Short leaders turn over heavy, wind-resistant flies better and are easier to manage in wind. For spooky fish on clear, calm flats, a longer leader may be needed.

Why a loop knot at the fly?

A non-slip loop knot lets the fly move freely on stiff 20 lb fluorocarbon. A clinch knot in line this heavy is hard to seat and pins the fly.

Does it have a bite tippet?

No. The 20 lb fluorocarbon handles abrasive mouths, but fish with real teeth need a heavier bite tippet added.

It sinks, is hard to see in clear water and resists abrasion better than mono.

Streamer

Heavier DIY Saltwater Fly Leader

A heavier do-it-yourself saltwater leader: 36" of 40 lb fluorocarbon, 24" of 30 lb, and a 24" tip of 20 lb, for 7' in all. It is short and stout so it turns over bulky flies in wind and stands up to hard-running fish, rough mouths and structure. The fly goes on with a non-slip loop knot so it swims freely.

BBy BarblessOctober 15, 2026

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40 lb.024"

30 lb.020"

20 lb.016"

BUTT · 36"

TAPER · 24"

TIPPET · 24"

40 lb.024"

30 lb.020"

20 lb.016"

BUTT · 36"

TAPER · 24"

TIPPET · 24"

Total length7' 0"

Flies1

Knots3

WaterSaltwater flats and coast

Move across the drawing to pan. Point at a fly or a knot to see what it is; select a knot for how to tie it.Drag the drawing to pan. Tap a fly for what it does, a knot for how to tie it.

Build your leader

7' 0" of line · 3 pieces · Butt to tip

Butt 36" · 40 lb24" · 30 lb24" · 20 lb

Butt 40 lb220 lb

Section	Length	Diameter and size	Material	Connection
01Butt	36"	40 lb · .024"	Fluorocarbon	Fly line loop
02Mid	24"	30 lb · .020"	Fluorocarbon	Triple surgeon's knot
03Tippet	24"	20 lb · .016"	Fluorocarbon	Triple surgeon's knot

Tie it

0 of 3 done

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

How to tie it

Build the tapered leader
Join the 36" butt to the 24" mid with a triple surgeon's knot. Add 24" of 20 lb with a triple surgeon's knot.
Tie a triple surgeon's knot
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×2
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 with baitfish and shrimp patterns from a boat, the beach or the flats when the wind is up or the fish are big. Cast, let the fly settle, and strip it back. When the line comes tight, strip-set rather than lifting the rod. Keep the drag smooth and let a running fish go.

Check the 20 lb tip after every fish or brush with structure. If it feels rough, cut it back and retie the non-slip loop knot.

Common questions

Why only 7 feet?
Short leaders turn over heavy, wind-resistant flies better and are easier to manage in wind. For spooky fish on clear, calm flats, a longer leader may be needed.
Why a loop knot at the fly?
A non-slip loop knot lets the fly move freely on stiff 20 lb fluorocarbon. A clinch knot in line this heavy is hard to seat and pins the fly.
Does it have a bite tippet?
No. The 20 lb fluorocarbon handles abrasive mouths, but fish with real teeth need a heavier bite tippet added.
Why fluorocarbon?
It sinks, is hard to see in clear water and resists abrasion better than mono.

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