Figure Eight Knotfly fishing glossary
A stopper knot that can also be used to create a loop, known for its reliability and ease of untying.
Understanding Figure Eight Knot
The Figure Eight Knot is a fundamental and highly versatile knot in the angler's repertoire, renowned for its exceptional reliability and surprising ease of untying, even after bearing significant strain. Often considered a superior alternative to the simpler overhand knot, its distinctive "figure eight" shape is not just aesthetically pleasing but functionally robust. In fly fishing, its primary applications are as a secure **stopper knot** and, critically, as a foundation for creating strong, non-slip **loops**. At its core, the Figure Eight Knot is a stopper knot. It creates a bulky, secure impediment at the end of a line, preventing it from passing through an opening, such as the guides of a fly rod, the opening on a tippet spool, or the small hole on the arbor of a fly reel. Unlike a standard overhand knot, which can "set" so tightly under pressure that it becomes nearly impossible to untie without cutting the line, the Figure Eight Knot's geometry allows it to be loosened and untied relatively easily, preserving valuable leader or tippet material. This characteristic alone makes it invaluable for anglers who frequently adjust their rigs or prefer to reuse components. Beyond its role as a stopper, the Figure Eight Knot forms the basis for a highly effective loop knot, often referred to as a **Figure Eight Loop**. This loop variant is crucial for creating strong, dependable connections that allow for a degree of freedom in the presentation of a fly. Whether attaching a leader to fly line, creating dropper loops for multi-fly setups, or forming a loop at the end of a backing line, the Figure Eight Loop delivers strength and integrity. Its symmetrical design distributes stress evenly, reducing the likelihood of line breakage at the knot, a critical factor when fighting a powerful Rainbow Trout or a spirited Smallmouth Bass.Key Techniques
Mastering the Figure Eight Knot involves understanding its two primary configurations: the stopper knot and the loop knot. Both are straightforward but require attention to detail for maximum strength.Tying the Figure Eight Stopper Knot
This is the most basic form and an excellent starting point.- Take the working (tag) end of your line and form a small loop.
- Bring the tag end around the standing part of the line.
- Pass the tag end *back through* the original loop, creating the distinctive "8" shape.
- Moisten the knot with saliva or water and pull gently but firmly on both the tag end and the standing line to tighten it securely. Ensure the knot is dressed neatly, with coils lying side-by-side.
Tying the Figure Eight Loop Knot
This variant creates a fixed loop at the end of your line, invaluable for many fly fishing applications.- Form a loop in the line where you want the final loop to be.
- Take the tag end and create a second, smaller loop by passing it over the standing line, then under the standing line. This essentially forms an overhand knot.
- Now, instead of tightening the overhand knot, pass the tag end *back through* the first, larger loop you created in step 1.
- Carefully follow the path of the standing line with the tag end, running it parallel to the standing line as it exits the knot. This is similar to how an Improved Clinch Knot is "improved" by threading the tag end back through.
- Moisten the knot thoroughly and pull all three strands (tag end, loop, and standing line) slowly and evenly to cinch the knot down. Ensure the loop size is to your preference before fully tightening. Trim any excess tag end, leaving a small stub.
Pro Tips
- Always Moisten: Before cinching any knot, especially with fluorocarbon or monofilament, always moisten the line with saliva or water. This lubrication helps the knot tighten smoothly, preventing friction heat that can weaken the line.
- Dress for Success: Ensure the knot is "dressed" properly. This means all turns and wraps lie neatly side-by-side without overlapping or crossing. A poorly dressed knot is a weak knot.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Tie the Figure Eight Knot (and its loop variation) repeatedly at home. Develop muscle memory so you can tie it quickly and correctly, even in adverse conditions on the water.
- Consider the Double Figure Eight: For extremely critical connections, like attaching backing to your fly line, a double Figure Eight Loop can offer even greater security, though it will be bulkier.
- Inspect Regularly: Always check your knots for wear, fraying, or slippage after landing a fish or if you've snagged. A quick re-tie is always better than a lost fish.
Related Concepts
The Figure Eight Knot exists within a vast ecosystem of essential fishing knots. Understanding its place helps in choosing the right knot for the right job.- Perfection Loop: Another popular and very strong loop knot, often favored for creating a loop at the butt end of a leader for line-to-leader connections. While the Figure Eight Loop is also excellent, some anglers find the Perfection Loop slightly less bulky.
- Triple Surgeon's Knot: Frequently used to join two lines of similar or slightly different diameters, such as attaching tippet to leader, or for creating dropper loops in a multi-fly rig. The Figure Eight Loop can be used to create the initial loops for a Surgeon's Knot, or for the dropper itself.
- Improved Clinch Knot / Uni Knot: These are the workhorses for attaching a fly directly to your tippet. The Figure Eight Knot is not used for this purpose, as it would create too much bulk at the hook eye.
- Nail Knot: Used for creating a smooth, strong connection between two lines of different diameters, such as attaching a leader butt section to fly line. While some anglers use a Figure Eight Loop for this, the Nail Knot provides a more streamlined connection.