How to Attach a Leader to Your Fly Line

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Easily connect a leader with or without welded loops
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One of the most important parts of a fly fishing set-up is having a secure connection between your fly line and your leader. Most of the time, your fly line and leader will come factory-equipped with welded knots. In that case, the easiest way to connect them is with a simple loop-to-loop connection . But even if your leader doesn’t have a knot (or it’s come loose), there are several secure knots you can use.

How do you tie a fly line to a leader?

If your fly line and leader both have welded loops, create a loop-to-loop connection by pushing the fly line loop through the leader loop. Push the rest of the leader line through the loop in the fly line and pull it free, then seat the knot. If you don’t have a welded loop, create one using a perfection loop knot.

Section 1 of 4:

Creating a Loop-to-Loop Connection

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  1. Pinch both the fly line and leader so you have a firm grip on them. Then, thread the loop in the fly line through the loop in the leader. [1]
    • This should be relatively easy, as the fly line loop is typically smaller than the leader loop.
    • Don’t start with the leader through the fly line—you’ll create a cutting hitch that can wear down your fly line.
    • The loop on the leader will be at the thicker (or “butt”) end. The leader will then taper down to a thinner end—the tippet.
  2. Hold the loops of the fly line and leader with one hand. With the other hand, push a section of the leader through the loop in the fly line. Once there’s enough line on the other side of the loop, grab that section of the leader and pull it all the way through. [2]
    • Some people prefer to thread the thin, free end of the leader (the tippet) through the loop in the fly line, then pull it through from there. Others prefer starting closer to the thicker butt end of the leader. This is really just a matter of personal preference.
    • Be sure to pull the knot on your leader all the way free of the loop in the fly line.
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  3. Apply gentle pressure on both the fly line and the leader, pulling both sides firmly away from one another. The loop on the leader will interlock over the welded loop of the fly line to resemble a square knot. Give the two sides one final tug to ensure your new knot is secured snugly. You’re ready for your next fishing adventure! [3]
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Section 2 of 4:

Connecting a Fly Line Without a Loop

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  1. 1
    Use a perfection loop knot if you prefer a loop-to-loop connection. To make a perfection loop knot , make a loop by passing the free end of the leader in front of the rest of the line. Make a second loop from the running end of the string, right next to the first loop. Bring the free end of the string between the two loops, then pull the first loop through the second loop and pull the running end to tighten the knot. [4]
    • Try to make your first loop the size you want the finished loop to be. If you make the first loop too big, it may be difficult to pull the perfection loop through the guides on your rod. If it’s too small, it may be difficult to connect to the fly line.
    • Perfection knots can be a little tricky to get the hang of, but it’s a great way to create a secure loop if you like using a loop-to-loop connection, but your original welded loop has worn out.
  2. 2
    Try a nail knot if you don’t mind a permanent connection. To tie a nail knot without any special tools, wrap the leader around the fly line clockwise about 7 times. Bring the free end of the leader back up to where you started wrapping, leaving enough slack to easily grab with your fingers. Hold the free end of the leader snugly against the fly line, then wind the slack counterclockwise around the fly line 6–7 times. Pull both ends of the knot to remove any slack. [5]
    • This might be a little hard to visualize— this video explains it well.
    • If you have a nail knot tool, you can use that instead. Wrap the leader around the fly line and the tool about 6–7 times. Pass the free end of the fly line back through the hollow tube in the nail knot tool , then slide the tube off of the fly line and pull the line tight.
    • You won’t be able to easily remove this knot, but if you don’t change your fly line often or you need a quick connection while you’re out on the water, it can be a good option.
  3. 3
    Opt for an Albright knot if you need a stronger alternative. To tie an Albright knot , pass the end of your leader through the loop on your fly line. Coil the end of the leader around the fly line about 7 or 8 times, then slip the free end of the leader back through the loop on the fly line. Pull the fly line and leader in opposite directions to tighten the knot. [6]
    • Some people find nail knots don’t hold as securely, so they may prefer Albright knots. However, other people find that it’s hard to pass Albright knots through the guide on their rod.
    • Because the line is wrapped so many times, you may find that your leader gets a little shorter every time you tie an Albright knot.
    • The Albright knot is also a good option for attaching your backing line to your fly line .
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Section 3 of 4:

