second loop
Bring the tag around again to make a second loop in front of the first, slightly smaller, and pinch it too.
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Tag between the loops
Bring the tag end back and lay it between the two loops, pointing across them.
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Pull the second through the first
Reach through the first loop, grip the second loop, and pull it through. The tag stays where it is.
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Wet and seat
Lubricate, then pull on the new loop and the standing line together until the knot draws down.
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Check it is straight
A correct perfection loop points directly in line with the leader. If it sits at an angle, retie it.
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Trim
Cut the tag close to the knot.
How to connect loop to loop
Having tied the loop, the connection itself has one rule that is easy to get wrong. Pass the fly line loop through the leader loop, then pass the whole leader through the fly line loop, and draw them together so they form a square interlocking join.
If instead you end up with one loop girth-hitched around the other — a lark’s head — the join will hinge, wear and eventually cut through. It is worth looking at the finished connection every time until the correct shape is automatic.
Frequently asked questions
Why use a perfection loop instead of a surgeon’s loop?
Because it sits straight. A surgeon’s loop is easier to tie but comes out of the leader at a slight angle, which puts a kink in the connection. The perfection loop is in line with the standing material, so the leader turns over cleanly.
How big should the loop be?
Small — about a quarter of an inch. It only has to pass over a fly line loop, and an oversized loop hinges and casts badly.
Can I use it at the tippet end too?
You can, and some anglers do for quick fly changes with a loop. More often the tippet end gets a clinch, a Davy or a non-slip loop, and the perfection loop stays at the butt.
Sources
Flies mentioned in this guide
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