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Streamer

DIY Saltwater Fly Leader

A simple all-fluorocarbon saltwater leader for 7 to 9 weight rods. It steps down from 36 inches of 40 lb (.026") to 12 inches of 30 lb (.022"), 24 inches of 20 lb (.018") and 24 inches of 15 lb (.016"), joined with triple surgeon's knots, for 8 feet in all. The fly is tied on with a non-slip loop knot so it swims freely.

BBy BarblessOctober 15, 2026

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40 lb.026"
30 lb.022"
20 lb.018"
15 lb.016"
BUTT · 36"
TAPER · 12"
TAPER · 24"
TIPPET · 24"
Total length8' 0"
Rod7-9 wt
Flies1
Knots4
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

8' 0" of line · 4 pieces · Butt to tip

Butt 40 lb2315 lb

Tie it

0 of 4 done

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

How to tie it

  1. Build the tapered leader

    Join the 36" butt to the 12" mid with a triple surgeon's knot. Add 24" of 20 lb with a triple surgeon's knot. Add 24" of 15 lb with a triple surgeon's knot.

    Tie a triple surgeon's knot

  2. Tie on the fly

    Tie the fly to the 24" tippet with a non-slip loop knot.

    Tie a non-slip loop knot

The knots

  • Triple surgeon's knot · 3 turns×3
    1. Lay the new line alongside the end of the leader so they overlap about six inches, the ends pointing opposite ways.
    2. Holding the two lines as one, tie an overhand knot, passing the whole new piece through the loop.
    3. Pass the same ends through the loop twice more, three times in all.
    4. Wet it and pull all four ends evenly to seat the knot. Trim the tags.
    The triple surgeon's knot, step by step
  • Non-slip loop knot · 5 turns×1
    1. Tie a loose overhand knot in the tippet a few inches from the end.
    2. Pass the tag through the hook eye and back through the overhand knot on the side it came out of.
    3. Wrap the tag around the standing line four to seven times, fewer for heavier line.
    4. Pass the tag back through the overhand knot, entering on the side it last came out of.
    5. Wet it, pull the tag to snug the wraps, then pull the standing line and the fly apart to close the knot. Trim the tag.
    The non-slip loop knot, step by step

When and how to fish it

Use it on flats, beaches and mangrove edges for bonefish, redfish and similar inshore fish. Cast well ahead of a moving fish, let the fly sink to its level, then strip in short, sharp pulls. When the fish eats, keep stripping until the line comes tight and set with a strip, not a lift. The stiff 40 lb butt turns over weighted flies in wind.

If the leader collapses into the wind, cut a few inches off the 15 lb tippet. If fish spook on calm days, add length to the tippet instead.

Common questions

  • Why fluorocarbon all the way through?

    It sinks, resists abrasion on coral, shell and mangroves, and is hard for fish to see in clear salt water.

  • Why a non-slip loop knot on the fly?

    The open loop lets a shrimp or baitfish fly move freely on the strip and pause, which looks more alive than a fly tied tight.

  • Will it work for snook or barracuda?

    Not as built. 15 lb fluorocarbon has no bite protection; those fish need a heavier shock tippet.

  • Why surgeon's knots instead of blood knots?

    Heavy fluorocarbon is stiff and hard to seat in a blood knot. A triple surgeon's knot is quick to tie and holds well in these diameters.

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