How to Attach a Fly Line to a Leader

One aspect of fly fishing that tends to turn people away is knots. Knots are a necessary part of any type of angling and fly fishing is no different. When attaching backing to the reel, main line to backing, leader to main line, tippet to leader and fly to tippet, knots must not only be used but be used correctly. A knot can potentially be the weakest part of your fishing line set-up. It is necessary to understand how to correctly tie connecting knots to avoid losing fish.

Things You'll Need

  • Main fly line
  • Leader
  • Small diameter tube (2 to 3 inches long)
  • Sharp scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Begin forming the nail knot by overlapping the main line and leader for several inches. Place a small diameter tube between the lines so that the end of the tube is even with the end of the main line.

    • 2

      Wrap the free end of the leader around itself, the main line and the tube. Make five to six loops working toward the free end of the main line.

    • 3

      Insert the end of the leader into and completely through the small-diameter tube. Pull the leader past the end of the tube and knot and then pull the tube from the leader.

    • 4

      Moisten the knot with water and slowly pull the knot down neatly around the fly line. Work with the leader to keep the turns along side each other so they do not overlap.

    • 5

      Pull the knot down tight and trim excess from the free ends with sharp scissors.