Braid to 6# Fluorocarbon Leader Help

[Happybeerbuzz]

I use a lot of braid to leader set ups.  This post is specifically about 6# FC.  I don't have this problem with mono or 8# FC.  In this single circumstance, I have been using an Alberto knot to connect the leader.  It seems like the line diameter of the 6# FC is too small.  I cannot get FG wraps to dig into the leader even if I use as many as 30 wraps.  Consequently, I have been using an Alberto knot for this circumstance which works adequately.  With that said, I would prefer to use an FG knot if at all possible.  Sometimes when I snag, my Alberto knot gives before my SD Jam, Pitzen, or Orvis knot do.  Since I am only talking about 6# line, I am hesitant to use a weaker knot to connect to the lure.  It's annoying to the point I am considering a dedicated 6# FC reel.  Before I do, I thought I would consult all of you.

 

It also occurs to me that perhaps those who can successfully tie 6# FC leader might be using other gear so here is what I am using.  

 

Leader Line:  6# Red Label
Main Line:  15# Kastpro

[MassYak85]

I've had this same issue, and TBH haven't really found a solution other than use another knot. But that being said, try actually using fewer wraps. After a certain point the additional wraps are not really biting into the line. Try like 15 wraps and see if it bites. 

[Allen Der]

Double uni knot

[Team9nine]

I've had no problems using FG on 5# and 6# FC line, but I'm also only using 3, 5 and 8# braid, so that might make a difference. Always use 12/24 wraps regardless.

 

 

[BoatSquirrel]

I almost posted this same topic and have been experimenting with knots.  Cant get an FG to bite with light line but Alberto is not quite strong enough even with 9 wraps.  Saw an old utube video of the double alberto and it seems to be an improvement.  Run your braid through the leader loop, then pull it back through and do 6 turns up and back with both strands of braid like a regular alberto.  Finish with 3 tags.  Good luck man!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WGH65RGH2C4

 

[GreenPig]

I run 10 lb Berkley fireline braid with 6 lb Red label FC using a 7 wrap Alberto. I retie before every trip and have caught 5 to 10 lb stripers on it. If it'll handle those hard chargers it'll definitely handle LM.

 

 

[Dwight Hottle]

Why don’t you just use 6 lb mono or 8 lb flouro since they don’t cause a problem? Seems like an easy solution.

[Happybeerbuzz]

1 hour ago, Team9nine said:

I've had no problems using FG on 5# and 6# FC line, but I'm also only using 3, 5 and 8# braid, so that might make a difference. Always use 12/24 wraps regardless.

 

 

What brands of line do you use if you don't mind me asking? 

[WRB]

If you're using 6# FC that is .008 dia why use Red label? Seaguar offer 6# .008 dia in 3 better FC line grades with improved knot strength. If you want .008 dia line with knot strength greater then FC use Maxima UG 5# is .008 dia.

Tom

PS, surprised the Alberto/RP knot isn't working, could be KK braid.

[Happybeerbuzz]

22 minutes ago, WRB said:

If you're using 6# FC that is .008 dia why use Red label?

BPS had a sale for $7.49 per spool. If the line is the problem, I’ll stop trying.  

[Team9nine]

1 hour ago, Happybeerbuzz said:

What brands of line do you use if you don't mind me asking? 

Regular PP braid and either Seaguar (Tatsu, InvizX) or Toray Super Finesse FC leaders.

[WRB]

1 minute ago, Happybeerbuzz said:

BPS had a sale for $7.49 per spool. 

How many leaders do you make up a year that you need bargin line?

Tom

 

[Happybeerbuzz]

25 minutes ago, WRB said:

PS, surprised the Alberto/RP knot isn't working, could be KK braid.

It’s working.  It just gives out before my line to lure knot when I have to break off. 

[Happybeerbuzz]

2 minutes ago, WRB said:

How many leaders do you make up a year that you need bargin line?

Tom

 

It’s not so much as that as how much other new stuff I have to pass up in favor of more expensive line. The 20, 15, 12, & 10# Red Label are working fine with an FG knot so far.  With other FC normally costing $20-25 a spool, it amounts to the bait monkey having to go without a lot of meals. Besides, Red Label is on TW’s best seller list so there is some consensus that it is an adequately good product. 

[matbellon3]

Get a PR bobbin and try the PR knot. I have never had an issue with its knot strength. 

[dodgeguy]

i dont use leaders because i dont believe in extra knots. i would use 6 or 8 straight flourocarbon.

[txchaser]

Try a six-turn surgeon's knot. Strong enough that the flouro line will break at the terminal knot, fast, and hard to get wrong regardless of light, moving platform, etc.

[WRB]

Can't image why a weekend bass angler uses so many different FC leader lines! Spinning I understand you may need 1 the 6#, bait casting maybe another but 6 is over the top. I don't use any braid to FC leaders and catch lots of bass.

Tom

 

[Happybeerbuzz]

55 minutes ago, WRB said:

Can't image why a weekend bass angler uses so many different FC leader lines! Spinning I understand you may need 1 the 6#, bait casting maybe another but 6 is over the top. I don't use any braid to FC leaders and catch lots of bass.

Tom

 

My dad use to slay them too with just a Zebco 33 and a spool of Stren, but bass fishing hasn’t really been much about ‘need’ in decades.  I couldn’t decide on a couple so I bought a variety.  Being on sale, it was an affordable way to get into FC. 

[Tim Kelly]

I have had this issue with certain rare combinations of leader and braid. The answer is to use a different leader line. It usually happens when I'm trying to use a thin hard leader with thicker braid. I had a problem with 3lb fluoro to 10lb braid, but swapping to 3lb mono cured it.

[waymont]

Try using smaller diameter braid. I use 8 and 10lb PP with 6lb redlabel with a 20 turn FG without issue. Seems like the braid may be too thick to dig into the line.

[ww2farmer]

I use 6lb Red Label to 10lb Power Pro all the time. Zero issues with the Alberto Knot.

 

 

 

 

[CroakHunter]

I have found that I have trouble tying fg knots with the kastking braid. It has a larger diameter, which I believe throws off the knot. I am pretty efficient in tyinf multiple knots and leader connections and have only had problems out of kk, even in heavier lb tests. I used to be a braid to leader  fan but have since switched to mainlines only, whether that is braid, mono, copoly, or fluoro. My favorite braid to tie a leader knot with is daiwa j-braid x4. When crappie fishing I could tie 10lb braid to 4lb mono.

[WRB]

Zebco 33 outfit is all that is needed for novice anglers.

Time on the water is limited and valuable and equipment failure a waste of time and lost opportunity to develop fishing skills.

Suggested Max UG 5 lb Copolymer line to resovle your knot issues, it's not a cheap product, it's a premium line with exceptional knot strength with high abrasion resistance needed for finesse bass fishing. 

Tom

 

 

[Happybeerbuzz]

5 hours ago, waymont said:

Try using smaller diameter braid. I use 8 and 10lb PP with 6lb redlabel with a 20 turn FG without issue. Seems like the braid may be too thick to dig into the line.

 

3 hours ago, CroakHunter said:

I have found that I have trouble tying fg knots with the kastking braid.

I have some 10# PP. I’ll give it a go tonight when I get minute.  Thanks for the help.