Hi guys,
I am new to using braid. What would be the best method or knot to use when attaching a mono leader to main braid line.... EX. I got 20 pound braid on my fluking rod and would like to attach 30 mono leader to line... and how long do you guys think I should make it. Thank you for any input
Kindest regards,
John
A double uni is easy, fast and strong.
For that purpose I like the Red Phillips knot. Very easy to tie and super strong. I like it for most all inshore fishing. For bucktailing fluke I like a 3' or 4' leader. For tuna I like the GT knot.
Hope that helps.
Good luck!
-Bob
I use to use a Bob Sands knot but I'm now trying the Tony Pena knot. They tie almost the same but the Tony Pena uses a over hand knot on the mono/fluoro vs. a 3 turn uni. Tony's knot has a smaller profile and passes throught guides easier.
Edit: I use 12 turns up and 12 turns back down on the spectra side.
Edit #2: When tied right there is no need to hold onto the tag end of the spectra as shown in the video, the knot should tighten up fine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4xdpgog0V0 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4xdpgog0V0)
Thank you very much gentalmen... and soCal that video was very insightful
Regards,
John
modified albright or alberto knot. you need a bimini twist on your braid, easy when you get the hang of it. but when you don't have the time or the boat is rocking i agree with LEE(keta) uni to uni...
I have used the Bimini to Albrite and it works well but it is very bulky. The Uni to Uni is alright but have seen many failures due to slipage with this knot. Maybe it is the people tieing it? With the Uni to Uni the knot holds onto line it was tied to, the braid knot holds onto the braid and the mono/fluoro holds onto its self also. With the Bob Sands or Tony Pena knot the braid grips onto the leader/topshot. The more pressure applied to the knot the tighter the braid grips the leader. The Bod Sands and Tony Pena knots hold sort of like hollow spectra grips onto mono with its Chinese finger cuff tightening, meaning the more pressure applied to the line the tighter the hold.
Quote from: SoCalAngler on April 07, 2014, 07:04:02 PM
...grips onto mono with its Chinese finger cuff tightening, meaning the more pressure applied to the line the tighter the hold.
same principle with the modified albright or alberto knot...
My favorite is a Yucatan knot tied with a 3 pass surgeon's loop. Very fast and has not slipped or failed yet.
Ron
I've found the simplest way to connect mono to hollow spectra is.....(1) Tie a loose overhand knot in the spectra about 18" from the end (2) Slide the mono up into the hollow spectra 12" to 16" (3) Pull the loose overhand knot down to about 1" from the end of the spectra and then pull the overhand knot tight. Using this connection I've never had a failure and have caught fish to over 250 pounds
I use a loop to loop to connect a length of hollow spectra to solid spectra when necessary.
I use 80 pound hollow spectra to connect 20 pound mono up to 80 pound mono. I use 200 pound hollow spectra to connect to most all of the heavier mono lines I use, 100 up to 200 pound test.
I carry a small stainless steel rod in my tackle box to open up the spectra weave to allow for easier insertion of the mono.
I can change a top shot in just a few minutes when necessary.
Simple system that has always worked perfectly for me.
josa1
Quote from: OSIRIS631 on April 07, 2014, 03:45:19 PM
I am new to using braid. What would be the best method or knot to use when attaching a mono leader to main braid line.... EX. I got 20 pound braid on my fluking rod and would like to attach 30 mono leader to line... and how long do you guys think I should make it.
ok guys! he has a 20lb straight braid and he wants to attach it to a 30lb mono leader. IMO since 20lb braid is too thin you really have to make a loop, e.g. bimini twist or aussie plait, to double the diameter of the said braid so as not to cut into his 30lb mono leader during a fight. just my 2 cents...
fg knot. john collins knot, tony pena knot..all should work fine.
Quote from: maxpowers on April 07, 2014, 10:54:45 PM
fg knot...
one of the knots i use...my next one to try is the PR knot once i get the necessary tools for it...
Quote from: Keta on April 07, 2014, 03:46:39 PM
A double uni is easy, fast and strong.
