Building the Troutbitten Mono Rig – Reels, Lines, Materials, Connections and Knots (VIDEO)

by | Sep 23, 2026 | 0 comments

Nymphing | Streamers | Tactics | Videos

** NOTE ** Find the YouTube Video Below

For over a decade, I’ve written and talked about fishing a Mono Rig for all underwater presentations — nymphs with and without an indicator, with and without split shot, dry dropper, streamers of all shapes and sizes and even pure dry flies. I’ve detailed the formulas for my favorite leaders in many places, but I’ve never put everything together from the ground up. This video answers the most frequent questions about reels, fly lines, leader connections, materials and knots. No matter what tight line leader you choose to build, the principles shown here apply.

Here’s the Video Timeline

0:00 Intro
0:40 Other Resources
1:34 Reel Choice and the Pinky Cradle
2:10 Fly Line Choice
3:28 Leader Attachment
4:09 Butt Section Materials
5:24 Thanks to Poncho
5:57 Fly Casting the Mono Rig
6:45 Taper and Sighter Materials
9:07 The Leader Build
12:27 Tippet Rings
15:00 Leader Storage
15:28 The Backing Barrel
16:00 Stretch Every Leader

Resources

VIDEO: Troutbitten | Mono Rig Mods
ARTICLE: Troutbitten | Design and Function of the Troutbitten Standard Mono Rig
VIDEO: Troutbitten | Lightning Fast Leader Changes
VIDEO: Troutbitten | Floating the Sighter
ARTICLE: Troutbitten | The Backing Barrel Might Be the Best Sighter Ever
ARTICLE: Troutbitten | Loop to Loop is Bad – Try Attaching Your Leader This Way

Here’s the video . . .

(Please choose 4K or 2K for best resolution.)

(If you enjoy this video, please like, subscribe and leave a comment on YouTube. It makes a difference.)

 

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Enjoy the day.
Domenick Swentosky
T R O U T B I T T E N
domenick@troutbitten.com

 

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Domenick Swentosky

Central Pennsylvania

Hi. I’m a father of two young boys, a husband, author, fly fishing guide and a musician. I fish for wild brown trout in the cool limestone waters of Central Pennsylvania year round. This is my home, and I love it. Friends. Family. And the river.

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Domenick Swentosky

Central Pennsylvania

Hi. I’m a father of two young boys, a husband, author, fly fishing guide and a musician. I fish for wild brown trout in the cool limestone waters of Central Pennsylvania year round. This is my home, and I love it. Friends. Family. And the river.

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