How to Attach a Leader to a Flyline

Fly fishing involves the use of various lines that are assembled together in order to cast a fly. A backing line is first spooled onto the fly reel followed by the main fly line. A tapered leader is attached to the main line as a transition between the larger diameter fly line and often small flies. Specialized knots are use in fly fishing and one in particular is an effective means for connecting a leader to fly line.

Things You'll Need

  • Fly line
  • Leader
  • Small diameter tube
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hold a 2-inch long, small diameter tube next to the fly line. Position the tube so one end is 2 inches above the end of the main line. Use a plastic coffee stir straw as the tube.

    • 2

      Lay the large diameter end of a tapered fly line beside the tube and fly line. Pull the large diameter end, or working end, of the leader 12 inches above the tube. Hold all three lines in place securely with your fingers.

    • 3

      Double the working end of the leader back to form a small loop at the end of the tube. Move your fingers and hold the small loop, tube and main fly line in place.

    • 4

      Wrap the working end of the leader around itself, the tube and fly line five times.

    • 5

      Hold the wraps in place and feed the working end of the leader through the tube. Pull the working end from the opposite end of the tube.

    • 6

      Hold the wraps in place and pull the tube from under the wraps and from around the working end of the leader. Grip the working end of the leader with one hand and the main line and leader on the opposite end of the wraps with your other hand. Pull the lines in opposite directions to tighten the knot.

    • 7

      Trim the working end of the leader and the main fly line flush with the knot using a pair of scissors.