A slip hook on a fishing line is one that has a specified range of movement on the line rather than being fixed in a single place. When fishing with a hook and live bait, the motion a slip hook allows can attract the attention of fish even when the water is murky. Two types of slip hooks are the surgeon's end loop and the in-line dropper.
Surgeon's End Loop
Step 1
Pull out 6 to 8 inches of line depending on how large you want the loop to be. Thread the open end of the line through the eye of the hook. Hold the hook at roughly the halfway point of the line and double the line back on itself.
Step 2
Pinch the open end of the line, also called the tag end, against the standing line with one hand and hold the hook shank in your other hand. Gently pull your fingers in opposite directions to make the line taut.
Step 3
Bring the hook back over the doubled line to create a loose loop. Pass the hook through the center of the loop to create a loose overhand knot, but do not tighten it.
Step 4
Wrap the hook through the loop once more. Wet the line with water and begin to pull on the hook to cinch the knot in place. With the hand that is holding the tag end in place, adjust the knot position as you tighten it so the loop is sized to your needs. Tighten the knot completely by pulling on both ends and then clip away the excess line on the tag end using scissors or nail clippers.
In-line Dropper
Step 1
Thread the open end of the line through the eye of the hook you will be using if you are tying directly to the dropper loop. When tying dropper loops, it is common to put multiple hooks on a single line, so leave enough space at the end of the line if you would like more loops farther up.
Step 2
Twist the line to form a loop. Ensure that the hook you have attached is contained within the loop. Pinch the loop at the point where the line intersects itself to hold it in place and keep the hook from slipping out.
Step 3
Hold the hook by the shank to keep it in place and wrap the entire loop around the standing line five times. Insert a finger at the center of the wrapped line to create an opening.
Step 4
Pull the hook through the opening in the center of the wrapped line to complete the loop. Wet the loop with water. Carefully hold the shank of the hook in your teeth and pull on both ends of the line to tighten the loop into place.
Tips and Warnings
- A large loop creates more hook movement but also decreases line sensitivity.
Things You'll Need
- Hook
- Scissors or nail clippers
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