The Nail Knot uses a nail to help create a that winds around a doubles back on itself, though you can also use a hollow coffee stirrer instead of a nail. This knot is used to connect two lines with different diameters, such as a backing line to a fly line, or a fly line to a leader or tippet. It is an important knot in the fisherman’s repertoire for this reason. Learn how to tie the Nail Knot following the 8 steps below.
Step 1: Overlap two lines.
Step 2: Holding the straw parallel with the two lines, wrap the lighter line (green) up and around the straw and the two lines.
Step 3: Wrap the lighter line around the straw and two lines six times.
Step 4: Run the tag end of the lighter line through the straw.
Step 5: Tighten the knot around the straw.
Step 6: Remove the straw from the knot.
Step 7: Lubricate then tighten the knot.
Step 8: Trim the tag ends
