How to Tie a Leader Line

Numerous different knots and attachments are available for leader-to-line connections. The type of knot chosen depends on the type of lines being connected. Leader material is typically constructed from monofilament or fluorocarbon, but the line may be braided, fly line, or a different diameter monofilament or fluorocarbon line. Tie a permanent butt section to the line and use the butt section for leader attachments. The butt section will last for a full season and creates a consistent surface for leader attachments.

Things You'll Need

  • Leader control material
  • Nail knot tool
  • Leader
  • UV knot coating
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut 1 foot of clear leader control from a spool.

    • 2

      Wrap one end the leader control around the tip of a nail knot tool eight times.

    • 3

      Pull the end of the leader control through the gap between the wraps without pulling the wraps off the tool.

    • 4

      Slide the end of the line through the gap, facing the opposite direction as the end of the leader control.

    • 5

      Hold the end of the line and pull on the end of the leader control to remove the wraps from the tool and tighten the knot on the line. This is a nail knot.

    • 6

      Clip the tag end of the line and the tag end of the leader control.

    • 7

      Tie the end of the leader to the end of the leader control with a second nail knot for a long-term connection.

    • 8

      If you change leaders on a regular basis, tie a perfection loop in the end of the leader control and the end of the leader for a temporary loop-to-loop connection.

    • 9

      Fold the end of the leader control to create a loop.

    • 10

      Grab the tag end and wrap it around the loop to form a second, smaller loop.

    • 11

      Pull the tag end between the two loops and pinch it between your fingers.

    • 12

      Reach through the large loop and grab the small loop.

    • 13

      Pull the small loop through the large loop to tighten the perfection loop knot.

    • 14

      Clip the tag end flush to the knot.

    • 15

      Stand in the shade and apply a drop of UV Knot Sense to each of the knots. Step into the sun to cure the liquid coating on the knots. The result is a smooth knot that does not hang in the guides.