Knots by purpose/function: backing-to-reel ~ backing-to-fly line ~ leader-to-fly line ~ leader-to-leader ~ leader-to-fly ~ loop knots ~ specialty knots 

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"Blood Knot"

Purpose:  The "Blood Knot" is used to tie leader sections of different diameters together.  (A substitute is the "Surgeon Knot", or Uni Knot, but we recommend the Blood Knot, especially in the heftier diameter monofilament leader sections.)

Step 1:  With the existing section of monofilament leader material in your left hand, lay the new section you are tying to it (usually 10-24" long) at an angle ("X") across the top of it; give yourself plenty of working room, overlap them about a foot (12");

Step 2:  Hold the 2 pieces at the cross section ("X") in your left hand; using your right hand, wrap the existing/larger section, starting it OVER the new/smaller diameter section 4-5 times from left-to-right, in an OVER/UNDER/OVER manner; then bring the end of it back to the intersection of the two lines and put it between them;

Step 3:  Now reverse the process on the other side; wrapping the new/thinner material in the opposite manner, i.e., starting it UNDER  and wrapping it UNDER/OVER/UNDER, from right-to-left; then bring the end back to the "hole" between the two lines and insert it the OPPOSITE direction of the other monofilament;

Step 4:  To tighten, hold the two/both tag ends of the two pieces firmly in your teeth; pull on both pieces of material, one in each hand, in opposing directions at the same time; (you'll want to moisten this knot in your mouth before tightening); 

Step 5:   The last step is to closely trim both tag ends;

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