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How to Tie a Nail Knot
The nail knot connects a fly line to a leader in a slim, smooth join that passes through rod guides without catching — the standard connection used by fly fishermen worldwide.
How to Tie a Nail Knot Step by Step
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Written Instructions — Nail Knot
- Align fly line, tube and leader Hold the fly line end alongside a thin tube (drinking straw) and 10 inches of leader, all pointing the same direction.
- Wrap leader 6 times Wrap the leader back over both the fly line and tube 6 times, winding toward the fly line end.
- Thread through tube Insert the leader tag end into the tube and push through. Slide tube out — tag threads through all 6 wraps.
- Pull fly line to tighten Wet the knot, pull fly line to compress wraps tightly.
- Trim Trim the leader tag end completely flush with the knot.
Tips for Tying a Nail Knot
- A dedicated nail knot tool makes this much easier and more consistent than using a straw.
- Six wraps is standard — more wraps on finer leader, fewer on heavy mono.
- Trim the tag end completely flush — any tag will catch on rod guides.
- A well-tied nail knot will outlast many fly changes — inspect it when you feel resistance in the guides.
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