Fly fishing is different from other forms of fishing in both its tackle and its line. Rigging a basic fly line requires lines that become successively lighter tied with five separate knots. First, an arbor knot ties the heavier gauge backing line to the reel. The backing line ties to the lighter fly line with an Albright knot. The fly line ties to the leader with a nail knot. The leader is joined to the lightest tippet using a double surgeon's knot. The tippet then, finally, ties to a lightweight lure, called a fly, with an improved clinch knot.
Arbor Knot
Step 1
Form a loop in the end of the backing line and thread the end of the line through the loop to form a loose overhand knot. Do not tighten the knot.
Step 2
Loop the backing line around the spool of the fly reel.
Step 3
Thread the end of the line through the overhand knot. Tie another overhand knot in the end of the line and tighten it.
Step 4
Tighten the first overhand knot and pull the line so the slip knot snugs up around the reel spool.
Albright Knot
Step 1
Form a bend in the backing line and insert the end of the fly line through the bend.
Step 2
Start wrapping the end of the fly line around the bend in the backing line, working back toward the bend. Make around 10 wraps.
Step 3
Thread the end of the fly line back through the bend. Pull both lines to tighten the knot. Trim the lines close to the knot.
Nail Knot
Step 1
Place a small nail along the side of the fly line at its end. Place the end of the leader line along the fly line and away from its end.
Step 2
Wrap the end of the leader line five times around the fly line, the leader and the nail, working toward the end of the fly line. Ensure that the wraps are not overlapping each other.
Step 3
Thread the end of the leader back through the wraps in the space next to the nail. Carefully remove the nail, ensuring the wraps remain in place.
Step 4
Pull the end of the leader first. Then pull the rest of the leader to finish tightening the knot. Trim the end of the leader near the knot.
Double Surgeon's Knot
Step 1
Place about four inches of the leader along four inches of the tippet in opposite directions.
Step 2
Form a loop with both lines. Pass the ends of both the leader and the tippet through the loop.
Step 3
Wrap the ends around and pass them through the loop again. Pull the leader and tippet and the leader end and remainder of the tippet to tighten the knot. Trim the line near the knot, but not so close that it will come undone.
Improved Clinch Knot
Step 1
Thread the end of the tippet through the eyelet of the fly. Wrap the end of the tippet around the tippet five times, working away from the eyelet.
Step 2
Pass the end of the tippet through the loop of line that goes around the eyelet.
Step 3
Thread the end of the tippet through the loop near the five wraps. Pull the knot tight to the eyelet. Trim the end of the tippet near the knot, leaving 1/8 inch.
Things You'll Need
- Fly reel and rod
- Backing, fly, leader and tippet line
- Fly
- Scissors
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