Figure 8 Dropper Tag Knot: Master it in 5 Minutes!

The Figure 8 Dropper Tag Knot is not only a great alternative to a triple surgeon's but also a stronger one. Using your hemostats makes this sometimes cumbersome knot a breeze.
When you can tie knots quicker and easier, it makes life on the stream better. You spend more time fishing and less time tying knots.
With this method, you'll master this knot in 5 minutes!
Tight lines,
Cory
Virtual One-on-One Sessions: www.olddominiontroutbum.com/c...
#figure8knot #fishingknot #flyfishing #anglersecrets #fishinghacks #fishingknots #anglertips

[@xam1289]

Thanks Cory, Anytime I can get my fingers out of the process is a good thing!

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Haha. Right on! Appreciate you watching!

[@garymadison7049]

Great tip. I sometimes struggle with this knot when tying by hand. The hemo method is much easier.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Glad it is helpful, Gary. Appreciate you watching.

[@cos_marc]

Like always, high quality tips. Thanks Cory!

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Thanks so much, Marc! Tight lines to you!

[@brettrouse3207]

Cory thanks for simplifying this not. Been using it since I watched Devin’s video. The hemo’s really helped me out. Tight lines brother.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Glad it helps, Brett! It’s a good one. Tight lines to you, as well. Cheers to a great Spring!

[@SCYCOFISHINGHUNTING]

Huge thank you Cory! I was never able to do a triple surgeons, so I never used a tag. I always just did the eye to eye method, but that doesn’t allow the top nymph to swing free. This video was super easy to follow, unlike most knot videos

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Glad it is helpful, SCYCO! If you let that tag nymph swing free, it’s going to up your catch rate on it for sure. Thanks for watching and tight lines to you!

[@outdoorswithjustin]

been using the figure 8 knot since i was a kid, grandpa made sure we all knew how to tie knots. the figure 8 and the trilene knot are the best for fishing and strongest.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Your Grandpa taught you well. Appreciate you watching.

[@richardjones2129]

I've been using that knot but didn't like trying to tie it riverside when it's cold. That means I didn't change knots often enough. Thank you for the hemostats tip. That makes tying knot n fly changes easier to do riverside. I'm definitely going to master this style and I'll pass it on! My arthritic hands dictate a lot of what I can do in the cold. Thank you for this great tip! God Bless n Fish on!

[@bstrickler1]

Started tying this knot on a contact nymphing rig with dropper and point flies. This is a superior knot, it does not fail. I am also losing about 75% less dropper nymphs. I purchased a Dr. Slick 4” forceps to tie the knot with while on the water. Thanks again OVTB for another very useful bit of information

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Awesome to hear, Bryan! Glad it is working for you. Thanks for letting me know and tight lines to you!

[@Littlewildtrout]

Great video! This for my tags and 16/20 for my flies, all tied with hemos. So quick and easy, even in tough conditions. You never want to hesitate changing flies or adding tags because of poor knot tying.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Thank you, LWT! And right on....can't beat a good pair of hemos! Tight lines to you.

[@mikemastropietro9482]

Thanks that was great!

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Glad it was helpful, Mike!

[@matzefinesse]

This is brilliant 🤝

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Appreciate it! Tight lines to you.

[@blueridgeflyguy9551]

Cory, that is brilliant!

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Appreciate it, Mike!

[@jerryg957]

Nice demo, thanks

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Thanks, Jerry. Appreciate you watching.

[@phallberg2650]

Very nice!

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Appreciate it!

[@kingfisher6802]

Pretty clutch! Thanks

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Thanks so much, KF! Tight lines to you.

[@caihlen]

Strong work.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Thank you, Ken!

[@jp410]

