Braid to fluorocarbon connection knot question

[kevinmyfsu]

On 7/8/2023 at 8:20 AM, The Baron said:

After much practice, I've just recently become comfortable with the FG knot - finally finding that the "bow" method of keeping tension on the main line while tying helped me a lot.  After finishing the knot with a 1/2 doz. half hitches of the braid over both itself (i.e. the main line) and leader tag end, I trim the tag end very close and tie a few more half hitches of the braid mainline just over itself.  I would think those add some protection and essentially cover up the tag end of the fluoro so it doesn't contact the guides on casting.  As long as your guides are smooth (i.e. no burrs or nicks) I cannot see how the main knot could wear from casting.  That said, I replace my leader every few trips just to make sure there are no unseen nicks or wear on the leader that may cost me a fish.

This is similar to what I'm doing with the Albright. I finish the knot then tie some half hitches at the end in an effort to cushion the fluorocarbon. I replace my leader every time I come back from a trip, and often times while I'm on the water. The Albright seems to be a good balance between difficulty and strength. I'm still trying the FG but I always end up with a mess. I was able to tie a blood knot recently, but only with some lengths of rope. I figure if I practice with that enough, I should eventually be able to tie it with actual line, lol.

[Tackleholic]

On 7/6/2023 at 2:19 PM, galyonj said:

I get what you're saying. I'm using the fish as an example of a greater (and more prolonged) stressor than the cast. I've never had a break during the cast, either, now that I think about it.

 

My thought is that, as long as the leading edge of the knot (which is what I assume would see the greatest amount of force should it strike a guide ring during a cast) is braid, then the braid side of the knot kind of cushions the weaker line.

 

I don't mean to sound like I'm trying to convince anybody to abandon their knot. I understand that's a deeply personal thing.

???

[Tackleholic]

If some of you are tying an Alberto to a fluorocarbon leader and braid mainline, and the braid part of the knot is going through the guides first during a cast, please show and explain how you do that.  Seriously.  Maybe I just misunderstand the posts.

[galyonj]

28 minutes ago, Tackleholic said:

???

 

I don't think I was clear. I use a double uni for leader knots. The braid section of that splice is the first part through the guide on a cast.

 

[Tackleholic]

1 hour ago, galyonj said:

 

I don't think I was clear. I use a double uni for leader knots. The braid section of that splice is the first part through the guide on a cast.

 

Thankyou Galyonj, I did misunderstand, and your info. is helpful.

[galyonj]

Any time. Apologies for the confusion.

[Tackleholic]

On 7/7/2023 at 11:39 AM, optimator said:

Lefty Kreh knot thanks to @BrianMDTX I've used it for a couple of years now with no issues. 

Easy to tie, but kinda bulky isn't it?

[softwateronly]

On 7/6/2023 at 2:11 PM, kevinmyfsu said:

Yea, it's not the fish that does it. It's the cast. It's always the cast (for me).

 

I've gotten comfortable with the fg, and now tie it as my connection knot 90% of the time.  Definitely recommend it.  One detail that escaped me was, after setting the knot, you have to get the leader trimmed as tight as possible.  Any little leader nub will catch on casts and over time will stress/unravel the knot.  Nail clippers are great for this.  Over the course of a year, I'll see some line twist in the braid right at the knot and that's when I retie it. 

 

scott

[optimator]

9 minutes ago, Tackleholic said:

Easy to tie, but kinda bulky isn't it?

I’ve not had any trouble with it going through guides. 

[VTFan]

On 7/6/2023 at 4:38 PM, Drawdown said:

I used to make the mistake of letting my Alberto knot go into the (spinning) reel. That’s just asking for a knot or break to happen. Learned the hard way.

Dang I never gave that a thought.  I use the FG but a knot is a knot when going through the guides and onto the spool.  Spools just another breaking point.  I will shorten my leader this morning.  Thanks man!!

[BrianMDTX]

@Tackleholic I haven’t had any issues passing through guides with the Lefty Kreh. This is 20 lb. Sufix 832 and a 8 lb. YZH leader. It’s not that bulky. In all the years I be used it, I’ve only had one knot failure, and that was on me (should have cut it and started over but failed to listen to reason lol).