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"Alternate Nail Knot"

Purpose:  This is an alternate way to tie the "Nail Knot".  For many, it may be easier than the "conventional" method.  It is used in fly fishing to affix the leader to the front/tip of the fly line.  (It cannot be used to tie the backing to the fly line as can be the standard method).

Step 1:  With your two "try line" sections: the darker/larger (representing the fly line) lay to the left; the lighter/thinner (representing the leader) to the right; NOTE: the entire length of the leader should be looped below

Step 2:  Take a "nail" (needle as shown) and lay it atop the fly line; take the right side of the leader loop and wrap it around/over the "nail", the fly line & itself;

Step 3:  Wrap the leader around the fly line, the "nail" and itself 5 to 7 times;  lay each wrap to the left of the preceding one; keep the wraps tight in your left hand as well as the leader loop in your right hand;

Step 4:  When the wraps are complete, hold them securely in the left hand; pull the tippet/front/tag end of the leader completely under the wraps with your right hand (this will be, say, 7 1/2' to 12' of leader material);

Step 5:   Pull on both ends of the leader at the same time to begin tightening the knot; (you may chose to use your teeth to help here); then remove the "nail" by pulling it out to the left (to the fly line side);

 This knot will not work with knotted leaders as they will not pull through the wraps.  Nor can it be used to tie the backing to the fly line.  However, for many anglers, it may well be the "salvation" for ease in tying the "Nail Knot" which we feel is the best way to affix a leader butt to the fly line.

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