How to Tie Fly Lines Together

Fly-fishing involves the use of a specialized rod known as a fly rod with a fly reel. Fly line is wound onto the reel along with a leader and tippet. The fly line is typically of a greater diameter and made of different material than that of the leader. The material from which the tippet is made more closely matches the material of the leader. Connecting these line elements together requires specialized knots.

Things You'll Need

  • Fly line Fly leader Fly tippet
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use a nail knot to attach the leader to the fly line. Place a small tube along side the front loose end of the fly line. Lay the large diameter end of the leader along side the fly line.

    • 2

      Take the end of the leader and make six to seven wraps around the fly line back toward the length of the leader line. Feed the end of the leader material into the end of the tube and pull through.

    • 3

      Remove the tube and carefully pull the knot tight. Trim the long ends of the knot at both the fly line and leader end of the knot.

    • 4

      Attach the leader to the tippet by using a surgeon's knot. Begin by overlapping the ends of the leader and tippet by 4 to 5 inches.

    • 5

      Form a loop with the overlapped lines and hold securely with the thumb and forefinger. Wrap the tippet and overlapped leader in and out of the loop two to three times. Firmly hold both ends of the lines and slowly pull tight. Trim the short ends of the leader and tippet.