Looked through the FAQ section but did not see this. Lifetime fisherman (30 years or so) new fly caster and just trying to figure this all out and do it the right way. Should I use a nail knot, or a blood knot like I would with conventional tackle, or is there some other special knot for this?

As frequently as I sometimes have to change out tippet, I use loop-to-loop by tying a loop into the leader end (acutally I furl my own leaders and build the loop in, but for store-bought or hand-tied leaders, just tie in a loop) and then use a Perfection Loop in the tippet. Makes change out as simple as a snip of the nippers and on with the new!

There are a number if videos and tutorials on Perfection Loops
Google for perfection loop
That's how I do it anyway. Another option would be the Albright knot.

if you are good with a blood knot that would work well also.

Double surgeon's knot. Simple. Effective.
Unless I'm using a furled leader, then do what robin says.

Kirk

This

Thanks guys!

Would the double surgeons knot work with nylon leader with an steel coated knotabble tippet(wire)?

No
If your connecting mono to wire, use loop to loop or a small barrel swivel.

+1 on the double surgeon's knot.

Bill

If you are good with knots, a blood knot is smaller than the double surgeons..but more difficult to tie.

In the interests of science and camaraderie I Googled "simple blood knot" and found some useful tips.