Drift Fishing
Lesson Notes
If there is one knot you must master for Steelhead drift fishing, it is the Egg Loop. This knot isn‘t just about attaching the hook to the line; it creates a mechanical loop on the hook shank that holds your bait securely.
Why the Egg Loop?
Versatility: This single knot works for roe, sand shrimp, yarn, and even “yarnies.”
Security: It cinches down on the bait, preventing it from flying off during a cast or sliding down the bend of the hook.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Thread the Eye: Run your leader through the eye of the hook from front to back.
Create the Loop: Take the other end of the leader and feed it back through the eye from back to front. You now have a large loop alongside the hook shank.
The First Wraps:
Pinch the loop and the shank tight with your left hand.
Take the trailing line (the one coming out the back) and wrap it around the shank and the loop 6 to 8 times, moving from the eye toward the bend.
Keep these wraps tight and side-by-side (no overlapping).
The Crossover (The Tricky Part):
Switch hands to pinch the wraps you just made.
Take the loop and cross it over the wraps you just finished.
Continue wrapping in the same direction toward the bend.
Finish the Knot:
Do about 5 or 6 more wraps after the crossover.
Pull the tag end (the leader end sticking out the eye) tight. This will suck the loop down and cinch the knot against the hook shank.
Trim the tag end, leaving enough space to open the loop later.
Using the Loop
To bait up, simply push the line back through the eye to open the loop on the shank.
Insert your bait (roe, yarn, etc.) into the loop.
Pull the leader tight to cinch the loop down, locking your bait firmly in place.