In contrast to many other knots, the Perfection Loop or Angler’s Loop is useful well beyond fishing. A favorite of climbers and other outdoor enthusiasts who need a fast, fool-proof method for producing a secure loop, the Perfection Loop is a must-know knot.
And for fly anglers, this is nothing short of an essential. Not only does it make quick work of the job of attaching new leader to your fly line, but it’s also great for attaching flies because it allows them a loose, life-like action.
In larger materials like rope or bungee cord, the Perfection Loop knot can be tied in hand to create a secure free-standing loop. For fly applications, it may be easier to use an alternate method.
We’ll provide instructions for both.
Table of Contents (clickable)
How to Tie the Perfection Loop Knot (in hand)
- Hold the tag end and pass your fly line around your palm 3 times.
- Pull the loop closest to your fingers under the other two.
- Pull the loop closest to your fingers over the middle loop and under the final loop.
- Pull the loop closest to your arm to tighten the loop.
- Wet your knot and cinch it down.
How to Tie the Perfection Loop Knot (fly method)
- Form a loop (A) with the tag end on your left. You want plenty of line on the tag end.
- Pass the tag end to the rear and clockwise, forming a second complete loop (B).
- Pass the tag over loop B. It should now be between the two loops.
- Pass loop B through loop A.
- Wet your knot and cinch it down by pulling on loop B.
Why Rely on the Perfection Loop Knot?
- Strong - When properly executed, the Perfection Loop Knot is very strong, rating at no less than 95% of a line’s test strength.
- Easy - Tied in hand, this is a very simple knot. And even when tied fly-style, a few minutes of practice will have you executing this knot perfectly for life.
- Fast - The Perfection Loop Knot is as fast or faster than other methods that produce a free-standing, secure loop.
What’s Not to Love About the Perfection Loop Knot?
The Perfection Loop is one of those knots that’s hard to fault. It’s very good at what it does, and it’s faster and easier than the alternatives that get the same job done.
Ideal for allowing quick leader changes on looped fly line, the Perfection Loop is a staple of fly angling and well worth the almost minimal trouble of learning it. And though it isn’t as slender as the Nail Knot, that’s not much of a bother in fly casting.
The only other issues you might have with the Perfection Loop Knot is that once you’ve jammed this knot down under pressure, you’ll have a devil of a time untying it if you need to. That’s not ever a concern with fly leader, but it can be a problem in rope or paracord.
The Perfection Loop Knot in Braid and Fluorocarbon
Fly line and monofilament or fluorocarbon leader love to bite against themselves, producing plenty of knot-holding friction. Scientists and engineers call this trait a “high coefficient of friction.”
What that means in practice is that these lines love to hold a properly executed knot.
A well-tied Perfection Loop will hold in fly line, mono, and fluorocarbon, allowing you to use this knot freely in fly applications.
However, the Spectra and Dyneema fibers that braided superlines are woven from are simply too slick to hold in this knot. And as good as the Perfection Loop is, it will simply slip free under pressure if you try it in braid.
If you’re looking for a line-to-line connection knot for braid, try the Triple or Quadruple Surgeon’s Knot.
When Do Perfection Loop Knots Fail?
The Perfection Loop Knot is very secure when tied properly, making it an excellent choice for fly anglers. Failures are few and far between if you avoid the following mistakes:
- Tying the knot in frayed or damaged line - Always inspect your line for signs of damage like fraying or nicks. Damaged line will not provide its full test strength, and sudden knot failure can occur.
- Forgetting to wet your knot before cinching - Spit or water provides lubricant to your line, allowing the knot to slip into place. That provides maximum integrity, and this is a step you should never skip in a knot.
- Tying the knot in braid - While fly line, mono, and fluorocarbon accept this knot easily, braided line lacks the friction to make it hold. Just don’t do it!
