How to tie a leader knot [Easy Guide]

In this article, we will learn how to tie a leader knot. It’s a simple and effective method. Useful for all sea fishing rigs, whether fishing from a boat or the shore.

What is a leader knot?

A leader knot is a type of knot used to join two lengths of line, whether they are braided or monofilament. It’s now very, very easy; I just tie a very basic knot that I’ve done for years with great success. I tie a three-turn grinner knot back-to-back.

Currently, I have my main spotting braid, which is this spot braid. The shock leader, a 50-pound shocker, will absorb all of the cast’s force. This is the 30-pound Cygnet Spod Braid.

Tie a leader knot

So what do I do to tie a leader knot? First, I join my two pieces of line together. Next, I’m going to take one of them and begin by taking the braid on the main line. I’m going to form a loop, hold it close to the shock braid, and pass it through three times. Hence, once, twice, and three times.

Then I’ll just wet it and gently pull it down. At this time, I won’t tighten it all the way. It’s almost ready; all I have to do is pull it down.

As soon as I turn it around, I’ll apply the shock braid in the exact same manner. So I create a loop directly next to the mainline braid.  I’m going to pass it through three times. Then all I have to do is get hold of my main line and my shock braid, give them a very delicate pull and tickle them together neatly. This procedure is repeated once, twice, three times, then again to gently wet it up and pull it down.

I’ll give them a good pull once they’re all together, tighten them up, and then you can tie a flawless leader knot.

This knot has never caused me any problems. Some people like to repeat it four times, but I’ve always found three to be sufficient, significantly reducing the knot’s size and ensuring its permanence. The tag ends only need to be cut off at that point.

Now, avoid trimming them too closely. Just in case the knot pushes down a tiny bit more, leave a millimeter between the knot and the surface.

I’ll simply take another millimeter off, and that will be all. Now that there is never, ever going away, that is good for your spod as well as fishing while you’re tying monos. Therefore, the knot will still function properly if your shock leader has a higher braking strain mono and your main line has a lower one.

So that there is how I tie my leader knot.

FAQs on how to tie a leader knot

Should you use a leader with the braided line?

If you are fishing in choppy waters or extremely clear conditions, or if you are going after fish with keen teeth like flounder, bluefish, or sharks, you should attach a leader to your braided line.

Do you need to use a leader when fishing?

To prevent line twists while using specific lures and to lessen line visibility, leader lines are also required for baitcasting and spinning gear.

What is the best braid to leader knot?

In general, the Double Uni Knot is thought to be the best knot to attach the braid to a mono leader. There are a few alternative knots that you might wish to try in specific circumstances, even though the Double Uni Knot is one of the simplest line-to-line connections that can be used with two lines of nearly comparable diameter.

Can I tie fly directly to the leader?

Never attach flies directly to the leader’s end.

Should the leader and tippet be the same size?

The tippet will have the exact same diameter as the leader material’s tip.

How long should my leader line be?

Your fishing leader’s length should typically range from 24 to 30 inches.

Why do you need a leader on braid?

Braid makes it nearly tough to snap the line, but if you tie on a leader, you may break the line just where the knot is.