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Tying the Lightning Loop

  • Updated: August 21, 2007
Lightning Loop

Lightning Loop

Thirty years ago, SWS contributor Bob McNally needed a knot that would create an open loop in the end of the line to give better action to his plugs and large spoons — and he needed it in a hurry. He decided to modify a surgeon’s loop by using three wraps instead of the standard two. What resulted from this simple change? The McNally Loop, which McNally says is “very easy to tie and allows for plenty of lure movement.” To adjust the size of the loop, walk the wraps toward the lure or away along the standing doubled line before snugging it down. Pete Sucheski
Lightning Loop

Lightning Loop

Step 1
Feed the tag end of the leader through the eye of the lure, pulling enough through to result in a doubled section approximately 18 inches long. Pete Sucheski
Lightning Loop

Lightning Loop

Step 2
Form a large loop in the doubled line six inches ahead of the lure. Pass the lure through the loop three times. Pete Sucheski
Lightning Loop

Lightning Loop

Step 3
Wet the wraps and pull the lure and doubled line in opposite directions to snug the knot tight. Trim the tag end of the leader. Pete Sucheski
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