For 20braid to 30mono I'd put 5 turns on the mono, 7 or 8 into the braid. It's easy and reliable.
If I was tuna fishing I'd learn another knot, but no fluke-striper-bluefish is going to pop a double uni.
btw i usually tie a short mono or fluorocarbon, length of the rod + a foot or so...
braid to mono = FG knot. Once you tie and use this one you will wonder why you bothered with anything else.
I usually use fluorocarbon attached to braid. I end the braid in a Bimini twist and attach the Fluoro with an Albright knot. Dominick
I agree with OldSchool. The FG knot is easy to tie, lays flat on the spool and doesn't slip
The best knot is the one you tie the best.
All of the knots posted are great. All of them are terrible when tied badly.
Some of these knots are complex (ie FG or Page Ranking knots) and require many hours of practice and testing before they become quick and reliable.
The journey has just begun. :D
Albright Special knot,quick and simple.
http://www.proknot.com/html/albright_special.html
Quote from: johndtuttle on April 18, 2014, 06:15:45 AM
Some of these knots are complex (ie FG or Page Ranking knots) and require many hours of practice and testing before they become quick and reliable.
The FG is simple as pie, its the practical version of the PR knot and I think people get the two confused,There are a few ways to tie the FG and they are all simple.
I skip all the fancy knots requiring me to sit and learn and practice and try and practice over and over again on my counter at home..
then burn time trying to remember them again when I'm out on the water! :o
.inevidibly I'm on a >25' boat, its kinda rough, or in a kayak, it's windy, light fading, bite is on, whatever..
Uni to Uni ..every time... fast & easy..If I lose a fish, it's almost never my knot... keep it simple
I almost always double the braid and trim off the extra tag. too easy!
8-12 turns on the braid - 3-5 on the mono/fluro
I use this for
Braid Leader (usually fluro, mono over 130lb)
15 lb 15-30lb
30 lb 30-80lb
50 lb 30-80lb
65 lb 60-200lb
80 lb 60-200lb
To demonstrate the versatility of even a single uni knot:
For popping I also attach my 80-100lb twisted leader to swivels with a 3 turn uni.... It's fat and ugly but it's the only way to go.
Works for me! I usually have enough to do already ;D ;D
FG and PR knots are pre-fishing or pre-boat knots. uni-uni is the most practical, fastest and strongest knot to tie while dealing with the elements, my 2 cents again... :) ;) ;D
btw i have used FG slim beauty Tony P. Bob S. uni-uni and all the albright knots. i've been using modified albright lately because it's faster to tie than FG. once i have the "tools" i'll be experimenting with the PR. these 3 knots imo are more forgiving on the guides... :)
It's official! Ask a dozen anglers, get a dozen different answers. :D
Quote from: Bucktail on April 18, 2014, 01:35:42 PM
It's official! Ask a dozen anglers, get a dozen different answers. :D
Yeah, knots are like that. I've tied and used the slim beauty, improved albright, uni, 6 turn yucatan, and probably plenty of others i forgot but at the end of the day I had knots catch on runners and braid piled ups in a massive mess using spinners or the centers of rod runners being knocked out so now i use the FG, no problems. My preference is based on experience and everyone's experience can be different but on that basis its FG all the way for me.
At the end of the day use whatever blows your hair back if its working for you.
Most of the time I have a new L2L topshot on a spool and don't need anything but a loop knot for the L2L attachment.
yes L2L, will use for some of my gear at the june trip. i'll buy BHP's wind-ons and if i'll have the necessary "tools" before the trip, will make my own... :)
at the end of the day experiment to discover what works for you...
Quote from: Mel B on April 18, 2014, 02:43:01 PM
yes L2L, will use for some of my gear at the june trip. i'll buy BHP's wind-ons and if i'll have the necessary "tools" before the trip, will make my own... :)
at the end of the day experiment to discover what works for you...
