How to Install Knotless Leader

Traditionally, the leader was attached to the fly line with a nail knot. This knot requires the use of a small nail -- hence, the name. The nail knot is difficult and cumbersome to tie under the best conditions. Tying a nail knot while wading a stream can be frustrating to the most patient and experienced anglers. Through the years, many different ways of attaching the leader to the fly line have been developed. The knotless leader system has risen as a favorite of many anglers. It provides a secure attachment and, with practice, is easy to use.

Things You'll Need

  • Fly line
  • Sewing needle
  • Needle vice.
  • Knotless tapered leader
  • Sandpaper
  • Waterproof instant glue
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Instructions

    • 1

      Trim the end of the fly line so it is even and neat.

    • 2

      Insert the needle point into the needle vice until the eye is about 3/4 of an inch out. Ensure that the eye is big enough to enable the end of the leader to fit through it.

    • 3

      Grasp the fly line with your thumb and index finger. Insert the needle into the end of the fly line until the end of the needle is about 1/2 inch into the line. Bend the line so the needle exits the line.

    • 4

      Thread the tippet end, the thin end of the leader, through the needle eye until about an inch sticks out.

    • 5

      Pull the needle vice until the tippet exits the fly line about an inch.

    • 6

      Grasp the leader tippet, and pull until about 2 inches of leader remains outside the fly line.

    • 7

      Rough up 2 inches of the leader where it exits the fly line with a small piece of fine-grit sandpaper. This will help the glue stick better.

    • 8

      Apply glue to the leader covering the roughed-up area. Quickly pull the leader with the glue on it back into the fly line.

    • 9

      Trim the leader tight to the hole where it enters the fly line, and add a small drop of glue to seal it. Rub and stretch this area to make sure the line is straight.

    • 10

      Test the connection by pulling hard after allowing the glue a couple of minutes to dry.