Page 233 - Buck Tilton - Outward Bound Ropes, Knots, and Hitches 2 ed.

Thread the working end of the second rope
through the over-hand knot in the first rope, as

shown in the photograph.

One of the most common bends used by climbers, the
compact fisherman’s knot combines two overhand knots

that jam against each other when pressure is applied.
Simple to tie even with cold, wet hands, this knot has

earned its popularity—and it works well in the stiffest
cordage. It unties fairly easily, even after being weighted,
but it can bind up after being shock-loaded. The knot works

best in ropes of similar thickness and, therefore, does a fine
job of tying two ends of the same rope or cord together.

Since it works very well in lines of very small diameter,
such as fishing line, it is popular with anglers, so much so

that the knot bears their name. But fishermen called this
knot the water knot in the 1600s and 1700s, later referring

to it as the angler’s knot. It has also been called the English
knot, the Englishman’s knot, the waterman’s knot, and the
true lover’s knot.