How to Tie a Dropper Loop Knot: The Quick & Easy Guide (Plus Troubleshooting!)

Want a fast, strong knot for bottom fishing? The Dropper Loop is your answer! It’s perfect for catching rockfish (and many other species) here in Southern California. It lets you attach hooks, baits, or lures directly above your weight. It’s a key part of the Dropper Loop Rig, and it’s much simpler than using a three-way swivel in a Paternoster Rig. This is considered a great fishing knot for bottom species.

Let’s learn how to tie it!

8 Easy Steps to Tie a Dropper Loop:

1. Make a Loop: Hold your fishing line with both hands. The distance between your hands will determine the size of the loop. The wider your hands are, the larger the loop will be.
2. Pinch and Form: Pinch the line with both hands and bring them together to create a loop.
3. Open the Loop: Use your middle fingers to keep the loop open. You should have two strands of line at the top and one strand at the bottom.
4. Twist: Use your index fingers and thumbs to twist the two top strands together at least five times. More twists (7-8) are even better for a stronger knot! Make sure your twists are tight coils.
5. Reach Through: Use one index finger and thumb to reach through the center (middle loop) of the twisted loop. Grab the single strand of line that’s opposite the twists (on the opposite directions).
6. Pull Through: Pull that single strand through the twisted loop. Pass line through. Hold the pulled-through loop with your teeth.
7. Tighten: Pull both ends of the main line tight with your hands. This cinches the knot down. Pull in opposite directions to ensure maximum strength of your knot.
8. Done! You’ve tied a Dropper Loop!

 

Dropper Loop Knot Tips:

• Best Line: Monofilament and fluorocarbon leaders work best. They are stiffer, which keeps the hook away from the main line.
• Moisten (or Not): While it’s usually good to wet knots before tightening (with saliva), it’s tricky with the Dropper Loop (since you use your teeth!). Many anglers don’t wet it and have no problems. If you do wet it, do so before step 7.

Dropper Loop Uses:

• Deep-Water Fishing: Perfect for fishing near the bottom. You can add multiple Dropper Loops to a single leader to present multiple baits or lures.
• Spearfishing Flashers: The loop is a great place to attach streamers to attract fish when spearfishing.
• Mainline or Leader: You can tie Dropper Loops on your mainline or your leader.
• Teaching Kids Perfect fishing knot to teach to kids.
• Different Rigs: This knot is essential for the “Dropper Loop Rig” and can be used in place of three-way swivels in other bottom fishing rigs.
• Jigging: You can use this to attach assist hooks to your favorite jig.

Dropper Loop Variations and Troubleshooting:

• Double Dropper Loop: For an even stronger connection (or to attach two hooks to one loop), you can tie a Double Dropper Loop. This involves making more twists (10-12) and carefully pulling two strands through the loop.
• Loop Not Standing Out? If your loop isn’t standing out perpendicular to the mainline, you might not have made enough twists, or your line might be too limp (like braid).
• Tangles: Tangles are more likely with braid. If you’re using braid, consider a different knot (see Alternatives below).

Using Braid with the Dropper Loop:

While the Dropper Loop can be tied with braid, it’s generally not recommended. Braid is less stiff than monofilament or fluorocarbon. The dropper knot might not stand out properly, increasing the chance of tangles.

Alternative Knots:

While the Dropper Loop is excellent, here are some other loop knots you might consider:

• Australian Plait
• Kreh Loop
• Surgeon’s Loop Knot
• Non-Slip Loop Knot

Dropper Loop Advantages:

Stands Out: When tied correctly, your dropper loop knots will stick out perpendicular to your main line and keep your hook from tangling while fishing.

Dropper Loop Disadvantages:

Not Ideal for Braid: The dropper loop knot is not great when used with a braid because the rigidity of the braid knots isn’t ideal for keeping your hook away from your line.

Frequently Asked Questions