How to Tie a Fly Line to a Mono

Part of rigging a line for fly fishing is connecting the main fly line to a leader. The leader is commonly a monofilament length of line that tapers from the butt, or larger end, to a smaller diameter end. The butt end is connected to the fly line while the smaller end is connected to a tippet leader length. The tippet is typically a length of monofilament or fluorocarbon that is attached to the leader. The tippet will be of a similar diameter to that of the tapered end of the leader. Fishing flies are then tied to the tippet. Attaching the leader to the main line requires a nail knot, which you can master with some time and practice.

Things You'll Need

  • Small diameter tube, 2 to 3 inches long
  • Sharp scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the tube alongside the fly line to begin forming the nail knot. Line one end of the tube up with the free end of the fly line.

    • 2

      Overlap the butt end of the monofilament line with the fly line and tube by at least 6 inches.

    • 3

      Hold the fly line, tube and leader with your thumb and index finger about 2 inches from the free end of the fly line. Double the leader back over itself and begin wrapping it around the main line, tube and itself.

    • 4

      Form six or seven wraps around the two lines and the tube. Feed the end of the leader through and out the other end of the tube. Slide the tube down and off the monofilament leader while holding the knot securely in place.

    • 5

      Pull the knot down tightly around the fly line. Make any adjustments to the line as it is tightened to keep the wraps concentric. Pull tightly on the free and main lengths of the leader and trim excess from the knot as needed with a sharp pair of scissors.