fg knot . why, when, where, what?

[LucasV]

Hi all, returning after a long absence from fishing and imediately notice a few changes.

It seems there is a need to tie braid main line to a (usually heavier) leader line, and this is where the fg knot comes in.

What is the reasoning behind this?

Why not use a swivel?

Is this is a rig for a specific target species?

Please educate me .

 

[Junky]

Normally you'd use about 2 rod lengths of fluro leader. 

This would then have to be wound through the guides and onto the reel. 

To be able to cast a lure, plastic or bait and not have big knots getting caught up in and around the guides, other lays of line etc, you need a join that is slim, and strong. 

FG is all of that. 

 

Find your technique.

There are several ways to achieve the same result, so master your way of tying it blindfolded and you will not regret it. 

 

 

[Neil Stratford]

The use of Braid over  mono  is great in most situations . Because of its very fine diameter you can use a lesser  sinker size to hold the bottom , it has next to no stretch so you have a much better chance to feel even the most subtle bites. You can cast it further with more accuracy. Braid has next to no memory , so you can get away without even  using swivels . It’s down fall is it is highly visible under water , it’s fine diameter allows it to scuff easily and it has no stretch. It also may require you to learn some new knots, to lock it down without slippage. 

The introduction of a leader such as flurocarbon to braid gives you abrasion  resistance , makes your working end of the line invisible and gives you a little stretch to fight fish a little easier. There are also different leader materials available , ie some sink and some float - this can also be used to your advantage in different situations. In most situations you use at least a rod length of leader material  , the FG knot is a good knot for joining braid to leader material , it’s very strong and it’s low  profile  allows it to pass through runners very easily , where as the use of a swivel won’t allow you to wind the leader through your rods runners.

 If you want to have a trace separating your sinker from your hook ~ by all means tie in a swivel  at act as a stopper. 
regards

Neil

 

 

[LucasV]

Thanks mate.

[Bob9863]

Another thing is that a swivel can effect the actions on some lures, but for the most part yes it let's you use a much linger leader and the swivel can be a bit visible in clear water.

Of all the different connections I've tried like the Albright, Carrot and probably a half dozen others. The FG knot runs through the guides the best and is the strongest with all different braid and leader options.

I did my own destination testing using different quality and strength braid with various leader options and the FG is the strongest knot I've tried.

It's one weakness or probably more likely my skill at tying it is when using light line like 6lb braid to 6lb leader. Then I find a double uni knot the easiest to tie and about the strongest.

 

[Rebel]

Thank God I use Mono.

So much easier.

I was taught the fish only like the bait.

Cheers.

[Hweebe]

On 09/09/2023 at 8:23 AM, Junky said:

Find your technique.

There are several ways to achieve the same result, so master your way of tying it blindfolded and you will not regret it. 

 

 

I like @Junky's comment because a bad FG knot (done wrong) is going to be more prone to slipping then a simple uni to uni knot.

If i'm luring and constantly flicking lures I'll use an FG knot so that the knot passess through guides easily.

If i'm just bait fishing and knot thickness isn't an issue, I just use an improved albright which i can do easily (not quite blindfolded)

[mangajack]

Fg knots are very easy to tie and reliable.....it does not make sense not to use them.

Three secrets with FG knot tying....1, do not try and tidy the knot up by scrunching it...you effectively loosen it....2, cinch the knot tight after the 1st half hitch then tie the remaining locking hitches....3, a longer knot is NOT more secure.....i use roughly 20 wraps......40 wraps will eventually loosen.   I have used as few as 10 wraps and did not have a failure in testing or fishing but I prefer 20ish.

FG knots do not fail if you apply the 2 secrets above.

If fishing with braid and using a running sinker, put the sinker on the leader material....I tie about 4m of mono / FC to the braid, put a large soft bead on the leader running through the bead twice, then the sinker then the swivel or hook. 

Braid and sinkers are not good friends.

[Drop Bear]

Love a good FG but I use the slim beauty on a thinner line. 

 

[LucasV]

I'd never heard of a "slim beauty" knot before, so searched for it on google.

Thanks for the insight ... I've still got heaps to learn!

[Hweebe]

If we are in general agreement on the FG know.

How does everyone tie their FG knot. Seems to be so many ways to tie it "right"

[Junky]

My way is so unorthodox it's hard to explain on paper. Have to see it but. 

 

Wrap braid around RH pinky finger a few times so I can pull tension on braid from end of rod tip. 

Right hand hand then wraps the fluro while using my left index finger and thumb to pinch the join after every wrap. 

I basically cannot see the join as it's always pinched between my fingers however this allows me to pause if required and also very reliable when tying in rough seas. 

 

I do 30, to 50 passes, then finish with 2 x half hitch around braid and fluro end, then 2 x half hitched around braid only. 

No need to pull tension like others do because I've tied it under tension. It also has very little waste line to cut off. 

Can do it eyes closed, and I've never had one let go. 

 

 

Same as this... 

https://youtu.be/ZPTzkep9xlI?si=YiYXBb3ROhALeLpE

[Gad]

On 11/09/2023 at 11:48 AM, Rebel said:

Thank God I use Mono.

So much easier.

I was taught the fish only like the bait.

Cheers.

I use both... IMO there are are times and places that allow either to have it's advantage... bottom line with each is: keep it simple and any knots strong

 

[mangajack]

The method I use.....with practice you can tie it blindfolded.

It is very easy to tie this way.

Three half hitches is all that is needed....my final hitch i do three wraps of the leader and main line and then trim everything as close as possible.

 

[LucasV]

Noice video.