Put and Take Sverige
Tying a leader to the fly line
The join between fly line and leader is one of fly fishing’s most important connections, and it can be solved in two ways: a simple loop-to-loop or a slim needle knot. Which you choose depends on how often you want to change leader and how smooth you want the join to be. Here we go through both so you can pick the right one for your fishing.
Loop-to-loop — simple and quick
The most common and simplest way is loop-to-loop. The fly line has a loop at the end, often a ready welded one, and the leader has a loop as well. You pass the leader loop through the fly-line loop, then the other end of the leader through the leader loop, and tighten so the loops lock into each other. The gain is that you can change the whole leader quickly without tying again to the fly line, which is handy when you want to switch leaders during the day. Just make sure the loops lock straight against each other, not in a twisted “cow hitch”.
Needle knot — smooth and discreet
If you want a really smooth join that glides freely through the rod rings, you tie a needle knot instead. It goes straight into the core of the fly line, so the leader comes out of the line end itself and the join is almost invisible. You notice it especially when you play a fish close to you and the connection has to pass the tip ring without snagging. The drawback is that it is a bit more fiddly to tie and not as quick to change.
How you choose
If you fish varied water and want to change leader often, loop-to-loop is the practical choice, especially if the fly line already has a ready loop. If you want maximum performance and a join that never catches in the rings, spend a little extra time on a needle knot. Many have a needle knot to a short looped stump, and then join the leader loop-to-loop to that, which gives the best of both.
Build the rest of the leader
Once fly line and leader are joined you build the leader’s taper with blood knots, and you tie the fly at the end with a clinch knot. Together they cover the whole way from fly line to fly. An overview of every knot you need is under all fishing knots.
FAQ
How do I join leader and fly line?
Most common is loop-to-loop: the fly line has a loop (often ready-made) and the leader has a loop, and you thread them into each other for a quick, changeable join. If you want a smoother join you tie a needle knot instead.
What is the difference from a needle knot?
Loop-to-loop is the easiest and fastest to change, but it builds a small knot. A needle knot goes straight into the core of the fly line and becomes almost invisibly smooth, which is better when the join has to glide through the rings in close playing.
Do modern fly lines already have a loop?
Often yes. Many fly lines come with a ready, welded loop at the end, and then it is enough that you make a loop on the leader and join loop-to-loop. If the loop is missing you can tie a needle knot or add a sleeved loop.