Mel,
I will have some 30, 40,and 50 lbs wind-ons available for anyone to use on the trip for free. I am on a trip prior and will meet up with you guys for dinner and drop off the windons.
sounds good and thanks! 8) :)
Quote from: OldSchool on April 18, 2014, 10:07:13 AM
Quote from: johndtuttle on April 18, 2014, 06:15:45 AM
Some of these knots are complex (ie FG or Page Ranking knots) and require many hours of practice and testing before they become quick and reliable.
The FG is simple as pie, its the practical version of the PR knot and I think people get the two confused,There are a few ways to tie the FG and they are all simple.
I know the FG well. If it works for you go for it! :)
Let me update my part here. I'm NOT sold on the Tony Pena knot. I have had some issues with some of the spectra slipping over the stopper/overhand knot in the mono/fluoro when you sinch it down. It seems to me with the 3 turn uni/stopper in the Bob Sands knot I don't have this issue. Back to the Bob Sands for me.
I actually use a double grinner knot when the line diameter are similar, say 80 lbs braid to 40 lbs mono, etc..
Quote from: SoCalAngler on April 18, 2014, 04:04:57 PM
Let me update my part here. I'm NOT sold on the Tony Pena knot. I have had some issues with some of the spectra slipping over the stopper/overhand knot in the mono/fluoro when you sinch it down. It seems to me with the 3 turn uni/stopper in the Bob Sands knot I don't have this issue. Back to the Bob Sands for me.
Yea, I'm a big fan of Bob Sands knot for my "hot bite" retie solution. I also tuck the tag end of the Braid through the twists in the stopper so that they bind the end.
Ultimately, L2L is the most reliable.
For hot bite, I used a 5 turns surgeons with leader of 6 ft or less. It tested out stronger than a uni-uni and pretty fast to tie.
That's a good one too max. ;)
It's a bulky knot that does not go through eyes well, that's why the 6' max length. I use it to put a short section of Fluoro on the end of my mono.
For mono to fluoro with the knot outside of my tip top when casting I use the Seaguar knot....it has never failed me.
Quote from: SoCalAngler on April 19, 2014, 04:42:24 AM
For mono to fluoro with the knot outside of my tip top when casting I use the Seaguar knot....it has never failed me.
The Seaguar looks good in theory but it cost me a Wahoo. :'( Dominick
Quote from: Dominick on April 19, 2014, 05:44:03 AM
The Seaguar looks good in theory but it cost me a Wahoo. :'( Dominick
did you use a seaguar fluoro? ;D ;D ;D
I've used to up 50lb test for 100lb grade tuna, sails and stripped marlin without issue. Most of the time the sails and marlin are bycatch when hunting other fish or I'd have longer leaders, not the shorties using the Seaguar knot.
I've used it for up to 200# and have landed cow YFT
Saw this recently on facebook. Very cool!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jahddqzKhLY&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Thank you for posting this video. I saw it about a year ago and used it last season. Before I'd try to make a bigger loop that required stepping into the formed loop and spreading both knees to put tension on the line while I was sitting down. This, for me, made tying a Bimini much easier with better results. It takes me longer than 30 seconds but still much faster than before.
I liked that even though I rarely use them. Very cool video.
I like this one An eazy version of the GT I think
I think it may have been mentioned earlier you can tie it at sea! will post this and going back to study the other Knots in this post to see if any match. also for small diamater braid using uni to uni I double the braid up and be carefull tightening it up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4R3_znSAPz8
Interesting knot, not as fast as the other too but it looks good, I will try it if/when I run out of L2L topshots.
For braid to mono/flouro, the Collins/RP/Improved Albright is a small, simple to tie knot that seems to be bulletproof. I use a 7 turn rather than 5.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiSik3Jqs7M
Although bulkier, the Bob Sands knot using a 4 turn uni is another good knot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vx0kETh1mS8&list=PL8AD1BFA5C99D3843&index=2
For mono to flouro connections, try a 3 turn Surgeons knot.
The GT knot that Jonnou posted the video of is the real deal. It's what I use for bluefin tuna. 8)
I've used the "Collins" knot without knowing it by that name and it works well. I was taught 7 one way 6 the other.
