Knots in general

[Pogues2300]

The fg knot and other knots get continually put down on this forum. I’ve literally (and I know what literally actually means) never once had a main line to leader failure.  I like the handling of braid and pick my leader based on a few factors. The idea of this post is to encourage others to try and figure out what works for them. As I learn more and try different things I’m more confident to realize I can figure out what works for me and experiment. Happy Labor Day everyone!

[you]

Really? Doesn't literally actually mean figuratively?

 

But seriously, for any given application, knot strength seems to depend more on practice and familiarity with a given line (or lines) than the exact knot used. Lots of knots work, but they all take practice.

 

Not sure who's putting down the FG knot from a failure standpoint--it's super strong. But I do think that many other knots are easier to tie quickly and effectively, especially for small-diameter connections

[Tennessee Boy]

A lot of people use 60+ # braid because they can’t cast any less on their bait casters.  It doesn’t matter much what knot you use with 60+ # line.   I go as low 10# braid to 8# leader.  I will have failures if I don’t pay attention to the details,  especially with fluorocarbon leader.  I use the FG knot.  It’s strong.  I think it easy to tie once you know how.  It does take a longer to tie than most knots.

[Pogues2300]

2 hours ago, you said:

Really? Doesn't literally actually mean figuratively?

 

But seriously, for any given application, knot strength seems to depend more on practice and familiarity with a given line (or lines) than the exact knot used. Lots of knots work, but they all take practice.

 

Not sure who's putting down the FG knot from a failure standpoint--it's super strong. But I do think that many other knots are easier to tie quickly and effectively, especially for small-diameter connections

What didn’t you get? Maybe you are new to the forums in that case sorry

[islandbass]

The joining knot of choice for me is the Albright knot. My reasons:

 

1) It works very well with all lines

2) It also works in cases in which the lines joined might vary greatly in line diameter. Some line joining knots might not be ideal for those cases.

3) It is easy to tie, including in the field. 
 

The FG knot seems to have a solid reputation and that is good. However, for me, it seems more labor intensive and time consuming to do, particularly out in the field and because I hardly ever put myself in situations where I need to join two lines, I don’t see the need to learn or master it. So I have neither love nor hate for the FG knot. I just don’t have a use for it. 
 

I digress but the use of the word literally is used so much (and I have family members who use that word often. I’m in my 50s and those that seem to use that are in their teens to later 20s) when it is not needed — at all.

Do I take umbrage for its poor and unnecessary use in the many instances they use that word? No, but I do chuckle … literally. ? See? I could have just put a period after the word chuckle and the thought is conveyed succinctly and completely. Use of that word was not needed.

 

I can credit my grammar teachers who promoted the idea of being succinct and I apologize that I was not in this thread. Mr. James, my 7th grade grammar teacher would probably give me a B- if he graded my thread. ?

[garroyo130]

13 hours ago, Pogues2300 said:

The fg knot and other knots get continually put down on this forum. 

 

The FG is the king of line to line and I'm pretty sure many here agree ... it doesn't get put down. People use easier alternatives but I doubt anyone questions it as a good knot.

[Darth-Baiter]

FG is the zhasizzle of knots.  i've taken pics of some of my FG knots!  sadly, i have had a few fail due to my lack of skills finishing them.  but i just got my new and updated prescription glasses and i can see tiny things again.  (thingy joke would be too easy folks...save it :D)

 

but honestly, my Alberto is FG (friggen Good) as well.  

 

WOW..."thingy?!!"  the profanity algorithm doesnt like the word my doctor uses to describe the thing.  hahahhahhahah..

[fin]

Some people see knots as a problem they don’t want to deal with, they just want to fish, so they want what is easiest. Some people see them as a challenge, and take pride in a skill that is developed with experience.

 

Deciding which knot is “best” is kind of a personal choice. Technically, one may be the strongest, but that doesn’t necessarily make it the best knot for you.

 

I haven’t noticed anyone putting down the FG, other than saying it’s hard to tie on the water. I don’t think I’ve ever even tried to tie one, period.

 

I use the Alberto, and it was pretty easy to learn how to tie one, but it took me a long time to figure out how to tie one perfectly every time. I go through leaders pretty quickly using 10#, so I tie a lot of knots. I don’t have a lot of incentive to learn how to tie an FG, but I’m not opposed to learning it. One day I might.

 

19 hours ago, Pogues2300 said:

What didn’t you get?

 

I think they were just making a joke. They are agreeing with you.

[ChrisD46]

I've been trying the "Crazy Alberto" or modified Albright knot with braid to FC leader but have had the knot slip a time or two . Never had any knot slippage with the Double Uni knot when joining braid to FC leader .

[fin]

@ChrisD46 the slippage is what you occasionally get from just following the basic instructions. It can also unravel as the end of the braid frays, but there are things you can do to prevent/eliminate both problems.

 

Some tips:

• On your first 7 wraps, make it long, like 3".
• On your second 7 wraps, make them very loose.
• When you wet and cinch the knot, hold both the main fluoro line and the fluoro tag end in one hand, and the braid in the other. (That's one thing illustrations are not very clear about)
• The knot should cinch very smooth and easily. If it doesn't, it's a sign something is wrong, and you should retie until it does.
• Before trimming the knot, add 1-3 simple half-hitch knots to the braid end. (I learned that here. It prevents the knot from unraveling as the braid frays)
• If you have micro-guides, add one half-hitch to the fluoro before trimming. (This will make the tag end point towards the reel instead of the rod tip, so it doesn't catch when casting.)

[WRB]

If you are a fisherman you need to learn to tie reliable knots.

