Fishing Knots: Dropper loop

Dropper loop:

The Dropper Loop is primarily used for making rigs where you want the lead weight to be on the very bottom of the rig. A proper Dropper Loop should NOT be too long or it will twist and foul during the cast. This is not the strongest knot in the world but properly tied and carefully seated it can hold up to most fish. The biggest fish I've caught on a rig using a home tied Dropper Loop is +40 pounds.

1. First, form a simple loop in the line.

2. Pull one side of the loop down and begin taking turns with it around the standing line. Keep point where turns are made open so turns gather equally on each side.

3. After six to eight turns, reach through center opening and pull remaining loop through. Keep finger in this loop or place loop over a nail or dowel so it will not spring back.

4. Hold loop with teeth (bad) or over a nail or dowel and slowly pull both ends of line, making turns gather evenly on either side of loop.

5. Set knot by pulling lines as tightly as possible. The loop should stand out perpendicular to line.