Which braid to FC knot for dropshot leader?

[inferiorfisherman]

I am using 12# sunline asegai braid on my dropshot setup.  I am trying to tie on 7lb sunline sniper FC leader.  I like the idea of running a longer leader with and FG knot.  However, I cannot tie it successfully.  I spent an evening trying to tie it with no luck.  I watched every video I could find.  Out of curiosity I tried the same knot with 18# shooter.  I was able to tie it without an issue.  Seems like my issue is with light FC line, but this seem to be what works best for a dropshot setup.  Should I go with another knot, or is there some trick to tying an FG knot on light FC that I have yet to stumble across?  

[InfantryMP]

I use the alberto knot. I have dumb fingers though and struggle with all my knots. I have just started using the knot this year, as I haven't been using a leader. I have not had any issues with the alberto yet. 

[roadwarrior]

The Alberto Knot will be just fine.

 

[MN Fisher]

With the various ways of tying an FG posted in vids and sites, I have to ask what method are you using to tie it?

 

I have no issues tying 10# Sufix 832 to 6# Seaguar InvizX with an FG.

[JustJames]

With the line that small why don’t use double uni knot? Easiest of the bunch. Less chances to mess up and as strong as other knot.

[inferiorfisherman]

2 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

With the various ways of tying an FG posted in vids and sites, I have to ask what method are you using to tie it?

 

I have no issues tying 10# Sufix 832 to 6# Seaguar InvizX with an FG.

I am using the version from Salt Strong.  Basically, I am having a hard time wrapping the braid around the FC.  The tension on the braid makes the FC wrap around the braid instead.  maybe if I can figure out how to control the tension on the braid a little better, while getting more tension on the FC I could get it to work.  

2 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

The Alberto Knot will be just fine.

 

Thanks.  That was pretty easy.  I need to practice a bit more and see if I can make it stronger.  Not sure what I just tied would stand up to a big one.  This seems a bit bulkier than the FG. So, I will probably run a shorter leader so I don't have to pull it through the guides.  

[inferiorfisherman]

1 hour ago, Bass_Fishing_Socal said:

With the line that small why don’t use double uni knot? Easiest of the bunch. Less chances to mess up and as strong as other knot.

I'll give that one a shot too.  

[Junk Fisherman]

2 hours ago, inferiorfisherman said:

I am using 12# sunline asegai braid on my dropshot setup.  I am trying to tie on 7lb sunline sniper FC leader.  I like the idea of running a longer leader with and FG knot.  However, I cannot tie it successfully.  I spent an evening trying to tie it with no luck.  I watched every video I could find.  Out of curiosity I tried the same knot with 18# shooter.  I was able to tie it without an issue.  Seems like my issue is with light FC line, but this seem to be what works best for a dropshot setup.  Should I go with another knot, or is there some trick to tying an FG knot on light FC that I have yet to stumble across?  

 

I have trouble with an FG knot slipping when using light braid (14 lb) and an 8 lb leader so I use a doubled Alberto knot.  I have no issues with the size of the knot and it is very strong.  I use the FG knot for 30lb+ braid and 12 lb+ flouro leaders without issues.  I don't have the slippage problem with the heavier line.  The FG knot is more important on baitcasters since I am using heavier line and I need the thinnest knot possible.  With light braid on spinning, a thicker knot is not a problem.  Good luck.  

[waymont]

I regularly use 8 and 10lb braid with 8 and 10lb FC, and tie an FG without issue.

I'm curious why people have trouble tying the FG. I never had any problems, but it seem to make some people stumble.

 

[S Hovanec]

I used to use the double uni.  Now I use the GT knot.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

4 hours ago, inferiorfisherman said:

I am using 12# sunline asegai braid on my dropshot setup.  I am trying to tie on 7lb sunline sniper FC leader.  I like the idea of running a longer leader with and FG knot.  However, I cannot tie it successfully.  I spent an evening trying to tie it with no luck.  I watched every video I could find.  Out of curiosity I tried the same knot with 18# shooter.  I was able to tie it without an issue.  Seems like my issue is with light FC line, but this seem to be what works best for a dropshot setup.  Should I go with another knot, or is there some trick to tying an FG knot on light FC that I have yet to stumble across?  

The Alberto is the way to go IMO.  Its a small knot thats incredibly strong when tied and seated correctly.  Before you cut the FC or Mono tag make sure the knot is seated, then cut the leader tag so its just about flush with the knot. 

[paleus]

Alberto is what I use.

 

I've never been able to reliably tie an FG at home, much less on the boat in the wind.

 

Alberto is easy to tie and has been nearly 100% reliable for me. I have no trouble with it going through the eyes on any of my rods.

