Nail Knot

Difficulty: Hard
Strength: High

Best Used For

Fly FishingLine to LineLeader Connection

Used to join two lines of different diameters. Popular in fly fishing for attaching leader to fly line.

About the Nail Knot

The Nail Knot creates the smoothest possible connection between fly line and leader, making it essential for fly fishing. This knot produces a streamlined profile that flows through rod guides without catching, which is critical for long casts and smooth line retrieval. It's traditionally tied using a nail or tube as a guide, hence the name.

Best Line Types: Fly line to monofilament/fluorocarbon leader, backing to fly line

Knot Strength: Retains approximately 85% of the leader's strength

When to Use: Essential for fly fishing setups, connecting backing to fly line, and any situation requiring a smooth, streamlined connection.

Smooth Profile: Creates the most streamlined connection possible - flows through guides without catching or creating turbulence.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Tool Needed: Small nail, tube, or needle to guide the wraps

  1. Position nail and lines: Lay a small nail alongside the fly line, with about 6 inches of leader overlapping.
  2. Wrap leader around: Wrap the leader around both the fly line and nail 5-7 times, working back toward the tag end.
  3. Thread through nail: Pass the leader tag end through the space created by the nail.
  4. Remove nail carefully: Slowly pull out the nail while holding the wraps in place.
  5. Wet and tighten: Moisten the knot and pull both ends of the leader to tighten slowly.
  6. Trim excess: Cut the tag end close to the knot for a smooth profile.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

✓ Pro Tips

  • • Creates smoothest possible connection
  • • Essential for fly fishing performance
  • • Use a tube for easier threading
  • • Perfect for backing to fly line connections
  • • Flows through guides without catching

⚠ Common Mistakes

  • • Removing nail too quickly (wraps loosen)
  • • Not making enough wraps (5-7 needed)
  • • Not wetting before final tightening
  • • Using nail that's too thick
  • • Not trimming tag end close enough

Video Tutorial

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