Knot for Braid to Light Leaders

[chanlo]

I've been using a double uni for about 2 years now and i've had a few bust offs lately on fish lunges with light leaders. I mainly use 6lb braid and 3-6lb fluro leader.
Whats a strong alternative knot I could use?

[Nick_J]

How many wraps are you using with the braid, and with the leader. Also, is your leader or mainline breaking, or is the knot failing?

[chanlo]

I usually wrap 8 times both braid and fluro
I'm assumed the knot is failing but now i think about it the leader may be failing cause the knot is usually still there when i real it in.
I'm using a sienna 1000 reel (I have 2 of them)

I hooked a salmon fishing for bream on sunday and after 2 jumps is broke my 3lb leader at the knot, even after i had loosened the drag off considerably. After this incident im thinking of changing.

[chris268]

Improved Albright. Slimmer profile than a double uni and very strong

[Nick_J]

If your knot is still there after the bust-off, its not your leader thats the problem. Its not hard for a jumping sambo to bust 3Lb leader.

[Tasbasser]

Try using alot less turns on the mono/flouro leader end....I use 2 at times...yes it holds as well or better than 5 or 6. Normally use 3 turns but have slowly worked back form 6 or 7 in the old days.....No more clanging of knots on your guides etc...Each braid and leader set up has its own recipe for me but with standard for 4/3lb fireline and say 3/4lb Yamatoyo Spinning floro learder.....I use a 9 and 3 turn knot. Also vibrate the knot inot place by twanging the line with my thumb when closing the knot......this is probably a big waste of time but my knots never fail....so I'll keep doin it.....

PT

[pyrorico]

I was having the same problem, I switched to a "5 turn surgeon knot" and have not had the problem since..

and it's easier and faster to tie...

[pyrorico]

this is it here...

http://youtu.be/99Wtb7X5V6s

[Piscateur]

I have tried the following knots, Slim Beauty, albright, triple surgeons, quadrouple surgeons, and the double uni. if the knot is hitting your runners as you cast all knots will weaken over time. I have stuck with the slim beauty as I find it last the longest. But I would retie after two hours of solid casting or at the least tug the knot to check.
Do a search plenty of advice on knots on this forum

[Stealth]

I'll try explain the knot use, not 100% what it's called "improved Albright?" but 95 percent of the time breaks at lure.

1- fold about 5cm leader back on itself, pinch leader so it has a slight crease were it bends back.
2- insert braid from top though folded back leader, wrap up doubled leader ( from folding it in first step) I do four wraps up, then four wraps back down
3- after wrapping up then back down insert tag end so that it exits the same way then braid came in the doubled leader section.
4- important part, lube knot, then holding all tags and lines slowly start to tighten knot, until it starts to form but not all the way.
5- let go off both tags braid tag and flouro and tighten fully ( if it grips it worked if not start again) Also if you don't let go of tags and tighten knot it will be no where near as strong.
6- trim tags as close as you can, Done.
Hard to explain but very strong knot and quick to tie once done a few times

[Tom156]

Even remove a length of the braid if its failing to often and your sure your knots are fine. The braid could be damaged and weakened.

[TheChief]

I use a 6 turn Albright knot. Usually 5-6 turn up and 4-5 turns back. Hasn't failed me yet. If I snag up it always breaks at the loop knot on the lure first.

Always test your knots really well before cutting off the tags. Even after doing that it doesn't hurt to rig up a test them in the backyard first! If it saves a $25 lure its worth doing!

What leader are you using? I would recommend using the higher quality leaders. I use Unitika Silver Thread FC in 3,4 and 6lb. Best leader ever.

[chanlo]

I have been using a variety of leaders but a rovex fluro and berkley tournament grade or something like that its called have been the two main ones. Was using Platyl 4lb braid, but i hate it and gunna change soon. Ebay braid from china is better than the platyl.

[TheChief]

I'm a huge fan of 3-4lb Stren Microfuse and Unitika FC.