[Happybeerbuzz]

I use an FG Knot at home and plan on using either an Alberto Knot or a Yucatan Knot if I ever need to on the water.  

 

Tying an FG Knot with small diameter leader takes a bit of practice to get the wraps and the first hitch knot done properly.  The good thing is that you can tell by visible inspection if you tied a good knot. 

[Cigarguy]

6 hours ago, paleus said:

Alberto is what I use.

 

I've never been able to reliably tie an FG at home, much less on the boat in the wind.

 

Alberto is easy to tie and has been nearly 100% reliable for me. I have no trouble with it going through the eyes on any of my rods.

 

Exactly my experience too.  This winter I spent a lot of time while watching TV refreshing and learning to tie fishing and outdoor knots.  Got pretty good at tying the double uni and crazy/modified Alberto knot.  The FG is a no go for me.  The world's best knot is useless to me unless I can tie it properly. 

 

90% of my setup is braid to fluoro leader using a crazy Alberto knot finished off with a dab of super glue.  I can tie this in my sleep, in wind, cold, in dim light and even half tanked. So far none have failed and no problem going through the rod guide.  Most of my leaders is approximately 10-12' long.

 

To the OP, lots of good knots for tying leader to mainline out there.  Learn one or 2 and get really really good at it.  Learn on different lines and type of lines. A knot will only work for you if and when you learn how to tie it and know it's strength, weakness and application. 

[li_bass_hunter]

Alberto knot is what I use. Never had one fail on a fish 

[Chris at Tech]

Whichever you have confidence in tying.  I don’t think you’ll have any guide issues with lines that small in diameter

[WRB]

Use whatever knot you can tie effectively while fishing.

The double uni,blood knot or Alberto knot works. No idea why bass anglers insist on using FC leaders when premium mono has superior knot and abrasion strength.

Tom

 

[JustJames]

10 minutes ago, WRB said:

No idea why bass anglers insist on using FC leaders when premium mono has superior knot and abrasion strength.

Tom

 

Amen to that. I once fall into the victim as well using small FC as leader. Line broke so many time. Now I use copolymer Izorline equivalent to diameter of FC I want (4lb for crappie and 8lb for bass)

[roadwarrior]

https://seaguar.com/freshwater/new-lines/gold-label

 

Gold Label is stronger, thinner and more abrasion resistant than comparable fluorocarbon.

[MickD]

I agree with the comments that recommend the double  uni for light leaders-the knot doesn't have to be small.  

 

I have had trouble withi the Alberto unravelling, so have improved it by adding two half hitches of the braid after  finishing the knot.  That prevents unravelling.  They should be pulled tight.  Ever try to get a tight knot of braid out of the line?  About impossible.

 

I think the problem with some knots is that fishermen don't tighten them enough when finishing the knots.  Since the double uni is a slip knot, it will usually tighten itself (if loaded by a fish) without any problems even if not set properly when tieing it.  That is not true with the FG or Alberto or many other knots.  They have to be set really hard at the finish in order to be successsful.

 

I agree that the FG works much better with heavier leaders than with lighter ones.  

[inferiorfisherman]

I did not really become aware of how overrated FC was until after I bought into the marketing hype and invested in numerous spools of Sniper and Shooter.  I have since seen enough data to agree that it looks like high quality mono can perform just as well or better in some areas for much less cost.  It will take me a long time to use up all of the FC I purchased, because I only use it for leaders.  I tried it on a spinning rod as a main line and hated it.  When I do run out I will be trying mono.  I currently use no leaders whatsoever on any of my setups.  Straight braid on all of them, but a leader seems like a requirement for a good dropshot presentation. This season I plan to experiment with using more leaders on other setups to see if I get more bites.  

[MickD]

Total agreement on FC exc for leaders.  I like stiff FC for leaders, especially on lures like blades where it can help avoid tangles on the cast and snap.

 

I don't like to use straight braid even if the fish cannot see it as I like a little stretch in the system and I don't like cutting my braid off when changing lures/snaps/etc.  I'd rather cut the leader, replacing it when it gets short or when I judge it's been on long enough so that the leader/line knot may be getting a little old.  Yes, that knot is an extra risk in the system, but worth it in my opinion.

[Big Swimbait]

Only connection knot I use...

 

 

[inferiorfisherman]

9 hours ago, Big Swimbait said:

Only connection knot I use...

 

 

I have to test this out.  So easy to tie!

[BrianMDTX]

37 minutes ago, inferiorfisherman said:

I have to test this out.  So easy to tie!

It works. It’s what I use. Haven’t broken a knot yet, and it goes through my guides well. I’ve had a leader long enough that the knot is wound back on the reel and it’s posed no problem. 

 

It it is extremely simple to tie.