The topography of this knot is the same as the Orvis Tippet Knot. It's not the same as a figure 8. Before cinching this one tight, you can twist one side half a turn and the apparent "figure 8" element opens to reveal the knot's true shape. Try it, you'll see. What you end up with is something that is similar, but different from a figure 8. To make matters worse, there are two versions of the Orvis Tippet Knot out there -- even Orvis doesn't seem to know the difference as it features both methods without any acknowledgement that the two versions are different knots. In the later version, the knot actually does take a figure 8 shape that can't be untwisted. Yet it is still distinct from a proper figure 8 knot. I've argued this with several people to no end. But I've done lots of side-by-side tying with different color monos, comparing the different versions. I'm not a youtube person, so I can't really do a video on it, but there's no doubt about them being different. The figure 8, the original Orvis Tippet, and the second version of the Orvis Tippet are 3 distinct knots. I also did some pretty extensive testing of the comparative breaking strength of each -- I tested every tag of each knot versus each of its other tags, and against every tag of each of the other two versions. The test involved some complicated tying involving 3 sections of tippet where, after the knot, one of the tags leads into a second knot, allowing a head-to-head of which knot (and which tag connection) is strongest, and observation of where the knot breaks. The strongest knot, and the best combination of tags to use for the point and the dropper, is the one you show here. Believe me, I spent countless hours doing this silly research, because it bothered me so much that people (even Orvis, and some influential tightline blog/podcast folks) were talking apples and oranges as if they were the same. I still have the paper on my wall where I taped up the uncinched knots, labeled them, and notated which were the stronger and weaker tabs. OK -- last thing, a bonus fact to add to the confusion. There is a non-hemostat method for the Orvis Tippet Knot, which actually is the original and most widespread version of the knot. It's the same as what you show, except in mirror image. In other words, what you show as the dropper actually becomes the main line, and vice versa, when compared to the hand-tied version. The knot is not a symmetrical one, unlike a double-surgeon's knot, hence this possibility. But the difference in them is that with the hand tied version the break is much more likely to occur just above the knot, leading you to lose two flies instead of one. Long comment.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Appreciate your hard work, JP. You did a lot!! Thanks so much for watching and commenting. Tight lines to you.

[@Tjk186]

Thanks for sharing this stronger dropper tag knot with us Cory...like the way the dropper tag hangs away from the main line compared to the triple surgeon's knot...take care,all the best

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Glad it is helpful, TK! It meets all my qualifications…strong, quick, and easy! Tight lines, my friend.

[@keithelliot3772]

Used the Grinner for years, I now use the Fig 8 knot, I find it is quicker and easier and also beds in better than the Surgeons. Tight lines. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Right on, Keith! Appreciate you watching and tight lines!

[@jonhart-dj7fn]

cool tips as always, especially when the fingers are cold the forceps help alot! going to practice this and thank you Cory also the tag end specifics !

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Thank you, Jon. They will definitely help when your fingers won’t work like you want them to. Appreciate you watching!

[@camosurfer1]

Thanks Cory, love it! DVB

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Glad it helps, David!

[@dalesheehan9404]

Hey Cory! You sure made that look easy. I’ll have to give it a shot. My go to has always been a double surgeons.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Thank you, Dale! I was a surgeon’s guy forever, but this is my go-to now. Continued success this spring to you. Tight lines to you!

[@leighs522]

King of the hacks! I've been doing this since Devin showed his video. One challenge I've found is trying to do this with a doubled over segment to mimic your hack of creating a tag and point fly from a single piece of tippet. You showed this a few years back using a triple surgeons knot. I find it sometimes works with the figure of eight knot,but sometimes the tippet cuts into itself and the knot breaks. Have you tried this? Also, Devin showed a hack for the 16-20 knot sometime back, and says he can tie this leaving only a few mm of tippet wasted. However, he achieves this using a callous on his finger, something I'm not prepared to do! Your 16-20 trick with hemostats is great, but does waste some tippet, which doesn't matter when attaching tippet to a tippet ring, but doesn't fly when trying to attach a dropper fly to 3 inches of dropper tag. Your hacking genius is needed to solve this dilemma. Til then it's the Davy knot for me.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Haha! Amazing what some hemos can do for you, Leighs. I haven't tried the Figure 8 as I have with the surgeons, just because this is pretty darn quick and you can tie it perfectly every time. With some practice, you can get that 16-20 tag shorter, but you are correct, unless I am jigging streamers, I pretty much am all Davy knot (which is an awesome knot). I'm not for purposely sticking hooks in my fingers! The 16-20 is what I use for sighter and tippet to tippet ring. Appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@PeachyFlyFishing]

Thanks Cory, I've experimented with this after Devin's video too. One of the best things about this knot I think is the ability to go from a single fly rig to a double without having to cut the fly off. Because you only need to pull the fly through the loop once instead of 3 times like a triple surgeon, it makes it super easy. :)

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Great idea, Steve. Love any little trick that saves time! Appreciate you watching and commenting. Tight lines, mate!

[@alastairirving7483]

ny thanks, I've always used the figure of eight knot as its very tidy and strong, but never using haemostats.👋

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

It’s a good one! Appreciate you watching!

[@stringtwister7654]

I'll definitely try this. Thanks for sharing! If you get a chance, please go fishing or make another fly tying video. Your jack Daniel's is now My top nymph. I have it in a few different sizes. It flat out catches more trout than anything in my box. It should be in every fly tying book, for me it's better than a pheasant tail. Thanks for all that you do! Nate

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Thank you, Nate! Appreciate you sharing your experience with the Jack Daniel’s. Love to hear it! It is one of my top flies for sure. I’m have some fishing videos coming out soon. Stayed tuned!

