Non-Slip Loop Knot (Kreh Loop)

By Cal Brannock · house pen name of the Dockrig editors · who writes here · Updated Oct 11, 2026

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The non-slip loop ties a fixed loop at the lure eye. The lure swings free inside the loop instead of being clamped by a knot.

Turns depend on line test: 7 for 6 lb and lighter, 5 for 8 to 12 lb, 4 for 15 to 40 lb. That's Lefty Kreh's table. Braid gets 6.

Turns by line test

These are Kreh's numbers for mono. He gives 6 turns for braid and 1 for coated wire. The idea is simple. Thin line needs more wraps for grip. Thick line needs fewer, or the knot won't close.

Too few turns and the knot may slip. Too many and it won't draw down neatly. Stick to the table.

Kreh's table doesn't give a fluoro row. For fluoro, we follow the mono row for the same lb test.

The 5 steps

Loop size is set in step 1. Slide the overhand closer to the end of the line before step 2 for a smaller loop. On 8 lb line, a loop of 1/8 to 1/4 in. is plenty.

Step 2 is where most knots go wrong. If the tag goes back through the wrong side of the overhand, the knot won't lock. Check it before you wrap.

In step 5, pull all 3 parts. Kreh made a point of it. If you only pull the standing line, the wraps can close unevenly.

Why a loop knot at all?

A clinch or Palomar grips the eye tight. The lure moves with the line. A loop lets the lure rock and swing on its own.

That matters most with lures that rely on loose action.

• Jerkbaits and twitch baits: 6 to 12 lb line, loop at the split ring or eye. A suspending Yo-Zuri 3DB jerkbait is a typical example.
• Topwater walking baits: more side-to-side on each twitch.
• Jigs and streamers: the jig or fly falls and swims more freely.
• Small crankbaits with no split ring: the loop stands in for 1.

Some anglers tie loops on everything. Others use them only for jerkbaits. We'd say try it where lure action is the point.

Hooks and flies under about #12 are a poor fit, per Kreh. The loop is too big next to a tiny eye.

Many jerkbaits and small cranks come with a split ring on the nose. You can tie the loop to the ring, or take the ring off and tie to the eye.

Split ring pliers open the ring without a bent fingernail. They also give you a grip on the lure for the final pull.

Line type differences

Fluoro is stiffer than mono at the same test, so the overhand and wraps take more care to close neatly without kinks. Wet it, pull slowly, then give it a hard final pull.

Braid is the opposite. It's thin and soft, so it closes easily. The risk is slip. Kreh's 6 turns cover that. Trim the tag a bit longer than on mono.

On a braid main line with a fluoro leader, tie the loop in the leader. That's the usual case on bass water. Use the fluoro row.

Non-slip loop vs Rapala knot

The 2 knots start the same way. The Rapala knot adds a final pass through the loop it makes. Both leave a fixed loop at the eye.

Rapala promotes the knot for its own lures. Either works for a free-swinging lure. We'd pick 1 and learn it well.

Where it fits on the water

• Suspending jerkbait on clear lakes in early spring: 8 to 10 lb fluoro, turns from the mono row. The pause is when fish hit, and the loop lets the bait sit and wobble a little on slack line.
• Walking topwater over 2 to 6 ft flats: 12 to 15 lb mono, 5 or 4 turns. Mono floats, which helps the bait walk.
• Marabou or hair jig for crappie, 1/32 to 1/16 oz: 4 to 6 lb mono, 7 turns. The tiny jig falls more naturally on a loop.
• Streamer on a 0X to 3X tippet for trout or bass: use the tippet's lb test from the spool and match the row.
• Swimbait on a braid main line: tie the loop in a 15 to 20 lb fluoro leader, turns from the mono row.

Common mistakes

1. Wrong side in step 2. The tag must re-enter the overhand on the same side it came out. Otherwise the knot pulls apart.
2. Too few turns on light line. 4 turns on 6 lb is under Kreh's 7. Count them.
3. Overhand pulled tight too early. Then the loop is huge or the tag won't pass. Keep it loose until step 5.
4. Pulling only the standing line. Pull lure, standing line and tag together first.
5. Loop too big on a small lure. Slide the overhand down before you pass the eye.

Checking the knot

• Loop size: about the same each time. On 8 lb, 1/8 to 1/4 in.
• Wraps: the count from the table, closed neatly.
• Tag: trimmed, about 1/16 in. on mono, a little more on braid.
• Pull test: hold the lure with pliers, pull the line for 2 or 3 seconds.

If the loop shrinks under the pull test, the knot slipped. Retie with the full turn count.

When to skip the non-slip loop

• Small hooks and flies under #12. The loop is too big.
• Drop shots and snelled hooks. You want the hook held at a fixed angle. Use a Palomar or a snell.
• Line to reel. That's the arbor knot.
• Loops in the middle of the line. That's a dropper loop.

Next knots

• Fishing knots by connectionevery knot on Dockrig by job
• Dropper loopa loop in the middle of the line
• Arbor knotline to reel spool
• Snell knotline to hook shank, fixed angle
• Knot tying toolsclippers and pliers for the trim and pull test

Sources: Lefty Kreh, "Lefty's Fishing Knots 101," Fly Fisherman, for turns by line test and the small-fly note. Method on our methodology page.. Animated Knots, Non-Slip Mono Knot and Rapala Knot, for turn counts.