The Collins knot is what we call the Crazy Alberto Knot - exactly the same thing
Wonder who came up with it 1st?
BTW - I use it for everything from Tuna to FW trout
Quote from: jonnou on July 08, 2014, 10:44:27 AM
I like this one An eazy version of the GT I think
I think it may have been mentioned earlier you can tie it at sea! will post this and going back to study the other Knots in this post to see if any match. also for small diamater braid using uni to uni I double the braid up and be carefull tightening it up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4R3_znSAPz8
Will this knot work with 60 or 65 JB lb hollow braid? I've tried to learn it but the braid just slips down the mono. I'm thinking that it requires a solid braid to bite into the mono. I'm trying it with a hard mono, but if it works with flouro it should work with a harder mono too.
I could do a loop in the hollow, but at sea after a tangle that gets cut off I need a quick alternative. I've also gotten away from loop to loop when fishing for albacore, just not necessary. If I ever get my boat to Mexico I'll have a Gnome to help with loop to loops. (30' GW Marlin).
I've tied it using hollow and it works.
This might get you going on the Mexico trip,
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g104/IGFA19Keta/YT2.jpg) (http://s54.photobucket.com/user/IGFA19Keta/media/YT2.jpg.html)
Nice fish Lee
I think it should work
practice it and try with different lines
I am thinking you are learning this for a back up to be tied at sea?
You have to snug it down hard for it to work
I have not tried to do this with hollow yet but will try soon
good luck
Jon
Quote from: jonnou on October 21, 2014, 08:04:58 AM
Nice fish Lee
That's No Bail (Randy) with a large/average YT (kingfish) he got in the Sea of Cortez few years ago. It's size is deceptive as Randy is well over 6' tall, I'd guess it's weight is around 38#-42#.
If I run out of pre spliced topshots on the water I use knots (for 40# and under) but I keep several (4-6 in the sizes I feel will be used) topshots on spools in my tackle bag. They are quick to replace, especially the short ones (10'-20') I use for everything but trolling (100'). To replace one you cut the loop on the topshot, pull it off the loop in the mainline, inspect loop on mainline, then put the new topshot on. I make my loops large enough to get a line spool through but not too much more.
Double uni-knot for uniting lines.
For every thing else, uni-knot.
One knot to know, one knot to learn, one knot to join them all.
Seriously, learn to tie the uni-knot blindfolded and learn to do it right and you will never need any other knot. (almost!)
It's better to tie the uni-knot right and make a strong knot that doesn't weaken the line much, than using several knots that you aren't able to tie perfectly and by this weaken the line much more.
the uni-uni knot is not the best knot for joining braid to mono. many knot tests have shown that..
x2
Quote from: maxpowers on November 13, 2014, 08:33:32 PM
the uni-uni knot is not the best knot for joining braid to mono. many knot tests have shown that..
A correctly done uni-knot will hold about 90% of the line strength. I am sure there are more complicated knots that takes several minutes and deep concentration to do right, but the uni is quite simple to tie and will hold up to your needs if you use a line that is strong enough for your needs.
What the knot tests you are reading shows may be skeewed by the line manufacturng company. Some knots may work a bit better tnan others with their line due to differences in fibre, braid and coating.
I can't learn 20-30 diferent knots and what line to use them on. I know how to do the uni-knot and know how to do it right. Never had any problems with slipping knots or anything.
BTW, I read a knot test where they expected a 50# mono joined to a 30# braid to hold 45.5# . That's unrealistic to put it mildly. If you can get your joined lines to hold 90% of the state strength, you have made a good knot. If that isn't enough for you, use a stronger line. Balancing on the edge by using knots that are difficult to tie the right way to extract a few pounds of extra strength will eventually make your line or knot break unexpectedly.
YMMWW!
There is a much easier knot to tie than a uni to uni and it performed much better. You can even tie it in the dark and the knot is fairly forgiving with regarding to having a perfect knot. The only downside is you are limited to about 10-15 feet of leader material unless your leader is on a spool. That knot is a 5 turns surgeons knot.
