5 steps
Nail Knot
The nail knot. 6 wraps of the leader butt or backing around the fly line, then the tag goes back through the center of those wraps.
Use it for
The nail knot. 6 wraps of the leader butt or backing around the fly line, then the tag goes back through the center of those wraps.
This line
Backing to fly line can be braid. Use the higher wrap count so slick backing does not creep.
Avoid when
Pulling the nail out before the tag is through the wraps.
All steps visible
Nail Knot
Step 1
Lay the leader butt and a nail or tube beside the fly line.
Step 2
Wrap the leader 4 turns around the fly line, the leader, and the nail or tube.
Step 3
Finish 6 wraps.
Step 4
Pass the tag back through the nail or tube, through the center of the wraps.
Step 5
Remove the nail or tube, pull both ends, and trim.
The drawing follows this tying order. Pause, step, or scrub to stay with the words. The standing line runs to the reel. The tag is the short end you trim. Skin-hook means the point lies flat in the plastic, not out where grass can grab it.
Common mistakes
- Wraps that overlap instead of sitting side by side.
- The tag missing the tunnel, so the knot is a slip noose.