FG Knot slipping

[Junk Fisherman]

I had inconsistent results with the FG knot last year.  I had great results early and then it started slipping on me mid-summer.  I was tying it the same way but I did change to a thinner braid (10 lb braid).  Never had a problem with heavier and thicker tests slipping.  Any thoughts?  

[The Bassman]

Probably need more wraps with lighter line. The few times I used it I did 10-12 on light braid. My biggest problem was the finish unravelling. Never bothered to try the Rizuto. Pretty much fish with straight braid. Good luck.

[BoatSquirrel]

When I tie an FG, upon finishing my weaves and then making the first overhand knot, I then pull both the braid and leader to tighten the weaves.  If there are any imperfections in the knot it will let you know by slipping.  Lightweight braid can sometimes have a hard time biting into the leader material.  A good option B is an 8 or 9 loop Alberto knot.  Hope that helps bro.

[looking45]

I had the same problem and I switched to the Alberto knot. Much easier and you don't need 3 hands to tie it

[Tim Kelly]

If you've changed your leader material that can cause problems. Too light a leader on too thick a braid can slip, also some leader materials are very hard, which makes them more tricky. Try using a thicker leader or a different brand.

[Paul Roberts]

I've had no problems with FGs, down to 8lb Gliss with a 4lb leader. The trick appears to be two main things:

 

-When tying, make sure each tag wrap is tight! I firmly tug at each turn, so that they gather the braid tight.

-Pull the knot tight when finished. You should see the knot bind even more.

 

I also use a CA glue at the end. Drop on and rub for friction to set it.

 

Hope this helps.

[NHBull]

easy fix....

when you cut your leader before you finished with 1/2 hitches or Rizzo ( SP), leave the tag a little longer and us a lighter to heat the end....tap it when hot, which creats a mushroom.  finish as usual . The mushroom will stop it from slipping.   what your describing is not uncommon with smaller diameter lines.

[TNReb]

I use the FG on all of my spinning rods. It's always 10lb braid to 8-10lb fluoro. I make 20 wraps (20 on each side).  Never had a problem with slipping. 

[waymont]

I use 8 and 10lb power pro with 8lb and 10lb mono/fluoro without issue.

What you can try is to do 22-24 wraps instead of 20. It helps with the small diameter lines.

Remember to really tighten it down, and keep an eye on your knot thought the day.

I usually retie once during the day when using small diameter braid.

What size leader are you using? With the FG you have to use a larger diameter leader than the braided line.

[txchaser]

In addition to what is above three other things have helped me with FG on slick braid:

 

1) each four pairs make sure you snug the knot up, tug on the leader just a little too. This ensures that if you missed a wrap being really tight it will be sorted out before it is too late. Three sets total, so 24 wraps. 

2) sometimes wetting the braid gets the bite to start

3) sometimes little jerks on the leader gets the bite to start. Just pop pop pop.

 

I can't explain why 2 and 3 help but they do. Once the bite start the knot will start to lock down.

 

 

[livin2fish]

It has been my experience with 15 lb. braid and 8 lb. co-polymer leader, the more wraps over 12 (a up and a down being one wrap) leads to a knot that is only partially tight.  The last 12 wraps will bite into the leader and the first wraps will be progressively less tight.  Seems like those less tight wraps passing through the guides, over time, cause the tight wraps to loosen.  I've tried as many as 24 wraps and could never get the beginning wraps to bite down as well as the last 12 wraps.  I had almost given up on the FG until realizing that less is sometimes better than more, to a point.

[FryDog62]

19 hours ago, looking45 said:

Switched to the Alberto Knot - Much easier and you don't need 3 hands to tie it 

Or bi-focals when you’re of a certain age and holding line in your teeth trying to tie a knot too close to see..! 

[gilkeybr]

I agree with the previous suggestion of making sure you're snugging the knot after completing your first half hitch.  You typically can see the knot change color as it tightens up.  Then I tie the remaining half hitches

 

[Junk Fisherman]

21 hours ago, looking45 said:

I had the same problem and I switched to the Alberto knot. Much easier and you don't need 3 hands to tie it

The only problem I have with the Alberto knot is that I get more wind knots with it.  The FG is smaller with better cast distance and I get hardly any wind knots with it.  But I've never had breaking issues with the Alberto.  

 

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.  I'll sort through these and give them a try.  

[Variable]

To me the FG's best use case is when your leader material is thicker in diameter than your braid (like 25% or more thicker), and really no other time.  And honestly a blood knot or uni-blood cinched tight with gloves is plenty strong and comes through my guides as easily if not more so than the FG so I just don't fuss with it much.  

 

I know, I know - it's stronger than other knots and all that, and I agree!, but life is short and bass just don't pull that hard in the grand scheme of things  

[DogBone_384]

On 2/12/2020 at 3:30 PM, Paul Roberts said:

When tying, make sure each tag wrap is tight!

I try this, but like others, the last 8 or so wraps look loose and disorganized.  I get about 20% of them right.  

 

Frustrating as heck, but I keep trying.

[ATA]

I use FG knot on all my lines and for 10lb test j-braid X8 to 4lb SeaGuar InvizX I use more wrap and dont forget to finish your FG with Rizzuto knot, I never had any problem with it since forever.