Learn this knot if you don’t know it already.
The Non-Slip Mono Loop is one of the most versatile knots we know. We use it all over the world when we’re looking for a strong loop knot. After many days of use on the water, and some semi-scientific testing like guide knot tying contests, we’re convinced that the Non-Slip Mono Loop, tied properly, is the strongest, most consistent loop knot around.
Here are just a few situations in which we use this knot.
- Attaching wet flies to leaders when swinging for kings and steelhead
- Attaching bonefish flies to leaders
- Attaching sculpin patterns to leaders when fishing for trout
- Really, attaching any wet fly to a leader, as long as it’s not a tube fly or a bead
- Creating strong loop knots in the butt section of a leader for a loop to loop connection
- Creating loops in both ends of monofilament running line
For knot tying instructions, click here. Getting the wraps to cinch properly may take a couple of rounds of pulling on the tag end and sliding the loops down the line towards the knot. It can be a little finicky to tighten at first, but it’s well worth it to get good at this one!
An easier to cinch down version that is just as strong and versatile eliminates the initial pass of the tag through the overhand loop. Simply tie an overhand knot 4″ up from the tag, run the tag through the hook eye and make the wraps (4-6 depending on line diameter) above the overhand knot. Take the tag back through the overhand knot. Bite on this tag while slobering over the wraps/ overhand knot. Pull on the standing line with resistance from the teeth-held tag. The knot should bed properly every time. Finish seating the knot by pulling on fly and the standing line.
Credit: Bill Nash via Dan Blanton’s board, with an assist from Lefty Kreh.
I’ve changed from the non-slip mono to the canoeman’s loop knot….just as strong, simpler to tie and much easier to get the loop size to my liking. Youtube has a number of excellent tutorials….capt.chrismeyers is especially good.
Love this knot. Use it on pretty much all my flies, fresh or salt, big or small. It allows me to fish heavier tippet on bones (because the fly swings freely, looking more alive). It allows me to fish lighter flies (because they’ll dive as quick as heavier flies tied with a Cinch). And, it’s stronger than most other knots… if you make the correct number of wraps. Don’t skimp or be lazy: 5 wraps for 8-20 pound, which is where you’re bonefish leaders live.
The “loop” is an easy knot to tie. getting the loop the right size is a little more difficult. If you use a large eyed needle the loop size can be adjusted before pulling tight. Before you begin to wrap the tag end, put the needle eye through the overhand knot. Pull the overhand tight. Adjust the loop size by pulling the tag end. Now wrap, put the tag through the needle eye and pull the tag through the tightened overhand knot. Now tighten by pulling the tag end. Good to go.
tight lines
Fantastic input and a great idea, Mike. Thanks!