Tying a Perfection Loop

The perfection loop technique is used to tie a loop in the end of your leader. While the perfection loop is by no means the easiest loop knot to master, it is the best way to tie a very small loop or a loop that needs to be in perfect alignment with a standing leader. With some loops and knots there are multiple ways of completing the tying process. The perfection loop is one of these knots. While there are three or four different processes to tie the perfection loop, this is one of the most common and one of the easier methods of accomplishing this loop.

The first step in the creation of a perfection loop is the beginning of a “pretzel knot” as shown in pictures A & B below.

You now have the first loop of the perfection loop created. You will now form a second loop behind this first loop by passing your tag end through the first loop as shown in picture C below.

Take the tag end of the loop you just created and pull it through the top part of the first loop and then back down through the bottom as shown in pictures D & E below.

Now grab the tag in one hand and the front loop in the other and begin to tighten the knot as shown in pictures F & G below. Do not forget to wet your line when tightening the knot to avoid friction.

When you have completed the above steps, your perfection loop should look like the loop in picture H below.

While it may take practice and a bit of getting used to, once you master the perfection loop it will serve your fly fishing needs quite well.