Fluoro leader problems.

[billmac]

I attached a fluoro leader to 10lb spiderwire braid on my spinning rod using a double uni-knot.  My son used it yesterday and got a hit on a spinnerbait, and the fluoro knot broke at the leader splice.  I did wet the knot when tying it.

 

I have Carbon Fire rods.  I don't believe they officially have microguides, but, at least to me, I think the guides are quite small and I can definitely feel the "tick" when I cast.  So now I'm concerned that I can't use a leader on these rods.

 

So rather than strip off all the braid, I'm thinking of doing another splice, but putting on perhaps 50 yards of fluoro, something beyond what I'm likely to cast.

 

Does that make sense?  I've read that fluoro can be a problem on spinning tackle.

[Brad Reid]

One issue with a Uni junction knot is you have the risk of either of two knots failing.

 

And, while braid wrapped and pulled tight digging into a fluoro or mono leader works very well, on the other side, you have fluoro or mono trying to "cut" down into and hold fast to braid. I think of this as an inherent weakness.

 

You can get around this to an extent but it danged well better be tied perfectly.

 

This said, my largest bass ever was caught on a Uni Junction knot; but, I greatly prefer an Alberto/Albright knot for similar tying effort. Sure, an FG as a bench knot tied before going out, not so much out on the water.

 

This one photo below, 25", was caught last late afternoon. 10 lbs. braid to an 8 lbs. fluoro leader, a 5'6" spinning rod. The junction knot? Alberto/Albright: 9 wraps away, 3 back and out. Over two hours, I actually caught a total of 6 bass, two were 25" all on the same junction and terminal knots, no reties. That was stupid of me, but the knots were never in danger. The junction knot passed through the guides without a tick.

 

Brad

 

 

 

 

 

 

[jimmyjoe]

   I can't be sure what caused your break-off, but I will tell you one thing: spit (saliva) is one heck of a poor lubricant. And fluoro line needs the best lubricant it can get. You have to use something water soluble, or the fluoro will just pull out later.

   Use liquid soap. Take a little eye-dropper and vial with you when you fish. Liquid laundry soap is a billion times better lubricant than saliva. When I was working, we used it to attach pump boots and elbows and bellows all the time.

   Best thing is, it's water soluble. Spit on it, then wipe the knot with a handkerchief, and the knot is clean. No scent trail to bother the bass.  If the fluoro side of the knot was your trouble, this will cure that problem.   jj

[Brett's_daddy]

1 hour ago, billmac said:

I attached a fluoro leader to 10lb spiderwire braid on my spinning rod using a double uni-knot.  My son used it yesterday and got a hit on a spinnerbait, and the fluoro knot broke at the leader splice.  I did wet the knot when tying it.

 

I have Carbon Fire rods.  I don't believe they officially have microguides, but, at least to me, I think the guides are quite small and I can definitely feel the "tick" when I cast.  So now I'm concerned that I can't use a leader on these rods.

 

So rather than strip off all the braid, I'm thinking of doing another splice, but putting on perhaps 50 yards of fluoro, something beyond what I'm likely to cast.

 

Does that make sense?  I've read that fluoro can be a problem on spinning tackle.

If you have time before your next trip try tying the FG knot. I've learned this knot following this video...