How to Tie One of the Stronger Versions of the Dropper Loop

The Dropper Loop (also known as both a blood loop and a snood loop) is designed to stand off from the line at 90 degrees - and therein lies the problem.

No line likes a sharp bend like this - it will always create internal stresses resulting in an inherent weakness.

There are several versions of this knot, but the one described here is one of the strongest.

As an alternative you could use a 3-way swivel, attaching the lines with Uni-Knots.

Here's how to tie it ...

the first stage of tying the dropper loop, one of the specialised saltwater fishing knots for creating a stand-off loop Stage 1

First, form a simple loop like this, then take the top of the loop and ...

the second stage of tying the dropper loop, one of the specialised saltwater fishing knots for creating a stand-off loop Stage 2

Then, pass it through the gap shown so it looks like this. Now take the top of the loop formed and pass it through the square gap shown.

the third stage of tying the dropper loop, one of the specialised saltwater fishing knots for creating a stand-off loop Stage 3

You could repeat the process for added security, but for most practical purposes you've done enough. So ...

the fourth stage of tying the dropper loop, one of the specialised saltwater fishing knots for creating a stand-off loop Stage 4

Finally, lubricate with saliva and draw the knot up tight. Attach your hook link to it by cow-hitching the two loops together.

and finally ...

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Return from Dropper Loop to Saltwater Fishing Knots

Return from Dropper Loop to Go Saltwater Fishing