Unwrapping the Leader Without Tangling It

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  1. The leader line tends to get tangled when you remove it from the package. To prevent that, slide the leader out of the package, leaving it in its circular shape. Place it on the index, middle, and ring fingers of your non-dominant hand, spreading your fingers out to gently hold the leader in place. [7]
    • Uncoil the leader starting with the perfection loop. The loop will be on the thick end of the line. The leader is usually wrapped around itself several times—pass the loop around the coil of the leader to gently unravel it.
  2. Hold one end of the leader firmly between your fingers—it doesn’t matter which end. Pinch the line with the index finger and thumb of your other hand and firmly run your hand down the length of the leader. [8]
    • The warmth from your hand and the friction will help smooth out any remaining kinks or coils in your leader.
    • Running your fingers over the leader in this way also removes shine and makes the leader less obvious to the fish.
    • You can use a leader straightener rather than your fingers to remove kinks, if you prefer. Leader straighteners can be purchased at your local fishing store.
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Section 4 of 4:

FAQs

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  1. 1
    Do you tie a fly to a leader or a tippet? Most anglers prefer to tie their fly directly to the thin, tippet end of their leader. However, after the line breaks a few times, that leader will shorten, and the taper will gradually disappear. At that point, you can attach a tippet line to your leader. [9]
    • Tying a separate tippet to the thin tippet piece of the leader will create a weak line that may break when you’re fighting a fish.
  2. 2
    What is the 60 20 20 rule in fly fishing? The 60/20/20 ratio refers to how leaders are constructed. This typically means that 60% of the line will be the thickest butt section, 20% will be the middle section, and 20% makes up the thin tippet. [10]
    • If you buy a packaged leader, it should generally follow this ratio. You really only need to know this if you’re making your own leader by tying together lines of different thickness.
  3. 3
    What size and length leader should I use? In general, a 7.5 ft (2.3 m) leader is good for small areas with short casts, while a 9 ft (2.7 m) leader is good for larger streams. A 12 ft (3.7 m) or longer leader is best in shallow or clear water where the fish spook if they see the line. [11]
    • Choose a leader with a thick tippet (0x–3x) if your fly is size #8 or larger. [12]
    • Use a mid-weight tippet (4x–5x) for flies size #8–#20.
    • Use thinnest tippet (6x–7x) for flies size #22 or smaller.
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    When do I use a wet fly and when do I use a dry fly?
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    A dry fly is a topwater fly, so use that when there are lots of bugs hitting the water.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/ImQR7S57pR8?t=15
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/95oDmAbtZtE?t=20
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/95oDmAbtZtE?t=32
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/s4cMpOF40Hg?t=31
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/2rPpr5s-c-s?t=35
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CDIGsonCQxk?t=7&feature=share
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/fUhfqQDlZrQ?t=55
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/fUhfqQDlZrQ?t=121
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/DiHUK2B1qCE?t=475
      1. ↑ https://howtoflyfish.orvis.com/fly-tying-videos/techniques/763-building_a_tapered_leader
      2. ↑ https://news.orvis.com/fly-fishing/classic-pro-tip-how-long-should-your-leader-be
      3. ↑ https://howtoflyfish.orvis.com/how-to-articles/tippet-chart/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To tie a fly line to a leader, start by making loops with both lines and pinching the fly line in your non-dominant hand. Then, insert the fly line loop through the loop in the leader, and grip the leader loop in your non-dominant hand. Next, make a second loop in the leader with your dominant hand, and thread it through the welded loop in the fly line. Finish by pulling the loose end of the leader free before pulling on the leader and fly line to tighten the knot. For tips on how to unpack your leader, read on!

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