Couple leader knot questions

[padlin]

Started using leader, braid to FC, last year when fishing bass in pickerel infested waters, so I’m pretty new to them. Many times I reel the knot into the guides, mostly by accident, when I cast I can feel the knot thump its way through the guides which has to have some effect on casting. Have tried a few different knots, which I can tie okay if I setup at home, use a double uni if I have to tie on in the boat, it’s the only one I’m proficient at.

 

I do okay if I only use a 12 to 18” leader, which don’t last me too long as sometimes I retie quite a bit, I only carry a few rods.

 

1. should I be using superglue, at least for the home tied knots? I see what looks like glue on some of the images folks post.

 

2. How short do you cut the tags, with rod without the superglue?

 

3. Do you feel your leaders going through the guides?

 

Thanks

[Jar11591]

1. I’ve never bothered with superglue. If the knot is tied correctly I don’t think it’s needed.
 

2. I cut the tags ends as short as I can while still being able to see it. 
 

3. Yes. No matter how small a leader knot is it’s probably going to be noticeable. I do my best to not reel past the guides but it’s no big deal if it happens. I think the amount it effects casting distance is minimal. 

[BrianMDTX]

^^^this. 
 

I lay my finished knot on a sheet of glass and use a single-edge razor blade to trim the tag ends as close as humanly possible without touching the actual knot. 
 

I use the Lefty Kreh knot. I can feel it go through the guides, but it’s nothing I lose sleep over. 

[Motoboss]

 

 

I’ve learned this knot as it is really simple, easy to learn to tie, small and strong. It goes through the guides easily and barely is felt.

[casts_by_fly]

No superglue and the shortest tag ends as I can get. The mono/fluoro tag end is more important than the braid side since braid is soft and flexible even at short lengths.  I don’t use braid to leader often, but when I do it’s an Alberto knot which is smaller than a double Uni. I don’t worry about it going through the guides. It’s not optimal but small knots pass just fine, especially for heavier lures. 

[softwateronly]

I almost always use an fg knot and a 7-10' leader these days, and I can usually feel the knot.  I don't think there's a more streamlined knot so it's just something you have to decide if you want to deal with.  I can cast far enough for clear water fishing, so I don't think there's a significant distance loss.

 

scott

[garroyo130]

Same as above. FG knot and my leader is about 2 rod lengths. I leave a little less than 1/8" tag and then burn the end with a lighter to get a little bulb on the mono and to clean up the frayed ends on the braid. 

[ska4fun]

3 hours ago, padlin said:

Started using leader, braid to FC, last year when fishing bass in pickerel infested waters, so I’m pretty new to them. Many times I reel the knot into the guides, mostly by accident, when I cast I can feel the knot thump its way through the guides which has to have some effect on casting. Have tried a few different knots, which I can tie okay if I setup at home, use a double uni if I have to tie on in the boat, it’s the only one I’m proficient at.

 

I do okay if I only use a 12 to 18” leader, which don’t last me too long as sometimes I retie quite a bit, I only carry a few rods.

 

1. should I be using superglue, at least for the home tied knots? I see what looks like glue on some of the images folks post.

 

2. How short do you cut the tags, with rod without the superglue?

 

3. Do you feel your leaders going through the guides?

 

Thanks

Cut as short as possible. Lub them with water/saliva before tightening. Usually I don't feel it, using the modified Alberto knot, using 0.08mm braided - 0.38mm FC. 

[padlin]

Thanks all, got what I needed. I’ll do some practicing while I’m watching todays games and see which knots I want to sick with.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

I use 10-12' FC FC with a modified Alberto.  I can feel the knot going through the guides, but its more subtle then a uni uni.  Superglue will help protect the knot from damage from going through the guide train and help it run through a little smoother.  That said, I dont feel the need to use glue.  With an Alberto/Albright style knot you can and should cut the tag as close to the knot as you can without damaging it.  I like nail clippers, they make it easy to cut the tag nearly flush with the knot.  If you dont cut the leader tag short enough line can slip in between the tag and mainline which can turn into mess.