it wasn’t pretty but i managed an FG knot between braided and mono. Kept half of the 20pd mono on the spool, tied the FG knot connecting the 20pd braid to it then filled the spool with the braid.
I’ve seen people in other forums talk about using a double uni knot to tie a wind on leader. Does this work well with 15 to 20 pound mono tied to braid?
The double uni knot can work for tying on a wind-no leader, but there are many other knots that are better since the double uni is fairly bulky. For example, the FG knot is considerably stronger and thinner than the double uni, but it’s a bit tougher to tie.
First off thanks for all the info, I have leaned a lot from you guys. Quick question, why not use a small swivel between the main line and the leader line? Thanks
The swivels create a weak point in the line (line to line knots are stronger) while also weighing down the line taking it closer to the bottom which can put the thinner braid at risk of getting compromised.
That being said, it’s not terrible to use swivels so you of course can use them.
I’m teaching my kid this exact thing right now – learn to tie a uni knot, and you are pretty much independent. There are better knots for different things, but you can do pretty much everything except a dropper loop (which is also super easy) with a uni knot. Most any line to leader, tying on lures, and even basically a “fake” loop knot … can all be done reasonably well with a uni knot.
I’m a huge fan of keeping things simple, which in and of itself – is not simple. It takes a lot of work sifting through different things to figure out what works for you. Nearly 40 years of independently fishing (not having pops tie on hooks) – and I’ve pared my knots down to four, each for different scenarios.
FG for braid to leader, kreh loop for tying on hooks / jig heads that don’t have a split ring and need action, uni for a cinching knot for maximum strength, and a dropper loop knot for chicken rigs. But in adverse conditions, I can always fall back to the uni for everything other than dropper loops The palomar definitely gets an honorable mention, I just rarely have a need to use it personally.
I almost gave up on the FG, even after watching Lukes video on how to tie it. It took a little practice, but once I got it, it suddenly became extremely easy. I generally FG on 3 – 4 foot leaders before I go, then I can cut and retie several times before the leader gets too short. If I have to tie one on in the field, and conditions are making it difficult to tie an FG, I fall back on the double uni knot. The FG is definitely worth taking the time to figure out
These have been great classes. Before I became a member I found a video of you showing how to tie the FG knot. That video led me to where I am now. I went through a bunch of line sitting on my couch practicing. Finally I got good at it. Then you taught me the loop knot and now the uni. Thank you for the time you spend making these videos. They have been a game changer for me.
I have been fishing fresh water since I was 3 yrs old and found salt water about a yr ago. I am sure I looked like a tourist my first time trying it. But that is why I am doing this challenge and willing to learn all I can so I can take full benefit of any time I have to get to the coast.
Thanks for making time to go through this challenge! The transition from fresh to salt seems very tough while in the process (my transition took 5+ years), but once you look back, you’ll see that there are many similarities between the two.
Great point about creating weak points. It does make sense and something I need to work on.
it wasn’t pretty but i managed an FG knot between braided and mono. Kept half of the 20pd mono on the spool, tied the FG knot connecting the 20pd braid to it then filled the spool with the braid.
I’ve seen people in other forums talk about using a double uni knot to tie a wind on leader. Does this work well with 15 to 20 pound mono tied to braid?
The double uni knot can work for tying on a wind-no leader, but there are many other knots that are better since the double uni is fairly bulky. For example, the FG knot is considerably stronger and thinner than the double uni, but it’s a bit tougher to tie.
I prefer the Uni knot from the leader to the hook, but I primarily use the FG knot for my leader to braid line.
I have not fished in well over 30 years. So much has changed in that time from what I remember. Thank you for such valuable information!
First off thanks for all the info, I have leaned a lot from you guys. Quick question, why not use a small swivel between the main line and the leader line? Thanks
The swivels create a weak point in the line (line to line knots are stronger) while also weighing down the line taking it closer to the bottom which can put the thinner braid at risk of getting compromised.
That being said, it’s not terrible to use swivels so you of course can use them.
I’m teaching my kid this exact thing right now – learn to tie a uni knot, and you are pretty much independent. There are better knots for different things, but you can do pretty much everything except a dropper loop (which is also super easy) with a uni knot. Most any line to leader, tying on lures, and even basically a “fake” loop knot … can all be done reasonably well with a uni knot.
I’m a huge fan of keeping things simple, which in and of itself – is not simple. It takes a lot of work sifting through different things to figure out what works for you. Nearly 40 years of independently fishing (not having pops tie on hooks) – and I’ve pared my knots down to four, each for different scenarios.
FG for braid to leader, kreh loop for tying on hooks / jig heads that don’t have a split ring and need action, uni for a cinching knot for maximum strength, and a dropper loop knot for chicken rigs. But in adverse conditions, I can always fall back to the uni for everything other than dropper loops The palomar definitely gets an honorable mention, I just rarely have a need to use it personally.
Thanks for making time to post the helpful comment Perry!
i’m getting where i can tie all theses knots pretty well fg still a little tough but im learning thanks Luke
I almost gave up on the FG, even after watching Lukes video on how to tie it. It took a little practice, but once I got it, it suddenly became extremely easy. I generally FG on 3 – 4 foot leaders before I go, then I can cut and retie several times before the leader gets too short. If I have to tie one on in the field, and conditions are making it difficult to tie an FG, I fall back on the double uni knot. The FG is definitely worth taking the time to figure out
These have been great classes. Before I became a member I found a video of you showing how to tie the FG knot. That video led me to where I am now. I went through a bunch of line sitting on my couch practicing. Finally I got good at it. Then you taught me the loop knot and now the uni. Thank you for the time you spend making these videos. They have been a game changer for me.
I have been fishing fresh water since I was 3 yrs old and found salt water about a yr ago. I am sure I looked like a tourist my first time trying it. But that is why I am doing this challenge and willing to learn all I can so I can take full benefit of any time I have to get to the coast.
Thanks for making time to go through this challenge! The transition from fresh to salt seems very tough while in the process (my transition took 5+ years), but once you look back, you’ll see that there are many similarities between the two.