I would recommend going up to a higher quality leader. You will notice the difference in diameter, abrasion resistance and knot strength and you will never go back. I replace my leaders every time I go fishing to. Probly unnecessary a lot of the time but I do it any way.

[chanlo]

I use 3 rods most times and I think changing leaders everytime might get expensive and time consuming. Usually i like to "grab and go" cause I have so much other things going on.

[HB tragic]

I was having the same problem, I switched to a "5 turn surgeon knot" and have not had the problem since..

and it's easier and faster to tie...

I have limited experience with lure fishing for bream (12 months) but I have been using a three turn surgeon's knot (4lb leader to 5lb braid) since I began with much success. As well I also find it easy and quick to tie. Regards.

[Da'Breamer]

I was having the same problem, I switched to a "5 turn surgeon knot" and have not had the problem since..

and it's easier and faster to tie...

I have been using this knot for about 5 yrs..... to easy :cool:

D'B

[NORDY]

Slim Beauty I find the best most reliable knot by far. Had nothing but failures with the double uni ESP

[mickthe]

I like the Slim Beauty for bigger leaders and main lines, but in the really fine lines I have found that I can't get the Figure 8 in the leader big enough to thread the mainline through.

Anyone got any tips on how to overcome this?

Mick.

[Alex]

I like the Slim Beauty for bigger leaders and main lines, but in the really fine lines I have found that I can't get the Figure 8 in the leader big enough to thread the mainline through.

Anyone got any tips on how to overcome this?

Mick.

I posted on the other thread before: try a triple not double overhand knot. Figure 8 forms much earlier this way, so the opening is bigger for your mainline.

And btw, you may want to try a PE knot for a change, very strong :cool:

http://www.jigsdirect.com/eMerchantPro/pc/catalog/gt-knot-large.gif

Cheers

[Craig]

Yep - tie a true figure eight knot - works for me and my poor eyesight.

[RINGSK]

Albright

[Conehead]

And btw, you may want to try a PE knot for a change, very strong :cool:

http://www.jigsdirect.com/eMerchantPro/pc/catalog/gt-knot-large.gif

Cheers

Thanks, Alex. Care to translate for us? :D

[punchanello]

I posted on the other thread before: try a triple not double overhand knot. Figure 8 forms much earlier this way, so the opening is bigger for your mainline.

And btw, you may want to try a PE knot for a change, very strong :cool:

http://www.jigsdirect.com/eMerchantPro/pc/catalog/gt-knot-large.gif

Cheers

THat looks nice and easy.

I'm assuming the orange line is the braid?

[Alex]

I'm assuming the orange line is the braid?

It is ;)

[mickthe]

Double thanks Alex!

Mick.

[millonario]

I usually wrap 8 times both braid and fluro
I'm assumed the knot is failing but now i think about it the leader may be failing cause the knot is usually still there when i real it in.
I'm using a sienna 1000 reel (I have 2 of them)

I hooked a salmon fishing for bream on sunday and after 2 jumps is broke my 3lb leader at the knot, even after i had loosened the drag off considerably. After this incident im thinking of changing.

Judging from the incident, the line was too light for the beast you were bringing in. Im no expert tho, so discard everything i say immediately;) I use a slim beauty. It's not failed yet. Having said that, i've never hooked anything real heavy. I've been snagged loads of times tho and it hasn't failed yet.

[dpack]

I agree regarding the improved Albright.

Since using it my line breaks at the lure rather than at the leader connection when snagged.


Dave

[cjchen]

i use the stren knot on my kayak

easy to tie, strong as hell

google it!

[hatch]

I use a either a slim beauty or 5 hands surgeon. Slim beauty on heavier stuff generally.

IMO Albright and improved albright are DohDohDohDoh. Because of the tags they generally don't last as long as the other knots mentioned above.

If you can afford to I'd Upgrade on your leader. Team daiwa, FC rock, are all good reliable brands with better breaking strain and knot strength the the stuff you are using.

