Leader to Tippet (Barrel Knot)

Use to tie tippet to end of leader or to join sections of tapered leaders. More uniform than the surgeon’s knot, but also more difficult to tie and not quite as strong.

Step 1:

Cross both pieces of material in an “X”, leaving at least 8″ of overlap.

Barrel Knot or Blood Knot - Step 1

Step 2:

Wind one end around the standing part of the other piece five times and pass the end on the other side of the “X” formed by the intersection of the two pieces.

Barrel Knot or Blood Knot - Step 2

Step 3:

Pinch the line at this point and with the other hand wind the free end around the standing piece in the opposite direction five times. Pass this end through the same loop as the first end, but go through the loop in the opposite direction.

Barrel Knot or Blood Knot - Step 3

Step 4:

Lubricate and hold both ends together while pulling on the standing parts to tighten. The easiest way to keep the ends from slipping through is to hold them in your teeth. Don’t put any pressure on the short ends while tightening.

Barrel Knot or Blood Knot - Step 4

Step 5:

Trim tag ends as close to the knot as possible.

Barrel Knot or Blood Knot - Step 5