Quote from: jonnou on July 08, 2014, 10:44:27 AM
I like this one An eazy version of the GT I think
I think it may have been mentioned earlier you can tie it at sea! will post this and going back to study the other Knots in this post to see if any match. also for small diamater braid using uni to uni I double the braid up and be carefull tightening it up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4R3_znSAPz8
I tried this knot to attach an 80lb mono leader to 80lb braid and could not get it to cinch up tight enough to grip the mono. I will say it's Izorline 80lb mono which is pretty hard but ended up going with the uni to uni on it. It seems like the knot works best with a thinner braid that will bite into the mono.
surgeon loop to double the braid then uni knot. i use it on trout to grouper; never had it fail when winching Big Tasty out of a ledge. surgeon loop takes five seconds to tie vs. bimini
Surgeons loop is easy but tests poorly. I use it for deep drops and have had no failures on 80lb but would not trust it for hard fighting yellow tail kingfish or similar. The author of the gt knot video had answered a few questions with people having trouble with the knot. I had no trouble. But it has been said before the best knot is the one you can tie well
good luck guys
I use a 3 turn surgeons loop finished with a nail knot when I need to make a quick loop on the water or in solid Spectra. My Spectra is always heavier than my topshots and I never have problems using what is a 60% knot in mono, I don't know what the strength is with braid. I've seen 2 turn surgeon loops in Spectra come apart (not break, just slip) under a heavy test load.
I always love how the same knot gets claimed by some guy that calls the knot after himself...priceless. You end of with the same knot and 10 different names.
That is similar to the Jim Nomura knot. I have yet to master this knot to my liking.
Quote from: Reel 224 on June 25, 2015, 02:08:22 PM
Take a look at the Alberto Knot, it's what I use and I think it's great. http://www.netknots.com/fishing_knots/
I use that knot for lighter line, 30# Spectra to 15# fluorocarbon, but didn't know it's name.
I have the tools and supplies so anything over 50# is L2L.
The Alberto is the same as the modified Albright and I use it to tie Fluorocarbon to Momoi main line. Consistently breaks at 25 lb on my 30 lb momoi Diamond.
I have created the Dominick knot. There are 8 letters in Dominick so one would start out making an Alberto knot and instead of 7 turns you make 8 turns before you turn back on the first turns to create a Dominick knot. Instead of counting you say out loud D-O-M-I-N-I-C-K then you start the turn back by saying out loud K-C-I-N-I-M-O-D. Then you cinch it up and cut the tags. This is a modification of an Alberto knot. Notice you spell MOD when you make the back turns. Let me know if I can be of further help. :-* Dominick
Quote from: Dominick on June 25, 2015, 10:00:48 PM
I have created the Dominick knot. There are 8 letters in Dominick so one would start out making an Alberto knot and instead of 7 turns you make 8 turns before you turn back on the first turns to create a Dominick knot. Instead of counting you say out loud D-O-M-I-N-I-C-K then you start the turn back by saying out loud K-C-I-N-I-M-O-D. Then you cinch it up and cut the tags. This is a modification of an Alberto knot. Notice you spell MOD when you make the back turns. Let me know if I can be of further help. :-* Dominick
Have you already applied for the patent?
I.E. DOMINICK is patent pending
If not, you may want to consider this course of action.
For example..
Ca. 2002 a good friend of mine developed a new, and effective style/design of a dehooker. He quickly coined this device "The Arcenaux Dehooker", after his last name of course. This dehooker design gained popularity, and its use became widespread. Unfortunately, he did not complete the proper paperwork, and within a few years his design was copied by a major manufacturing company who proceeded to sucessfully market the product, and they continue to profit from 'his' design to this day. Asside from a few old management-related documents, the 'Arcenaux' name has all but died out.
I wouldn't want to see this happen to you. :)
Just look what's happened to the now popular 'tank' name, when we all know there can truely only be one 'tank'.
Think about it.*
*Just not too hard.