[@denniskatayama]

I learned this knot years ago as the Orvis knot.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

It goes by that as well. Pretty sure this is a nautical knot from long ago and fishermen (and climbers) adopted it.

[@maryellenbilenki6038]

Cory, tried it this winter. Hemostats will help old fingers. Otherwise a plus. Tony

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Hemos are amazing aid, Tony! Tight lines to you. Hope your Spring is a great one.

[@mikemastropietro9482]

All your videos are so helpful I’d love to spend a day on the stream with you !!! Do you guide?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Thank you, Mike! At this time, I’m not guiding, but sometime in the future I will be.

[@Tjk186]

@@OldDominionTroutBum Looking forward to that day !

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Thanks, TK!

[@MrJTime]

Thanks for clearly explaining this great knot. I would encourage people to at least try it with their fingers first. If it works for you, it’s faster than using a tool.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Appreciate it, Mr. J. I am definitely a big believer in whatever works for you that's what you go with. Thanks so much for watching and tight lines.

[@ERiKOstrander]

This is a Seaguar knot. One of the fastest, easiest knots for attaching line to line.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Right on-Appreciate you watching.

[@GrooveColo]

thanks for the multi-view aspect of the vid! super helpful! what's your school of though on dry dropper in this config? dry on your tag followed by a heavier nymph on the longer section? how about double nymph? heavier on the longer bottom section? thx again!

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

I do this all of the time. I always fish my dry off the tag in a dry-dropper setup. And on a double nymph, the heavier fly is on the bottom. Appreciate you watching. Tight lines!

[@danhall7568]

Thanks Cory for continuing with your informative videos! They are much appreciated! Last year I had great success straightening my dropper line if it starts to wind around the main tippet. I'm curious, what knot do you use above this "figure 8 stop knot" once the initial tag gets too short? I use double davy sometimes improved clinch and haven't determined any winners yet....

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Happy they are helpful, Dan! I use a 5 turn Uni knot when the tag gets too short. I use the tag going to the water for the dropper. Appreciate you watching and tight lines!

[@danhall7568]

@@OldDominionTroutBum Thank you Cory. I'll give that knot a try.

[@holyworrier]

I've been using a trick you taught me... Tying a tiny perfection loop on a short bit of tippet and affixing it to the leader so it slides up and down. For me, it's a great help not to have to tie tag knots with 7X on the stream. This DOES look like a very stout knot, how-so-ever.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Glad you like the tiny loop, Larry. This is a super easy, strong knot. I think you’ll like this one as well. Thanks for watching!

[@davidcarr1325]

I prefer using a tippet ring,once it's too short,just replace ,just as easy cory 👌🎣

[@richardgarbarino6736]

I get the ease of replacing the tag when it gets too short but now you are dealing with 3 separate knots on the tippet ring, main line, tag and bottom fly.

[@davidcarr1325]

I've never had a problem,each to there own,takes seconds ,even on the water😊

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

David, I don't like another hinge point and the added weight (albeit light). It can create some more sag, especially when going light. But as you said, to each is own. If it works for you and you are happy, that's all that matters.

[@davidcarr1325]

@@OldDominionTroutBum so the tippet ring I use doesn't register on scales,it's that small and light but when you change the dropper on the figure 8 knot,I assume that you are adding another figure 8 knot next to your original knot,unless you are renewing point fly length as well at same time,you will end up with a clump of knots which would cause sag also if I'm not mistaking?,if not,then you are renewing both lengths which is slightly more work,if you catch my drift(no pun intended)👍

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

@davidcarr1325 I don’t add another knot. I’ll re-tie. Knots are always the weakest point in your rig. I like one knot as opposed to 3 knots. And it is another hinge point that I don’t prefer. But as long as it works for you-that’s all that matters.

[@pike9443]

That is a great knot! Does this also work with braided line to mono or fluoro?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

I can’t tell you that for certain, as I haven’t tried it. I’ve always like a uni knot for that. Double over your braid, then do a uni.

[@taylorutah]

Another great video and a new knot to try! Where can i get the neck lanyard you are wearing with the hemostats?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Thanks, Taylor! The Lanyard is from Simms. I love it, because how you can adjust the length. Appreciate you watching!

[@justaguy111]

With 3 turns, this is the Seaguar/Lefty Kreh knot used by saltwater anglers to connect fluorocarbon to a running line.

