Figure 8 Loop

The Figure 8 Loop is one of the most straightforward loop knots in all of fishing. Borrowed from climbing and sailing, this knot creates a fixed loop at the end of your line using a simple figure-eight pattern that is easy to remember and fast to tie. While it does not offer the highest breaking strength among loop knots, the Figure 8 Loop’s simplicity makes it valuable for general rigging tasks, quick leader changes, and situations where the ability to tie a knot quickly and confidently matters more than squeezing out every last percent of line strength. It is an excellent knot for beginning anglers and a handy backup knot for experienced ones.

How to Tie the Figure 8 Loop

1. Double the end of your line to form a loop. The doubled section should be about six to eight inches long.
2. With the doubled line, form a single loop by crossing the doubled section over the standing line, creating a simple circle.
3. Pass the end of the doubled loop behind the standing line and then bring it back through the circle you just formed. You are essentially tying a figure-eight shape with the doubled line.
4. You should now see a clear figure-eight pattern in the line with the loop extending from one end.
5. Moisten the knot with saliva or water. Pull the loop and the standing line in opposite directions to tighten the knot evenly.
6. Seat the knot firmly by giving it a strong final pull. The finished knot should show a clean figure-eight shape. Trim the tag end close to the knot body.

When to Use the Figure 8 Loop

• Quick rigging situations: When you need a loop at the end of your line fast and don’t need maximum knot strength, the Figure 8 Loop is the quickest option.
• Loop-to-loop connections: Connect leaders to fly lines or main lines using interlocking Figure 8 Loops when speed and simplicity outweigh the need for a perfectly inline connection.
• Teaching knots to beginners: The clear figure-eight shape is easy to visualize and verify, making this an ideal first knot for young or new anglers.
• Temporary rigs: Use it for rigs you plan to rebuild soon, like testing a new spot or experimenting with a different presentation.
• Braided line applications: The Figure 8 Loop holds well on braid where some other loop knots tend to slip, making it useful for creating loops in braided mainline.

Pro Tips

• Make sure the figure-eight pattern is clean and not twisted before you tighten. A twisted knot will cinch unevenly and lose significant strength. Inspect the shape before pulling it snug.
• Although this knot works on braid, add an extra inch of tag end as a safety margin. Braid’s slick coating can cause short tag ends to pull through under heavy load.
• The Figure 8 Loop is one of the easiest knots to untie even after being loaded. This is a genuine advantage when you want to change your rig without cutting line.
• For a stronger version, pass the doubled loop through the figure-eight a second time before tightening. This creates a double Figure 8 Loop that trades a small amount of simplicity for better holding power on slippery lines.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Extremely simple to learn and tie, even for complete beginners
• Fast to form in the field, saving valuable fishing time
• Works on monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided line
• Easy to untie after being loaded, allowing rig changes without cutting line
• The clear figure-eight shape makes it easy to verify the knot is tied correctly

Cons:

• Lower breaking strength than other loop knots at approximately 75% of line strength
• The knot body is relatively bulky for the strength it provides
• Not suitable for high-stakes big game fishing or heavy drag settings
• Can loosen under repeated light loads if not seated firmly during tying
• Less streamlined than the Perfection Loop, which may affect line flow through guides