How to Tie the Fly-Fishing Line to the Leader

Now that you have the fly line connected to your reel's backing, it's time to connect that line to your fly-fishing leader. If your leader doesn't have a loop in it already, you'll have to make one before using the "loop-to-loop" connection to join the two parts.

Things You'll Need

• Fly-fishing How-to Books
• Backing/fly-fishing
• Fly-fishing Leaders
• Fly-fishing Lines
• Fly-fishing Reels
• Fly-fishing Rods
• Fly-fishing Scissors
• Fly-fishing Tippets

Instructions

1. 

   Make a surgeon's loop in the end of your leader. To do this, form a loop in the end of the leader, which will double the line. Take that doubled line and make a simple overhand knot, wrapping the end around and back through itself (but keep from pulling it tight).

2. 

   Bring the loop end through the knot one more time and then tighten. Pull on the loop end with one hand and the standing end (the rest of the line, not used to tie a knot) with the other. Trim the loose end.

3. 

   Use the loop-to-loop connection now that you have loops at the ends of the leader and the fly line. To do this, first put the fly line loop through the larger end of the leader loop.

4. 

   Take the small end of the leader section and pass it through the fly line loop.

5. Tighten the connection by pulling the fly line and the leader in opposite directions with a constant and steady motion. The connection should resemble a square knot when you're done.

6. Clip the ends of your knot, leaving about 1/8 inch so that it won't slip. Trim close to the knot, but allow a little room for it to move when tightened.

7. Test the knot before fishing - if it slips, you can cut it off and try again without losing a part of your line.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice tying the knots with rope or clothesline. The larger-diameter string will be easier to work with while you get the hang of tying the knots.

• Tighten knots with one steady and continuous motion. You can also moisten the knot before pulling it tight to avoid deformed knots.