My very first PR bobbin knot

[the rockfish ninja]

As I learn more about slow pitch jigging, I find that the overwhelming favorite knot of choice for braid to leader connection in the slow pitch game is the PR knot. So I order a bobbin tool needed to tie this complicated knot and when it arrives I automatically realize that the learning curve is more like a wall. (That I bumped into for about an hour )

But hopefully without dislocating my shoulder patting myself on the back, I actually pulled it off!!! Yes it took me an hour to figure out how the drag works on the bobbin and actually get the knot completed, but it was my maiden voyage, and it's as strong and thin as they say it is. I'm going to refine it to cover up the tag end of the leader which what I think is called the "improved PR", gotta look up the vid on that one, but I'm happy with first time lucky on the basic PR.

[Dominick]

Looks good.  Dominick

[Brewcrafter]

That's a good looking knot!  I'm going to have to look it up, when I do similar connections I usually do an RP/John Collins (in a hurry on the boat) or if I have time an FG... - john

[boon]

Keep tying, they improve with time I'd be looking for slightly closer and more even wraps, the little peek of mono in the middle doesn't fill me with confidence.

But for a first go at it, looks good!

[the rockfish ninja]

Keep tying, they improve with time I'd be looking for slightly closer and more even wraps, the little peek of mono in the middle doesn't fill me with confidence.

But for a first go at it, looks good!

That one gap is the flaw but I put it to the break test and the braid snapped while the knot held. I read that the drag on the bobbin should be strong and I adjusted so, the wraps ended up extremely tight and held well.

In time I'll get faster at it and get more even wraps, but there is no way they can get any closer, aside from that flaw it's tight as a drum.

[Sharkb8]

Looked up the pr knot on you tube seems to be as strong as the fg knot, have to try it myself one day, an practise makes perfect thanks for showing.

Kim

[jurelometer]

My experience with this family of knots is that even a badly  tied version was close to or right at 100% out of the gate, as long as there were plenty of wraps and the braid dug into the mono.   

But even with my best looking ties, I could sit on the patio with a beverage, and work my thumbnail up and down over the knot until it loosened enough that I could work a coil or two over the end of the mono.  Usually took less than one beverage.  Now the knot can be loosed enough to slide apart by the motion of passing back and forth over the guides. I have tried a bunch of different versions, but none have passed the test.  I will not use CA glue (too impermanent in water) or melting a knob on the mono(defeats the purpose of the knot, and melting is  asking for trouble).  I finally gave up and went back to the RP knot  (sort of an improved Albright). which casts though the guides just fine for me, and is much easier to tie.

I haven't tried the bobbin method, and I am not saying that it is not possible to tie a durable (enough) version of these knots, but do suggest testing the durability and longevity before declaring victory. And there are worse ways to spend your time than sitting on the patio with a beverage, fooling with knots.

-J

[the rockfish ninja]

I haven't tried the bobbin method

As far as I know, you cannot tie a true PR knot without a bobbin tool.

That said, I've already tied a couple more and put them to abuse tests. I'm pretty confident with this concept now and looking to see if I can get it tight enough to do it with the least amount of wraps and still be close to 100%.

... along with trying to get good enough to be able to tie it on a rocking boat if I break off, which I think is the true test.

[Dominick]

If I tried to tie a knot like that in a bouncing boat I would puke.     Dominick

[oc1]

what's the advantage of the PR knot over the FG knot?
-steve

[the rockfish ninja]

what's the advantage of the PR knot over the FG knot?
-steve

https://www.sportfishingmag.com/strongest-fishing-knots-braid-to-leader/

[oc1]

Thank you.  That's a great article.
-steve

[the rockfish ninja]

Thank you.  That's a great article.
-steve

Yea, I was blown away by the results, look at the charts at the bottom that compares all the different knots. It has stats on a lot of knots I've used over the years, most didn't hold up very well, hence my quest for better.

If you think that article is great, check out this one, the most detailed jig research I've seen. I spoke with the author in the past and he's a pretty good guy with a lot on the ball, passionate about fishing.

https://www.okhaen.net/the-100-best-vertical-jigs

[Jenx]

Looking at that chart, the Alberto knot, which is the knot I have been using, is not that great. Huh.

[Brewcrafter]

Great article with awesome info - thanks!  I will stick by a couple other truths - the knot that you can tie well, consistently and repeatable is always going to be the best knot.  And Dave is 100% spot on when he says hanging on the front porch practicing is probably one of the best ways to improve knot performance. - john