Quote from: Newell Nut on June 25, 2015, 09:12:54 PM
The Alberto is the same as the modified Albright and I use it to tie Fluorocarbon to Momoi main line. Consistently breaks at 25 lb on my 30 lb momoi Diamond.
On the SOA trip I used 80 Spectra to 40 mono tied with a Modified Albright and never had a problem even with Sea Dogs hanging on a couple of times, one time it bite thru the mono but never had a problem with the knot.
Could it be that Mono & Floro together are both to slipery to hold a good knot?.
Joel8080
Quote from: Dominick on June 25, 2015, 10:00:48 PM
I have created the Dominick knot. There are 8 letters in Dominick so one would start out making an Alberto knot and instead of 7 turns you make 8 turns before you turn back on the first turns to create a Dominick knot. Instead of counting you say out loud D-O-M-I-N-I-C-K then you start the turn back by saying out loud K-C-I-N-I-M-O-D. Then you cinch it up and cut the tags. This is a modification of an Alberto knot. Notice you spell MOD when you make the back turns. Let me know if I can be of further help. :-* Dominick
Hi Dominick
I tried this Knot but I believe I Misspelled on the way back down. This caused a catastrophic failure of the Knot and resulted in the loss of a fish and a huge birdsnest in my reel.
I would suggest you print some waterproof Instruction cards to prevent this happening to any other innocent anglers out there. Also a Disclaimer in fine print on the bottom would be a good touch. I think the speeling misstacke was MUD which is DUM reversed
Quote from: jonnou on June 28, 2015, 09:19:56 PM
Hi Dominick
I tried this Knot but I believe I Misspelled on the way back down. This caused a catastrophic failure of the Knot and resulted in the loss of a fish and a huge birdsnest in my reel.
I would suggest you print some waterproof Instruction cards to prevent this happening to any other innocent anglers out there. Also a Disclaimer in fine print on the bottom would be a good touch. I think the speeling misstacke was MUD which is DUM reversed
:D ;D :D ;D Dominick
I just re-spool a reel with PP slick #65 and my usual FG knot is not holding and locking #30 mono. Tried tony Pena 12 down 12 up still slipping. Ended up going old school with 30 turn bimini to 8 worm or reverse albright. All the braid I've tried so far it seems the FG tested best except PP slick. No glue was used.
mackereljoe, try to scrape off wax or ? form PP slick by squeezing the line between 2 nails. this is what i do no matter what knot i use, hope this helps...
Thanks, I'll try rubbing off the wax next time.
Quote from: Bill_N on March 05, 2015, 12:59:10 AM
Quote from: jonnou on July 08, 2014, 10:44:27 AM
I like this one An eazy version of the GT I think
I think it may have been mentioned earlier you can tie it at sea! will post this and going back to study the other Knots in this post to see if any match. also for small diamater braid using uni to uni I double the braid up and be carefull tightening it up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4R3_znSAPz8
I tried this knot to attach an 80lb mono leader to 80lb braid and could not get it to cinch up tight enough to grip the mono. I will say it's Izorline 80lb mono which is pretty hard but ended up going with the uni to uni on it. It seems like the knot works best with a thinner braid that will bite into the mono.
I used this knot on the tank. It held on for Tuna and Marlin. It is a very strong knot and goes through the guides easily. I think it is called the GT. It is also easy to tie. Dominick
One more vote for the FG knot.
Brent
Guys and gals,
Go to the Royal Polaris long range boat website(I think it is www. royalpolaris.com). Go to the video section on knots. Go info. Look for the RP knot, or Royal Polaris knot, or the John Collins knot. Easy to tie on a small boat pitching in the swells. I have used it for up to 80lb mono or fluoro to 80+ spectra. it is similar to a lot of other knots but easier to tie then most because the smaller diameter spectra is tied over the stiff mono or fluoro. This is the knot recommeded by the Royal Polaris crew for top shots of mono for cow tuna with much bigger line then I use. I have used this knot for local tuna fishing for three plus seasons with out a failure. You will have to search thru the videos to find the right one. This knot is easy to learn. After you do it twice you got it. I can tie 80lb spectra to 80 mono at sea on my 22 ft boat in about 2 minutes. A young set of eyes and hands could do it faster. it is similar to an Albright or Dominic's Knot, but easier to tie.
