Perfection Loop
I’ve had a number of inquires over the last year about the Perfection Loop. First, it’s used to tie a loop in the butt end of the leader so that leaders can be rapidly changed by looping on and off while fishing. The Perfection Loop is preferred in this situation because the leader comes straight out of the loop, not at an angle as it might if a Surgeon’s Loop were used. Second, it is really fast and easy to tie—once you learn how. It’s the “how” part that always messes people up. Spend some time studying the photos and descriptions, and practice with a short hunk of 3/16 inch nylon or polyester rope. Once you get it, you’ll wonder why it seemed so difficult (it looks complicated but is not).
Form a loop in the end of the material. It is critical that short end goes behind the long end. Look closely at the photo.
Form a second loop by wrapping the short end of the material up and around and behind the long end.
Lay the end of the material up between the two loops.
Draw the second loop down through the first loop.
To tighten, pull on the loop and the long end of the material. Do not pull the short end. To adjust the size of the loop, carefully push the loop back into the knot before it is pulled tight, and draw out the excess material by carefully pulling on the long and short ends. When the loop is the correct size (about 5/8 inch), lubricate it with a little saliva, and pull it tight. I normally stick the end of a pen or pencil in the loop to hold onto when pulling the knot tight.