The nail knot is a very important fishing line knot commonly used to tie the line to the leader. It is good for joining two fishing lines of different diameters. It supports the fly line and allows you to attach line to the leader or tippet. The knot gets its name from the use of a nail that initially served as a guide to make the knot. However, replacing the nail or needle with a thin, hollow tube or straw, as described below, makes binding easier.
Advantages of Nail Knot
Non-slip
Very powerful
Smooth and compact making it easy to pass through guides
Can be used in fluorocarbon lines.
Disadvantages of Nail Knot
It's hard to solve. Therefore, changing the leader becomes tedious, especially in low light conditions
When playing with a fish, if it accidentally wraps itself around the top guide, it can easily get stuck on it.
Where is the Nail Knot Used?
In fly fishing
Making nail knots, which is the strongest but thinnest way to make a loop at the end of the fly rope. It can be used on a hook or swivel, just like the improved clinch knot.
For attaching monofilament/braided line to lead core leader material by carp anglers.
As a bobber stop.
Adding a mono leader to a hollow braid.
How to Tie a Nail Knot?
Overlap the two lines.
Keeping the straw and strings together, wrap the lighter string (blue) around the straw and both strings.
Make six full turns, thread the string through the straw, and securely tighten the knot around the straw.
Withdraw the pipette.
Lub it, pull the knot tight and trim the ends. Pull both ends to tighten the knot
Nail Knot Alternatives
Double Uni knot – Effective for joining two lines of similar or different strengths.
Loop to loop knot – An efficient and fast connection for moving lines with welded loops at the ends. Braided loops also work well with this.
Albright knot – Gives a less smooth surface.
Blood knot–Good for joining two lines of almost equal diameters.
Surgeon's knot - Used to tie the leader to the tippet, it is bulkier but easier to tie. It is known as the leader node.