Check it out, Dave Babcock AKA Speedwagon2
I've stopped using knots for joining braid (solid) to mono - I only use a length of hollow braid and splice into it. Braid in one end mono in the other. I 'serve' the two connections with Instaflex (flexible super glue).
Splicing is a good option if your hands and eyes are up to the task. I have several reels where the top shot or leader is spliced into hollow Tor Tamer braid by chark baits shop. I have not had failures in any of these connections. My old cement mason/carpenter hands are not going to learn that skill. The RP knot is small and will pass thru guides with out resistance. My dedicated trollers use loop to loop connections which have proven to be reliable. I buy 25ft leaders of Seaguar or Hi Seas floro leader made up with a loop connections. I try and keep my knot inventory to two I use all the time. The R.P. for braid to mono/flouro, and the San Diego Jam for terminal connections to hooks, swivels, etc. I try to use swaged connections for hooks for 80+ lb leader material. The SD Jam knot will work but is hard to draw done properly when being bounced around in a good sea. That is why I bring multiple rods rigged in advance to avoid that issue.
Dave Babcock, AKA Speedwagon2
I'll,second the RP knot. I fished the SOA trip and tied 40 lb flour on to 40 lb braid and it never failed. I tied the Spangler for terminal connection. I fished 16 lbs of drag. 9 yellowtail in a row with no problem. I got rocked, retied, and caught 9 more with the same. On one bigger fish in particular, I thumbed the spool really hard with no issues. I'm a fan of simple knots I can tie in any conditions and get them right every time. I think these two are it for me for now. They worked. I'm sure others could be just as good or better, but they worked and I put the wood to 'em hard every time.
I just put braid on my Daiwa spinning reel, used 10 pound test mon backing and then attached 110 yards of Spiderwire, 30 pound with a double uni. Attached the leader, about 2 rod lengths with another double uni. We pulled pretty tight on both knots and they seem pretty strong. Hope so, going to try it out. Saw the video on the FG knot and it looks good too but I guess I just found the double uni easier to tie so went with it.
We've been using the Modified Slim Beauty Connection Knot. Seems to be a variation from the RP knot and haven't had a single failure yet.
http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=16990.0
Dave, I agree; this excellent strong knot has yet to fail me. It took a few tries to get it right, but that's to be expected. :)
Here's the inventor, John Collins himself, showing how it's done: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiSik3Jqs7M
~A~
It's been said before but I'll say it again: The best knot to tie is the knot you tie best. A supposedly 100% knot that you don't tie correctly is a failure waiting to happen.
Let's face it, even an 80% connection when you're fishing with the drag set to 33% is over twice as strong as it needs to be. I usually use the Improved Albright/Alberto/JC/RP knot but also use the Bob Sands/Tony Pena, Uni-Uni or Albright. I put a drop of superglue on all of them for insurance. They all work well under anything approaching real fishing conditions.
I had no connection failures on any of the 8 rigs I used on the AT 5-day last month. Spectra/mono connections were the Improved Albright and terminal tackle was with a San Diego. Due to a massive spectra tangle on the 5-day, my spectra was cut and retied using a uni-uni by Capt Brian. I continued to catch fish on that reel. I have since replaced the 50# spectra with 65#... why take chances?
I've been making wind on leaders for a few years now and have yet to have a failure, but I've seen a few happen on the boat. I'm about ready to use the RP knot instead. It is so easy to tie and seems strong, but I'm curious whether it is recommended for heavy line -- like 130# spectra to 130# fluorocarbon. Does anyone have experience using it with heavy line?
I had a near failure with a FG knot, but after trying everything else went back to the FG. With only one width of the mono or flouro it is the smallest diameter knot and you can whip the end so there is no mono/flouro tag end to catch on things. It does not click as it runs through the guides and can even be cast through the small levelwind guide on a baitcasting reel.