Fresh water bass fishing isn’t that difficult regarding knot strength verse forces needed to land any size bass.

Salt water off shore game fish like Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo are another story and the knot must be perfect to withstand fish that can pull you out of the boat and run several hundred yards without slowing down.

Practice your knot tying until you tie it perfectly every time.

The advantage the FG main line to leader knot is it’s small diameter size when finished. Difficult to tie the FG knot under fishing conditions on the water so I don’t use it.

Tom

[Maggiesmaster]

Quick story:  A good friend (unfortunately deceased) and I were bass fishing, and he hooked the biggest bass either of us had ever seen.  Dennis, bless his heart, could not tie a simple improved clinch knot even after I showed him a number of times. As he got the bass to the boat, the knot came untied! This was the only time I ever saw a grown man cry! Later, I was reading an ad in Bassmaster for a ‘no fail’ hook attachment, that cost $200. I said “Dennis, you need to buy this. Wouldn’t you have paid $200 for that big bass?” He replied “ nope, that’s too much, but I would’ve paid $100!”

[fin]

2 hours ago, Maggiesmaster said:

ad in Bassmaster for a ‘no fail’ hook attachment

 

What was that?

[Pogues2300]

Difficult to tie the fg under fishing conditions… I tie it from a kayak in any condition. Ever consider it’s just you? It’s not hard whatsoever. 

[Darth-Baiter]

its difficult for me to tie in my kayak.  i gotten to where i like to use a little tension put on the line from the rod itself.  

 

so yea, my way isnt ideal for kayak FG tying.    Good on you Pogues for being so proficient at it.   if  am being honest, your last response is a scooch defensive sounding. 

 

and your title, "Knot in general" does open the door to discuss other knot options. 

[thediscochef]

My favorite knots is the Don variety 

[garroyo130]

On 9/7/2023 at 8:48 PM, Pogues2300 said:

Difficult to tie the fg under fishing conditions… I tie it from a kayak in any condition. Ever consider it’s just you? It’s not hard whatsoever. 

 

like @Darth-Baiter, I ain't tying it outside of home. If for no other reason than to me the braid tag end of an FG should be singed and I don't carry a lighter with me. I'm also pretty picky about my FGs ... 20 wraps, rizzuto finish, no overhand knots. 

 

I don't think there's much debate that its relatively hard to tie on or off the water for anyone with only 2 hands and average sized fingers. 

Edited September 10, 2023 by garroyo130

[you]

On 9/5/2023 at 5:00 PM, fin said:

 

On 9/4/2023 at 9:46 PM, Pogues2300 said:

What didn’t you get?

 

I think they were just making a joke. They are agreeing with you.

 

Correct. I think the 'literally' debate is pretty funny. The word can be used precisely or imprecisely (i.e. for emphasis). It's up to the speaker/writer to provide context and avoid ambiguity, if that is the goal. Language evolves quickly.

 

Of course, I only use the literal definition of literal. Interpret that however you like :)

[waymont]

On 9/4/2023 at 5:40 PM, Pogues2300 said:

The fg knot and other knots get continually put down on this forum. I’ve literally (and I know what literally actually means) never once had a main line to leader failure.  I like the handling of braid and pick my leader based on a few factors. The idea of this post is to encourage others to try and figure out what works for them. As I learn more and try different things I’m more confident to realize I can figure out what works for me and experiment. Happy Labor Day everyone!

Lots of people on here will TELL you up and down that using braid to leader is bad, over and over. Trying to shame and bully people into not using a leader. While people like us who prefer to use a leader have to get preached to. Us leader users happily keep fishing and not having issues and having fun. That’s because we don’t have the need / want to shame anyone into fishing a certain type of way. Leader users live on a higher plain of existence, and happily prefer to have everyone fish the way they like. Heehee

[ike8120]

I started to use the Red Phillips knot for braid/fc leader. Easy to tie and very small.

[Bird]

26 minutes ago, waymont said:

Lots of people on here will TELL you up and down that using braid to leader is bad, over and over. Trying to shame and bully people into not using a leader. While people like us who prefer to use a leader have to get preached to. Us leader users happily keep fishing and not having issues and having fun. That’s because we don’t have the need / want to shame anyone into fishing a certain type of way. Leader users live on a higher plain of existence, and happily prefer to have everyone fish the way they like. Heehee

I usually tie the Alberto knot holding a glass of red wine, pinky in the air, makes me feel successful in life.......of course I use leaders. ?

[Pogues2300]

On 9/8/2023 at 10:08 AM, Darth-Baiter said:

its difficult for me to tie in my kayak.  i gotten to where i like to use a little tension put on the line from the rod itself.  

 

so yea, my way isnt ideal for kayak FG tying.    Good on you Pogues for being so proficient at it.   if  am being honest, your last response is a scooch defensive sounding. 

 

and your title, "Knot in general" does open the door to discuss other knot options. 

I agree with your assessment including me being defensive. The topic I guess was vague because I continually see ( usuallya certain person or two) make the broad statement about adding another knot I guess but I hear where you are coming from

[Darth-Baiter]

@Pogues2300.  totally understandable.

 

knots are super subjective, it would seem. 

 

 

[Maggiesmaster]

On 9/6/2023 at 7:42 PM, fin said:

 

What was that?

Some apparatus that ‘welded’ the mono in a loop; looked like snake oil to me.  Guess it was, because I haven’t seen it advertised in several years.

[Dan N]

I’ve never had an issue with the uni to uni knot, for leaders, and the Trilene knot for mono, Palomer for braid. I stick to these 3. I can tie them all easily and have no reason to change.