Nail Knot Tying
Overlap the two lines. Holding the straw and the lines together, wrap the lighter line (blue) around the straw and both lines. Make six complete turns, pass the line through the straw and tighten the knot neatly around the straw. Withdraw the straw. Lubricate, pull the knot tight, and trim the ends.
Nail Knot Details
Uses: The Nail Knot was originally named because a nail was inserted as a guide when threading the line. Today, it is easier to use a small straw if you can.
The Nail Knot is an important fishing knot used to join two lines of different diameters and allows for line diameters to diminish down to the fly, i.e., it is useful for attaching your backing to the fly line, and your fly line to the leader, or tippet.
Tying it: There are several ways of tying this knot. The animation shows the smaller line being threaded through the loops using a straw.
Alternative: Alternatively, the line can be threaded beside a nail (hence its name) or pulled through with a needle.
Advantages: The Nail Knot makes a smooth compact knot that will readily pass through the guides.
