Rigs Lab · Fishing knots
Backing Barrel w/ Tag
On the line (friction) in 0.5 min.
Also called friction knot, friction hitch
The Backing Barrel is a high-visibility, sliding strike indicator and sighter used in fly fishing - particularly for euro nymphing or mono rig setups-constructed by tying a small barrel knot out of 20 lb dacron backing onto a monofilament leader with a short tag left attached. It can be used as both a sighter and a sliding bobber stop or in conjunction with a dropper fly tied above it (the adjustable dropper!).
- turns, usually
- 6
- min to tie
- 0.5
- Joins
- On the line (friction)
- Turns
- 4, 5, 6, 7 (usually 6)
- Time to tie
- 0.5 min
- Line
- .006" to .025"
Watch it tied
How to tie it
Step 1: Cut a 6-inch piece of 20 lb Dacron backing and lay it alongside your leader.
Step 2: Form a loop with the backing. Wrap one tag end around both the leader and backing, then pass it through the loop.
Step 3: Repeat that wrap five more times, making six wraps total through the same loop.
Step 4: Pull the two backing ends in opposite directions to close the loop and bring the wraps together.
Step 5: Pull both backing ends firmly until the wraps form a tight, neat barrel around the leader.
Step 6: Trim the backing ends to your visual preference. Keep one or both or them. Do not cut the leader.
Rigs that use it
No published rig ties it yet.