How to Tie a Fly Tippet Line

Fly tippet refers to a small diameter length of fishing line, which is typically made of monofilament or fluorocarbon material. The tippet is tied to the leader which is attached to the main fly line. Attaching the fly tippet to the leader requires a knot which is strong, durable and able to withstand the stress of a fighting fish when hooked. Learning to properly tie knots is an important part of fly fishing.

Things You'll Need

  • Fly line leader
  • Fly line tippet
  • Fishing fly
  • Scissors or snips
Show More

Instructions

  1. Tying the Double Surgeons Knot

    • 1

      Attach the tippet to the leader using a Double Surgeons Knot. Place the leader and tippet side by side so that they overlap by 6 to 7inches. The tag ends of the line should be pointing in opposite directions.

    • 2

      Hold the main leader line and tippet tag, or free end, with one hand. Tie an overhand loop with the tippet main line and leader tag. It helps to leave the tippet coiled and pass the entire tippet through the overhand loop at once with the leader tag. Do not pull tight.

    • 3

      Move the hand holding the leader and tippet tag forward and also hold the newly formed loop. Feed the tippet and leader tag through the loop one more time. Moisten the loop and this time pull it down securely. Make sure to securely hold both free ends while pulling the knot down. Trim the excess with scissors.

    Tying the Blood Knot

    • 4

      Cross the ends of the leader and tippet so that there are 5 to 6 inches of tag, or free, end extending on each side.

    • 5

      Position the last two fingers of each hand on either side of the X where the lines cross. Use firm pressure to hold the lines in place while tying the knot. Twist the lines together one time to begin forming the knot.

    • 6

      Wrap the tag end of the leader around the tippet by forming three to four concentric loops. Use the thumb and fore finger to make the loops. Work the loops away from the X where the lines cross. Pull the tag end back toward the X and pass it through the loop formed below the first wrap.

    • 7

      Repeat the process by wrapping the tag end of the tippet around the leader. Make sure to only wrap the lines three to four times. The number of turns should be equal on both sides. This time feed the end through the loop so that the tag end of the tippet extends from the loop in the opposite direction.

    • 8

      Carefully pull the knot tight using only the main lines. Do not pull the tag ends. Make sure that the loops remain concentric and do not overlap. Trim the excess with scissors.