eSSeNTIAL SKILLS
FISHING 101
How to Tie A
Leader to braid
b
raided superlines have a lot of benefits, but the
upside comes with two big caveats: Braided line
is too visible for clear water or high-pressure sit-
uations, and it’s tough to break if the lure snags.
The compromise is to attach a monofilament or flu-
orocarbon leader. Several knots accomplish the task,
but Quaker State pro Matt Arey prefers a double uni-
knot. Arey recommends a 6- to 10-foot leader, which is
long enough to retie baits several times each day with-
out having to replace the entire leader.
Here’s how he ties it.
1. Overlap the two lines by about 6 to 8 inches and
then double back the braid, creating a loop. (You can
start with either line.)
2. Wrap the tag end of the braid around the leader
and the standing part of the braided main line about six
times, passing through the loop formed in the previous
step with each wrap.
3. Lubricate with saliva, and slowly pull the tag end
of the braid until the wraps draw together, but do not
cinch it down all the way.
4. Repeat the process with the leader around the
standing part of the braid.
5. Lubricate both sets of wraps, and slowly slide
them together. Tighten by pulling the tag ends in oppo-
site directions, then gently pulling the standing lines in
opposite directions. Trim the tag ends to finish the
knot. ■
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by TJ Maglio
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FLWFISHING.COM I deCeMber 2016