How to Tie a Floating Line to a Leader Line

For most fly fishing a floating line is tied to the leader line. This setup provides a visual reference to the angler as the cast is swayed up and over and then pushed out over the water. The floating line, usually in bright colors, rests on the top of the water so the angler sees the location of the fly, line and current. It is essential to tie the floating line to the leader properly. Failure to use the right knot leads to snags in the tippet or metal guides on the fly fishing rod.

Things You'll Need

  • Fly fishing rod and reel
  • Leader line
  • Floating line
  • Fly
  • Clippers
  • Needle with eye hook
  • Head cement
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take the clippers and shave down the butt of a leader line. Thread the shaved butt through the eye of a needle.

    • 2

      Insert the needle into the end of the floating line and push it up into the line by 1/2 inch. Push it out the side of the line. Pull the needle out from the leader. Pull the leader to gain several inches through the floating line. set the needle next to the main line and wrap it into a nail knot.

    • 3

      Coat the wrapped knot and needle with head cement and let it dry. The result is a smooth needle-knot that does not get stuck at the tippet or rod guides. Tie your fly to the end of the line and begin your session.