Blood or Barrel Knot

This knot joins 2 leaders of equal or unequal diameters. The knot works best with leaders under 20# test. Heavier leaders can be too stiff to easily tie this knot.

1. Bring the tag ends together in opposite directions.
2. Make an X with tag ends and make 4 to 5 turns around the standing portions of the leaders with the tag ends. Pass the tag ends through the center in opposite directions.
3. Lubricate, draw tightly, avoid any overlapping loops, and trim tag ends.