howsthebite · Knots · Blood knot
How to tie the Blood knot
Joins two lines of similar diameter. The standard for building a tapered fly leader.
Also called: Barrel knot
Why this knot
It runs almost straight through, so a tapered leader turns over cleanly instead of hinging at the join.
Tie it
Step 1 of 6
- 1 Overlap the two lines by about 6 inches.
- 2 Wrap the first tag end around the second line five times, then bring it back and pass it between the two lines.
- 3 Hold that tuck in place with a finger.
- 4 Wrap the second tag end around the first line five times, in the opposite direction.
- 5 Pass the second tag back through the same gap, from the other side.
- 6 Wet the knot and pull both standing lines steadily. The wraps roll together into a barrel. Trim both tags.
That's the knot. Wet it, seat it, and pull against it before you cast.
Getting it right
- Both tags must pass through the same gap from opposite sides, or the knot will not close.
- Best when the two lines are within about two line sizes of each other.
- Count your wraps out loud the first few times. Uneven wraps are the usual failure.
What goes wrong
- Both tags entering the gap from the same side. The knot pulls apart immediately.
- Using it to join lines of very different diameter, where it will not seat evenly.
Knots that go with it
