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Streamer

Tarpon Leader with a 40 lb Bite Tippet

A 10-foot tarpon leader for an 8-10 wt rod. The butt steps down from 42" of 40 lb mono (.024") through 30" of 30 lb (.021") and 18" of 20 lb (.017") to an 18" class tippet of 15 lb mono (.015"). Last comes a 12" bite tippet of 40 lb fluorocarbon (.023"), which stands up to a tarpon's rough mouth. The fly is a 1/0 Tarpon Toad on a non-slip loop knot.

BBy BarblessOctober 15, 2026

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40 lb.024"
30 lb.021"
20 lb.017"
15 lb.015"
40 lb.023"
BUTT · 42"
TAPER · 30"
TAPER · 18"
TIPPET · 18"
TIPPET · 12"
Total length10' 0"
Rod8-10 wt
Flies1
Knots5
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

10' 0" of line · 5 pieces · Butt to tip

Butt 40 lb2315 lb40 lb

Tie it

0 of 5 done

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

How to tie it

  1. Build the tapered leader

    Join the 42" butt to the 30" mid with a double uni knot. Add 18" of 20 lb with a double uni knot. Add 18" of 15 lb with a double uni knot. Add 12" of 40 lb with an Albright knot.

    Tie a double uni knotTie an albright knot

  2. Tie on the Tarpon Toad

    Tie the Tarpon Toad to the 12" bite tippet with a non-slip loop knot.

    Tie a non-slip loop knot

The knots

  • Double uni knot · 5 turns×3
    1. Overlap the two lines by about six inches.
    2. With one tag, form a loop over both lines and wrap through it around both lines five times. Snug it.
    3. Repeat with the other tag, wrapping the other way.
    4. Pull the two standing lines to slide the knots together. Trim both tags.
    The double uni knot, step by step
  • Albright knot · 10 turns×1
    1. Fold the end of the heavier line back on itself to make a narrow loop a couple of inches long.
    2. Push the lighter line up through the loop, leaving about eight inches to work with.
    3. Pinch everything together and wrap the lighter line back over itself and both sides of the loop ten times, working toward the loop's closed end.
    4. Feed the lighter tag back out through the loop on the same side it went in.
    5. Wet it, pull the lighter standing line to slide the wraps snug against the loop's end, then pull all four ends tight. Trim both tags.
    The albright 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

Loop the butt to the fly line. Lead a cruising or rolling fish, let the fly sink to its level, and strip in short, slow pulls. Set the hook with a hard strip, not by lifting the rod. When the fish jumps, bow the rod toward it so the 15 lb class tippet doesn't take the shock. Fight it low and to the side.

Run the 12" bite tippet through your fingers after every fish. If it feels rough, retie it so a chafed section doesn't let the next fish cut through to the 15 lb class tippet.

Common questions

  • Why is there a 15 lb section in a leader that ends in 40 lb?

    That 18" piece is the class tippet, the leader's designed weak link. It sets the breaking strength, so the break comes at a known point and not at the fly line connection. The 40 lb bite tippet below it only guards against the fish's abrasive jaw.

  • What knots join the sections?

    Double uni knots join the 40, 30, 20 and 15 lb mono. An Albright joins the class tippet to the bite tippet, because it holds between lines as different as 15 lb and 40 lb, where a double uni tends to slip.

  • Why a non-slip loop on the fly?

    The open loop lets the 1/0 Tarpon Toad swim and hinge freely on the stiff 40 lb fluorocarbon, which a tight knot would deaden.

  • What rod does this suit?

    An 8-10 wt, which is the right range for juvenile and mid-size tarpon on this 15 lb class tippet.

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