FOUR-TURN WATER KNOT (SURGEON'S KNOT)

This knot is very simple to tie and is used to add tippets or short lengths of extra line to leaders. The knot also makes an excellent dropper.

To tie, simply lay the two pieces of line to be joined together so that the ends overlap by about 6".

Hold both pieces of line towards the ends and form a circle.

Then pass the line to be added and the tag end of the main line at either end of the main line through the circle four times and gently tighten by pulling on both strands of line at either end of the knot.

The knot will form a figure of eight and at this point damp the knot to prevent the line from being burned by friction as the knot is tightened fully.

Tighten the knot until it is firm and then trim off the tag ends close to the knot.

If you merely want to add a dropper to a leader. Repeat the above procedure using a length of line long enough to form your dropper.

When completed cut off the tag which is nearest the butt of the leader leaving the bottom tag as the dropper.

Useful Tip - With the dropper stroke it out so it ends up at right angles to the knot. You will get less tangles by doing this. You can also at this stage add a small drop of fishing glue to the knot and this will ensure that the dropper stands out from the leader.

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