[creek bandit]

Tie a uni knot in your leader and bring it in so the loop is tight and leave a 5 mm hole,trim tag and then tie a palomar knot with your braid through the loop bringing your lure end of the leader to finsh off the knot. Two strands of braid pulling against one strand of leader prevents braid cutting through it at the knot. Very strong

[Bobby Bass]

I use a standard doubble uni. Your main problem is you have way to many turns on the fluro. 5 is enough, Then 6 or 7 with the braid. I dont get leader failures on big bream or even Bass or even kings with 3 pound. I have had a few lure knots come loose but I should check them better every now and then.

5 turn sergeons knot is a easy one aswell.

[max]

I caught my first whiting on a popper today it only went 25 but its a start & then flicked for another 2 hrs for nought then the 6lb leader departed with popper,I would have swam for it but clear poppers are very hard to see.Ive been tying 5 turn surgeons knot & though about changing but after reading this thread someone mentioned retying the leader after a fair bit of flicking which makes sense as the knot cops a flogging going through the guides or maybe fish with a short leader 18" so the knot doesnt come in the guides,anyone fish with short leaders?

[mal]

Well done on your first whiting off the surface, they are heaps of fun on light gear.

It is good to check your leader/mainline knot every so often and retie if necessary. Even if it looks OK, I normally retie every hour just in case. Also, if you are using poppers for whiting use a shorter leader (eg a couple of feet of mono) so that it doesn't bang thru the eyes every cast.

...mal

[redrocket]

I have been using a variation of the slim beauty.
Start as normal by forming a figure 8 in the leader and threading the braid through but in stead of wrapping up and down like the SB I tie a uni knot in the braid.
Its easy to tie, very strong and casts well. I saw Bill Clason doing it on the 'sport fishing' dvd, vol 1 I think.

[driftcorp86]

pain in the arse threading ya braid through the tiny figure of 8 in ya leader using 4lb leader expecially on a windy day (slim beauty). i stick with the double uni have had no problems at all great strong knot just check ya knot every 10 or so casts i reakon and look at ya braid just above ya knot can fluff

[NORDY]

Theres only one knot to use, Slim Beauty, learn it youll never use another, awesome knot. :)

Use my variation to the knot makes it easier to tie.

The first knot to make the figure eight, do three turns ( not two), it will make the figure eight holes much bigger and much easier to thread the braid.

[HB tragic]

I caught my first whiting on a popper today it only went 25 but its a start & then flicked for another 2 hrs for nought then the 6lb leader departed with popper,I would have swam for it but clear poppers are very hard to see.Ive been tying 5 turn surgeons knot & though about changing but after reading this thread someone mentioned retying the leader after a fair bit of flicking which makes sense as the knot cops a flogging going through the guides or maybe fish with a short leader 18" so the knot doesnt come in the guides,anyone fish with short leaders?

Congrats on the whiting. I also use a surgeons knot and in the beginning tied it x 5. Have since tried x 3 with success but have settled on x 4. The important point I have found is to really lubricate the knot when pulling it up tight. With x 4 the knot appears to be smaller and reduces the guide slap. Good luck. Regards. HBt.

[Squidgy96]

I have been using a variation of the slim beauty.
Start as normal by forming a figure 8 in the leader and threading the braid through but in stead of wrapping up and down like the SB I tie a uni knot in the braid.
Its easy to tie, very strong and casts well. I saw Bill Clason doing it on the 'sport fishing' dvd, vol 1 I think.

incase you were wondering that knot you described is called the kaneit :)

[Hardb8]

I have been using a variation of the slim beauty.
Start as normal by forming a figure 8 in the leader and threading the braid through but in stead of wrapping up and down like the SB I tie a uni knot in the braid.
Its easy to tie, very strong and casts well. I saw Bill Clason doing it on the 'sport fishing' dvd, vol 1 I think.

Your all over it mate. The knot you speak of is called The Kaneit Knot. It is an excellent connection. Strong and easy to tie, also quite small. Highly recommended.

I have perfected tying and put into practice the majority of connections mentioned here, over many years. My results have varied from some very sound knots i will show my children, to garbage i wouldnt use to tie up a stray dog with.

