Advanced4 steps

How to Tie a Nail Knot

Best forAttaching fly line to leader (or backing) with a slim, smooth knot — traditionally tied over a nail or tube

Step 1 of 4

Line sketch, not a photo. Moisten line before you cinch. Practice before you trust it on the water.

Step 1.Lay a nail, needle, or hollow tube along the end of the fly line. Position the leader butt parallel beside it.

All steps

Real alternatives when this tie is not the right tool.

Albright Knot

Connecting thin braid or mono to a much heavier mono/fluoro leader or wire

5 steps →

Joining two mono or fluoro lines of similar diameter into a slim, strong splice

5 steps →

Joining braid to fluoro/mono leaders, or connecting two lines of similar or different diameters

4 steps →