[@Wendygaechter]

This is what I use. Although I use my fingers so I have to be sure the loop is big enough! 😊

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Yes it is-if Lefty is using it in Salt, it tells you how strong it is.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Wendy, now you can do it with gloves on!

[@Rob-Erto]

Hey Cory, is this knot stronger than your other dropper knot video? Looks easier and less complicated.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Rob,this is stronger. And this is easier as well. Win-win! Tight lines to you and thanks for watching.

[@holyworrier]

In several of the cobbled sandstone shoals in the Little Red River, a growth that I believe to be didymo has taken over, almost, re: the native stringy green algae. Do you have any experience with this diatom-gone-berzerk? Photographed it, perhaps?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

The Didymo is problematic for sure. Thats all I have ever seen. The Little Red is a gem, btw.

[@michaeladornetto9066]

Cory, Thanks for the videos. Very helpful. Whar line to you use? I am trying to replicate your setup. Airflo Euro? You mentioned "braided", but I can only find Airflo Euro Nymphing line. Many thanks.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Glad it is helpful, Michael. I use the Airflo braided nymphing line. .60mm with an orange tip. I like to cut the orange tip off and whip finish a small loop at the end, then 16-20 my leader to it.

[@theLEFTY15]

What hemostats are those? They look solid and quality ones. I’ve had bad luck with the ones I’ve bought.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

The hemos are from Orvis (probably 15 years old). Not sure they make them anymore, but you can find them from other companies. They are micro forceps with scissors. Smooth jaws (no grooves). Hope this helps. Thanks for watching.

[@JohnLauber]

I use this knot and this method as well, but I was told by someone to keep the top tag and lose the bottom piece. Not 100% convinced either tag is stronger, but I do like the top tag as it helps keep the fly away from the main line, or so it seems.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

John-using the top tag puts stress on the knot when you hook a fish. Eventually, it will weaken. You really don’t have to be concerned keeping your tag sticking out, if you keep the tag at 3-4 inches, it won’t tangle. It’s the weight of the fly that keeps it separated from your line. Appreciate you watching and tight lines to you.

[@tomt5176]

Excellent! What else can you say? Thank you.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Appreciate it, Tom! Thanks for watching.

[@williamlee2335]

Great video, do you plan on making a hat with the new patch available for sale?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Thank you. William. The hats are coming soon!

[@williamlee2335]

@@OldDominionTroutBum Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience with us. I take you out to the river with me in my head when I fish. I have a fat head, I hope you will consider making a XXL available. I have found the flex fit product line to offer a wide variety of colors and sizes. 🎣

[@paulsilverman6794]

If this knot is stronger for a dropper is it also a good method for adding tippet?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Paul, this is a super strong knot. You can use it for adding tippet as well. Tight lines to you.

[@PJCatch]

Wondering if you can/should use the tag pointing up to right instead so comes off at more of a right angle?

[@duckmanco04]

Wondering the same, especially when the troutbitten crew shows and recommends using the upward tag for its “less likely” to tangle properties.

[@jtahoe5672]

Another way to approach the issues here is to create a dropper knot (you can use Cory's example), then when it's cut down, you go to a "slip knot" above which can be any number of knots. This allows the new dropper tippet to position at 90 degrees to the main tippet line. George Daniels describes it in detail here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2ekkJR6a9B7mKs

[@leighs522]

The upward tag cuts into the knot and has significantly less strength. Not recommended.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

I don't like using the top tag, because as Leighs says, it can cut into the knot and weaken it. You don't have to worry about your tag sticking out at 90 degrees. Keep it 4 inches or less and you will always be fine. I have never had a problem. As Jtahoe says, you can always do a one turn overhead knot under the knot and it will stick out more-but once again, I don't think it is necessary.

[@brooktroutangler5917]

do you have the specifics on how much better/stronger etc. the 8 is vs triple surgeons?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

I can’t tell you how much stronger it is other than I have all the confidence in the world in it. There have been tests and it always wins out. Also, it is pretty darn quick and easy.

[@David-gld]

I've watched twenty or so videos on the figure 8 knot. Everyone else uses only one and a half turns instead of two and a half. It cinches down much neater with one and half turn. Have you tested the strength between the two?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

David, most videos show the knot with paracord or larger diameter mono. But when using thin tippet for trout fishing, doubling it makes it considerably stronger. Single is great on approximately .011in dia or greater, anything less, you'll want 2 turns. Hope this helps.