If you want to persist with your Opposed Uni. Take the advice already given on reducing you turns on you leader. I have found four turns in the leader and eight in the braid to be about as bulletproof as the Opposed Uni knot will get. Pretty strong connection when tied well.

I'm with Redrocket all the way... Kaneit!

[forsterfisho]

I use 2 knots - a 5 turn surgeons knot or a double uni knot to join my leader to my braid.
The surgeon's knot is easy as pie to tie, and if I'm using lighter leader such as 3lb I'll increase the amount of turns in my surgeons knot. For heavier leader I'll use 3 turns.
Both the Surgeons and Double uni knots can be a bit bulky in the heavier strains but I've found that I can shorten the leader and when surface fishing or fishing racks I've found that this doesnt have too much of a negative affect as fish tend to react at the presentations and not sit there and watch it before deciding to attack.

I find the use of straight through flurocarbon to be excellent when there is a need for long, long leaders and very light line. 2-3lb fluro straight through is my go to line system for flats work - this eliminates bulky/weak knots and reduces the weak point to one - where the lure joins the mainline.

[h2OBream]

Hey guys

I have been using the double uni knot as a standard braid to fluro joiner. I have found that sometimes when casting the knot catches the guide on the way out, i say sometimes because other times it just flies off smooth ;)

I was wondering if you guys know a way to avoid this? i use a 4/8 turn ratio on my knots i tried a lower turn for the fluro but it still does the same thing.

I have also had a look at some other knots, the kane it knot and the kaneit variation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=d8Bc-uucyZE

which seems like a good knot even the variation but if someone could suggest a knot that just flies past the guides, (one that has the tags parellel to the line so it does not catch) that would be great.

P.S I have heard that in fly fishing sometimes they use a flexible glue (which you can get from rob building shops?) but i dont know how practical and good that is.

Regards

H2o

[Squidgy96]

Hey guys

I have been using the double uni knot as a standard braid to fluro joiner. I have found that sometimes when casting the knot catches the guide on the way out, i say sometimes because other times it just flies off smooth ;)

I was wondering if you guys know a way to avoid this? i use a 4/8 turn ratio on my knots i tried a lower turn for the fluro but it still does the same thing.

I have also had a look at some other knots, the kane it knot and the kaneit variation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=d8Bc-uucyZE

which seems like a good knot even the variation but if someone could suggest a knot that just flies past the guides, (one that has the tags parellel to the line so it does not catch) that would be great.

P.S I have heard that in fly fishing sometimes they use a flexible glue (which you can get from rob building shops?) but i dont know how practical and good that is.

Regards

H2o

trim your tags flush with the knot

[Hardb8]

I only know of one connection that will slide out your guides without catching 100% of the time, and it is rather fiddly and a little time consuming to prepair. There are also argueable downsides which I will mention, that are debateable of course.

You need to start with either a Plaited Double, or a Bimini Twist, then you need to make a Twisted Leader. They are then attachd to each other via a connection I know of as a Bionic Bind. Now I'm not even sure if this set up has a knot in it. Technically a true Bimini, with a Rizzuto finish, is not a knot.
I'm pretty sure that the Bionic Bind should not actually be classed as a true knot either. The Bionic Bind is sometimes confused with a knot known as a Cats Paw. It may seem similar, but is a different animal.

The setup mentioned, double to Twisted via Bionic Bind. Will leave you with no tags at all. It is small, and very strong indeed when competently tied. Guaranteed to slide though without catching every time.

I have been using this system on and off scince about 2005 with great success on both Barra and Bass. Mainly on the Barra, due to my search in finding a connection of say, 20lb braided mainline to a 60lb leader, to be able to slide freely though the somewhat smaller sized guides found on most JDM rods. It works an absolute treat, and I have scaled it down to Bass terminals also with exellent results in the field. 12lb main, and 8lb twisted to make a 16lb leader.

Will type some more on pros and cons a little later, eg light refraction factor etc.

Cheers B8.