Any sense if it helps to throw plastics with the leader tied to braid directly, versus using a swivel? I go back and forth. I like the swivel of course because it’s easy switch rigs w/ fast knots and it avoids the memory created by some lures… but that’s not as big an issue with braid as it was with mono… But I like the uni to uni or FG knot because of the simplicity and feel. First word problems, I know, but what’s y’all’s experience?
Check out the crazy alberto knot…for me it’s a lot easier to tie on the water than the others.
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Yeah, that’s definitely quicker to tie on the water. The FG is super easy but it’s a little time consuming. You always tie directly to the braid when fishing soft plastics or free-lining live bait?
With different baits they both can shine. Some times you want the swivel for more free movement, but you can use a loop or rapala knot and get a similar effect. Sometimes you want direct control. I usually only use swivels for weights for bottom rigs and top to help control spinning and twist and tangles, occasionally with a hard bait. I’ve never used a swivel with a soft plastic. I’ve heard some people say it looks like your baits chasing a bait, the swivel. As far as knots go with what your comfortable with and can tie quickly with confidence in. Any knot becomes easy once you get the memory for it. In our water, when its cleaner and clearer water braid greater than 15lbs should get a leader. I’ve noticed a difference every time. Also some braid sinks so 30yrs of sinking braid on a 3/16 lure will change the action. Light mono under 10 is my preferred artificial line for inshore but I primarily fish artificial for trout.
Very helpful, thanks
uni to uni knot. its easy and effective.
Bimini twist the braid to double it then go to an Albright with the leader.
What color braid?
Dacron braid backing to mono leader on casting reels --I use a uni to uni.
New generation braids & mono leader on a spinning reel --I tie a triple surgeons knot on a doubled braided line and tie the doubled braid to the mono leader with a uni to uni.
Thanks for the ideas, fellas. My go-to was always uni to uni but I tried leadenwahboy’s crazy alberto this weekend and really liked it. It’s super easy and fast to tie, even more so than uni to uni. Seemed just as strong. Worked great with braid. The FG is a slick little knot but kind of time consuming. I’m going to abandon the swivel altogether whenever throwing soft plastics and spoons and see if I notice the difference. Really appreicate y’alls willingess to share.
Speaking of cool leader knots: For any of y’all who do any bluewater fishing, when I mated offshore we always doubled w/ an Australian braid, it’s a cinch not a knot, and super strong. you need some beef in the leader to tie it and then weave the tag end back up through the braid.
I practice the FG knot and can tie it in my kayak. Once you have it down you will never go back to swivels. I have landed several lake murray and congaree striper with it. Practice-Practice-practice. I am pretty sure saltwater mag/sportfishing or something along those lines tested knots and they said the FG was pretty much the best.
I use a knot either the Uni to Uni but lately have been using the FG a lot. The Uni to Uni is simple and easy to tie but I have lately been using the FG as it goes threw my guides a lot smoother and I fish mostly artificial baits. One trick I have learned with the FG is to make the leader longer so you don’t have to tie the knot as often. Their is nothing wrong with using a swivel as it is easy fast and effective.
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FG knot is amazing. I use this for offshore jigging and have yet to have a failure. This is fishing upwards of 10kg of drag as well. The knot is very easy tie once learn.
I prefer a knot for artificials & I’ll use either knot or swivel for live bait.
The real answer is - “It depends.”
Tying to a swivel is probably slightly stronger than any line to line knot, but not by much. Plus it limits the length of your leader because you can’t reel the swivel through the guides. I start with like 3 feet of leader and since I retie a lot, I gradually shorten the leader until it gets too short, then replace it.
By the way, (barrel) swivels do virtually nothing to reduce line twist. Prove it to yourself: hold the line either side of the swivel in each hand and spin the line between the finger of one hand, the line will twist and the swivel will not turn.
When using knots like the Alberto or Albright with relatively light mono (including flouro: like 20 or 30 lb), the thin braid will often cut the mono. I don’t recommend them. I tested a number of knot combinations and I double the braid with a Spider Hitch, and then a simple surgeon’s knot is the easiest for me, but the back to back Uni knots are significantly stronger and not much harder. I’ll admit though, that I haven’t taught myself the FG yet. Seems unnecessary unless you are really going to test the limits…
All of that aside, my buddy ties straight to the braid (unless toothy critters are expected) and he catches just as many fish as I do. I just prefer having a couple feet of 14, 20 or 30 pound flouro between the lure and the braid. Often it’s just personal preference.
John
Uni knot always works for me. I have done some experimentation and it seems 4 wraps on you leader and line is most effective in my opinion. I typically use 15lbs powerpro slick braid and a 20lbs fluorocarbon leader. I’ve pulled I. Some hog reds on this setup with no issue. Easy, I’ve tried that FG knot and maybe I’m slow but I don’t get it! LOL. Simplicity and functionality is the way to go in my book. If I’m topwatering it I switch my leader to regular mono as fluorocarbon sinks. I typically fish soft plastics 95% of the time. Houdini’'s , gulp, vudu shrimp, it all works. I guess the key here is whatever is easier and works for your preference. Inshore here in SC, I vote uni.
Guns kill people just like spoons made Rosie O’donell fat.
I just recently have switched to a Uni knot. Definitely not losing any fish because of it so far, but it’s not as easy as tying knots to swivels. I’ll still take a Uni knot over a swivel any day. A uni knot can have as much liter as I want and that’s the biggest plus.
I use triple surgeon loop to connect flouro leader to braid. very easy to tie and strong.
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