-steve
I used the video from Saltstrong.com and practiced their version of the FG knot, in my opinion it is a fantastic linear knot; goes through the guides great and is nice and low profile on the spool. I used it attaching my 60 lb fluoro leader to my 65 lb braid main. Numerous fish and quite a few drops to 350+ feet with 32 oz and I'm sold. I did inspect the knot a few times just to check for slippage and...none.
Their video makes it very easy to learn this knot, in my opinion. Check it out when you get a chance.
Just going to bump this again for anyone who is curious.
I just finished tying a few of the FG knots for a trip this Friday...Easy strong, looks great, and goes through the guides like a breeze...I just bumped up the 2x half hitches to 4x, but that was just for piece of mind.
One thing to note, I used this on a couple of Charter Special levelwinds and there aren't many knots you can pack with line, then tie on a topshot, while incorporating the levelwind mechanism...you can with the FG.
Tight Lines all.
Quote from: coastal_dan on December 06, 2016, 04:43:00 AM
Just going to bump this again for anyone who is curious.
I just finished tying a few of the FG knots for a trip this Friday...Easy strong, looks great, and goes through the guides like a breeze...I just bumped up the 2x half hitches to 4x, but that was just for piece of mind.
One thing to note, I used this on a couple of Charter Special levelwinds and there aren't many knots you can pack with line, then tie on a topshot, while incorporating the levelwind mechanism...you can with the FG.
Tight Lines all.
I tie mine with 4 half hitches before pulling hard on both ends (the first half-hitch needs to be cinched tight as well) to settle the knot. Then I clip the mono and tie 3 more half hitches finishing with a Rizutto. Also the half hitches are tied AG chain style, alternating.
Twice now I have broken the mainline far from the knot with this arrangement. Never had the knot let go. With an FG or PR and AG chain to your terminal tackle you have to be approaching 100% breaking strain - to me this means that the "1 third rule" with drags is becoming outdated, because the reality is that a reel outputting 8kg of drag will never, ever put enough pull to break 24kg line. May as well fish 15kg (or even 10kg) and enjoy having way more capacity, better feel, and less effect from current.
Any knot where the leader is doubled over is effectively redundant now - not only is it twice (or more) of the thickness of a FG/PR but it's almost certainly weaker.
If you're still using an Albright, Slim Beauty, Double Uni etc etc etc you owe it to yourself to take the time to learn these new knots.
hi all, i have seen a fisherman in indonesia tie fg knot with 4 cris-cross and few halfhitces to finish off. he tie it with knees and foot wrapped with cloth to put very strong tension in his braid while weaving the flouro the result is fg are soo much more tinier than mine which done with 16 cross. yet He managed to land 3 kg barra without problem.
Ive recently started using the FG know on all my light tackle stuff. 15 and 20 lb braid to 12 or 20 lb fluoro. I love how it casts, no ticking or catching on guides to reduce your distance. With light artificials and no terminal tackle other than the lure itself, little things can have a big effect on casting distance. Ive found its important to really get it cinched down, to where the braid changes color. I keep the tag end long, and use a pair of 4" long stainless bars covered in heat shrink to get a good pull on the line without cutting myself(been there, its not fun).
If youre tying the fg knot, do yourself a favor and try the method where you hold the tag end of braid in your teeth. It makes the knot super easy to tie.
With the fg knot attaching braid to leader, and a perfection loop attaching the lure to the leader, I have caught a bunch of fish, and no failures.
I think I have two reels with 30# spectra and a 15/20# topshot. I have a couple with 40# spectra. All others use a minimum of 50# spectra. Anything lighter and it's hard to tie knots with and not needed to get extra capacity.
My preferred knot is the FG. Very important to make sure the braid digs into the mono. You will see a color change when it digs in. Early on, before I built up confidence in the knot, I would tie the FG, do the half hitch, pull tight, and tie another FG. Makes for a knot that is about 40 wraps. Let's name it the double FG. ;D :)