Mastering the Needle Knot involves threading and precise handling and it requires practice. But it provides a robust, smooth, and almost seamless line-to-leader connection.

Step 1

Pierce the fly line with a needle

Use a needle to pierce the fly line.

Step 2

Put the leader through the fly line

Put the leader through the hole in the fly line that you just created. Put it through from the place where the needle hole ended, but leave enough line to tie the rest.

Step 3

Wrap the leader around the fly line

Put the needle parallel to the fly line. Wrap the leader around the fly line and needle.

Step 4

Put the leader through the wraps using the needle

Put the leader through the eye of the needle, then pull the needle through all the wraps that you created.

Step 5

Pull to tighten

Pull on the leader that comes out of the fly line to tighten and cut off any excess.