The nail knot has never been accused of being an easy knot to tie. Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a ...

The backing connects to the fly line with a nail knot or a loop knot. The same knots are used to connect the fly line to the leader. Most anglers these days prefer loop knots, as they allow you to ...

Make the loops by folding over the fly line onto itself and use 10 pound mono and a nail knot or two to secure the loop. The mono will bite into the fly line coating and the loop will be strong.

Pros. Very easy to tie; Works with a wide range of line diameters; Cons. Not as strong as other knots, doesn’t pass through rod guides as cleanly; If you’re looking for a fast, easy way to connect ...

Frankly, like much of fly fishing, they do not have to be complicated. I use two basic knots in my efforts, improved clinch knot (fly to leader) and nail knot (line to leader).

It wasn't long ago that a nail-knot was a required knot to learn in fly fishing. It was the knot you used to attach your fly line to the backing and to the leader.

The Nail Knot Tool. It wasn't long ago that a nail-knot was a required knot to learn in fly fishing. It was the knot you used to attach your fly line to the backing and to the leader.