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Streamer

7.5-Foot Simple Saltwater Leader

A simple 7.5-foot (91 inch) saltwater leader for 8-9 wt rods, tied from three pieces of fluorocarbon: 39 inches of .024, 26 inches of .019 and 26 inches of .014. It turns over weighted shrimp, crab and baitfish patterns in wind, and the fluorocarbon sinks and stands up to abrasion. It is quick to tie on a boat or beach.

BBy BarblessOctober 15, 2026

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.024"
.019"
.014"
BUTT · 39"
TAPER · 26"
TIPPET · 26"
Total length7' 7"
Rod8-9 wt
Flies1
Knots3
WaterSaltwater flats and coast

Drag the drawing to pan. Tap a fly for what it does, a knot for how to tie it.

Build your leader

7' 7" of line · 3 pieces · Butt to tip

Butt .024"2.014"

Tie it

0 of 3 done

These are the finished lengths. Leave extra for tying each knot.

How to tie it

  1. Build the tapered leader

    Join the 39" butt to the 26" mid with a blood knot. Add 26" of .014" with a blood knot.

    Tie a blood knot

  2. Tie on the fly

    Tie the fly to the 26" tippet with an improved clinch knot.

    Tie an improved clinch knot

The knots

  • Blood knot · 5 turns×2
    1. Overlap the two ends by about six inches.
    2. Wrap one tag end around the other line five times, then bring it back and pass it between the two lines where they cross.
    3. Wrap the other tag end five times the opposite way and pass it back through the same opening from the other side.
    4. Wet the knot and pull the two standing lines steadily until the wraps seat. Trim both tags close.
    The blood knot, step by step
  • Improved clinch knot · 5 turns×1
    1. Pass the tippet through the hook eye and pull about five inches through.
    2. Wrap the tag around the standing line five to seven times.
    3. Pass the tag through the small loop just above the eye, then back through the large loop you just made.
    4. Wet it and pull the standing line so the wraps snug down against the eye. Trim the tag.
    The improved clinch knot, step by step

When and how to fish it

Loop it to a floating or intermediate line. Cast ahead of cruising or tailing fish, let the fly sink to their level, then strip it back with short strips and pauses. When blind casting a beach or channel, let it sink, then strip steadily. Strip-set and keep the rod low until the fish is on.

Fluorocarbon blood knots slip unless they are wet and pulled tight slowly. Seat each one firmly, then test it with a hard pull before you fish.

Common questions

  • Why only three pieces?

    Three pieces of fluoro, stepping .024 to .019 to .014, turn over a saltwater fly well and are fast to rebuild on the water.

  • What fish is it for?

    Bonefish, redfish, stripers and other inshore fish without sharp teeth, on an 8-9 wt.

  • Why fluorocarbon?

    It is stiff enough to turn over a weighted fly, sinks so the fly gets down, and resists abrasion from sand, shell and coral.

  • When should I replace the tip?

    When the 26 inch .014 piece is scuffed, frayed or cut short by fly changes. Retie with a new 26 inch piece.

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