[@charlesgilbert8691]

Just wondering the strength of the figure 8 knot Cory? Could it be used to tie a fluorocarbon leader like an FG knot?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Charles, I can't tell you the strength, other than it is stronger than the double or triple surgeon's. This certainly can be used for tying leaders, just like a blood knot or a surgeon's.

[@docfishingsrq]

I have seen some people add a half hitch to the bottom portion to help the dropper tag stick out a little bit more. Do you do that as well?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

I don’t, Doc. You can do it, but it really isn’t necessary if you keep that tag between 3-4 inches. When you keep it there-you really have no problems. Every person I speak with that had problems, ultimately I find out that their tag is too long. Appreciate you watching.

[@docfishingsrq]

Thanks! Love the channel! I have been Euronymphing for only 2 years and I have learned a lot from your content.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

@@docfishingsrq Good to hear! Glad it helps and good luck to you!

[@petemalelis3037]

I've watched you switch flys in seconds , which knot do you use on your flys

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Pete, I use a single Davy knot. Super simple and strong.

[@petemalelis3037]

@@OldDominionTroutBum damn , I just learned it...mind blown 🤯

[@mdishner]

Okay, this may be a silly question: I like your short hemostats with scissors. Who makes them??

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Not silly at all. These are old Orvis hemos (at least 15 years old). Not sure they make them anymore. But they are considered "micro" scissor forceps with smooth jaws (not grooved). I believe Loon makes some and I'm sure some others do as well.

[@mdishner]

@@OldDominionTroutBum thanks so much for your quality content and for getting back to me so quickly!!

[@mikestrate1468]

Does this replace surgeons knot when adding tippet?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Yes, Mike. The surgeons is still a good one, but this tests stronger.

[@timapple6586]

The Figure 8 is the exact same thing as a Double Surgeon's Knot; the difference is only how most people tie it. I don't like this for a dropper because both terminal ends are parallel. There are good t-knots that are just as simple. They form a loop to the side, then you just cut one leg off it to make a 'boom'. I use an Alpine Butterfly, but so far I've only used it on small trout. Maybe you lose a tiny bit of sensitivity, but that's preferable to lining the fish or tangling your cast, IMO.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Tim, this video was to show people how easy it is to tie this particular knot. You shouldn’t worry about the dropper hanging straight down. Like I said, if it is 3-4 inches, you have zero problems.

[@BACON850]

What do you think of using the tag pointing up instead as the dropper?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

You don’t want your tag pulling against your knot-it will weaken it. Appreciate you watching.

[@andyyun1162]

I’ve used this all this time thinking I was doing a hemostat version of a double surgeons knot.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Haha. All that matters is it was working, Andy! Appreciate you watching.

[@anton_gavrilov]

I combine figure 8 knot with your approach from another video when you don't cut a separate piece of tippet for a dropper tag. I don't use forceps.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Excellent, Anton! Whatever approach works and makes it easy for you is the best way to go. Thanks for sharing. Tight line to you!

[@mattritch56]

I use the upper tag - heard that’s the stronger of the two… never tested it. Any truth to that?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Matt, it’s going to out too much stress on the knot, because it’s pulling down on it. Smaller fish is OK, but I don’t trust it with a larger ones. Hope this helps.

[@markschafer2843]

An additional over hand knot will make it stick out from the main line

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Yes it will, Mark-but I don’t find it necessary if you keep it 3-4 in.. Thanks for watching.

[@markschafer2843]

@@OldDominionTroutBum I'll have to try without it just force of habit, the forceps knots are probably the reason I can still fish light tippet.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

@@markschafer2843 forceps are a huge aid for sure. Tight lines to you.

[@CHI-ts2dk]

Use the top end, and it will never twist around the leader!

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

It never twists this way. The only reason it twists is for one reason-the tag is too long.

[@terrypikaart4394]

Seems to me its just a double square, i tie that all the time for drop shot.

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Appreciate you watching.

[@jrcll7856]

isn`t that sorta like a ORVIS knot..... i don`t like how the tag lays against the line.... needs to come out at a 90deg to help prevent tangles

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

This knot has been around since Nautical times. Fishermen and Climbers adopted it. Orvis just re-named it. Like I said in the video-tangles happen if it is too long regardless if it sticks out at 90 degrees. It doesn’t tangle if you keep it 3-4 inches. When it is in the water, both lines separate because of the weight of your flies. Thanks for watching.

[@jrcll7856]

@@OldDominionTroutBum ....also just do an over hand knot with the tag and it will stand away from the main line

[@MrTomomahony]

great jod

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Appreciate it, Tomo!

[@IOSARBX]

Old Dominion Trout Bum, You're awesome! Let's be friends, okay?

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

Haha! Appreciate it!