How to Tie a Figure of Eight Loop Knot
Learning How to Tie a Figure of Eight Loop Knot is just one of the many knots a carp angler should learn to tie. It has many uses and is much stronger than the more straightforward Overhand Loop Knot.
How to Tie a Figure of Eight Loop Knot for Carp Fishing
Let’s get right into the easy 5-step process of tieing the Figure of Eight Loop Knot.
1. Double the Line Over
Take your chosen line and double it over on itself. This will form the loop section for the end.
3. Wrap the Line Around the Bottom of the Loop
Take the doubled-over end and wrap it once around the base of the loop you just made.
2. Make a Loop
Take the doubled-over line and wrap it around to make a simple loop.
4. Feed the Line Back Through the Loop
You’re almost done, now take the end and feed it back up through the loop.
5. Wet the Line at the Knot and Pull Tight
Simply wet the line and pull it tight with a knot puller and you’re left with a very strong knot that won’t slip under the weight of big carp.
When to Use the Figure of Eight Loop Knot?
The Figure of Eight Loop Knot can be used for many different purposes while carp fishing, the main situations I use it are as follows.
Attaching Rigs to Mainline
An essential knot for attaching your rigs to your mainline, I’ve used this knot for years and caught countless big fish without any failures.
Spomb or Spod Loop
Although a simple Overhand Loop knot can be used to change between spombs and marker leads quickly, the figure of eight loop knot will be much strong and less prone to slipping.
Attaching Tow Lines Directly
The Figure of Eight Loop Knot can easily attach two lines without any additional terminal tackle by simply looping the two together.
Loops on Hair Rigs
The figure of eight loop knot is a bit of overkill for use as the loop section on Hair Rigs when the overhand loop knot will be more than strong enough as no pressure is put on this part of the rig.
What Materials Are Required to Tie the Figure of Eight Loop Knot?
The Figure of Eight Loop Knot requires a few unique materials to be used optimally. Although it can be tied from various materials, it performs best when combined with the materials and tools below.
Braided Line
The figure of eight loop knot can be tied with any material you have handy but it will be stronger when tied with a specific braided hook link for carp fishing.
Braid or Line Cutters
Braid or Line Cutters are important to cut your line to the proper length as well as trim the tag end once finished.
Lighter
Although not absolutely necessary, a lighter can be used to blob the tag end once the knot is tightened and trimmed down.
Water
One often overlooked factor is using a bit of water or saliva to wet the figure of eight loop knot before tightening it down.
Knot Puller
A knot puller is integral for the figure of eight loop knot to perform efficiently and to prevent the knot from slipping.
Baiting Needle
Another tool that is not essential in tieing the figure of eight loop knot can be beneficial. A baiting needle can be used to thread line through the small loops.
How to Strengthen the Figure of Eight Loop Knot?
Although it is quite strong when tied with the steps above, there are a few simple tricks to strengthen the Figure of Eight Loop Knot further.
Blob the Tag End
Blobbing the tag end can be an efficient way to strengthen the figure of eight loop knot. When using braid, it isn’t as necessary to blob the tag end as when using other materials such as fluorocarbon or monofilament.
Use the Proper Line
Although it can be tied with any line, braid lines will increase the strength of eight loops knots.
Add an Extra Wrap
As it is, the Figure of Eight Loop knot is quite strong. In extreme situations when fishing for very big and powerful fish such as sturgeon or catfish, it can be strengthened by adding another pass through the loop.
Wet It
Don’t forget the simple trick of wetting the line with a bit of water or saliva before pulling it tight.
The Figure of Eight Loop Knot is one of the most used knots in Carp Fishing as it is strong enough to hold up to big fish, and the central knot anglers use to attach their rigs to their mainline via quick change swivels.
Check out our Carp Fishing Rig Resource for more Knot and Rig Tutorials.
