Braid to Leader knot test results

[Capt. Hook]

I found this article in the Sports Fishing magazine.

How our testing worked

Put another way, only those knots that tested out at 45 pounds or more were really doing the job; anything less, and anglers connecting braid to their leaders are creating a substantial handicap to their fishing. Here's why.

Before testing knots, the first order of business was determining the actual break strength of the 30-pound Sufix braid used in this challenge. Most SF readers are savvy enough to know that the strength stated on spools of braided line typically runs well below where the line actually breaks. No exception here: When tested straight, the 30-pound Sufix broke at an approximate average of 48 1/2 pounds (in five tests, with breaks ranging from 44 1/2 to 54 pounds).

This means if you tie a single-line knot (single strand of braid) to the fluoro leader, your knot must break at 48.5 pounds to be a 100 percent knot.

More about double lines

If you tie a double line to the leader, you then place the knot used (Bimini, spider hitch, surgeon's, etc.) between the single line and the leader, and you need to know the breaking strength of that knot. In this case, I tied some quick 12-turn Biminis and found they averaged about 45 pounds at the break point. Using that as a benchmark, with these materials, any knot connecting a double line to leader that breaks at 45pounds is 100 percent — relative to the Bimini.

Which Knot to Connect Braid to Mono?

Of the five strongest knots in this challenge, four were bristol knots. That speaks volumes.

More on bristol knots

Tim Simos' "improved FG" knot was the hands-down winner, fair and square. Anglers who want to put in the considerable time required to tie this one will know they're tying a super-strong knot. Still, as noted above, any knot that breaks far stronger than your Bimini twist is overkill since your line won't come close to breaking at your ultra-strong braid-leader connection; it will part long before that at your Bimini.

The improved FG knot came 1st broke at 58.4lbs (30lb braid to 50lb mono)

The imporoved Bimini to Bristol Knot came second and broke at 49.5lbs (30lb braid to 50lb mono)

[Capt. Hook]

FG KNOT
TIPS: This knot may be tied with either a single or doubled strand of braided line, and fluorocarbon or monofilament leader. It helps to have the line taut during the tying process. To accomplish this, you may wrap the braid around one of the larger guides to secure it and offer more resistance than the tip of the rod would. Don't be afraid to try your own variations to suit your needs.

Before you begin you must perform a procedure that I call a "Simos Slice" to the tag end of the fluorocarbon to give it a tapered shape. You may utilize a sharp pair of scissors, or lay the fluorocarbon on a protected table and use a single edge razor or sharp knife. BE CAREFUL! Do not put your body in harms way. Your objective is to get a minimum 1/8 to 1/4 inch long angled point on the end. This tapered point will be covered by the braid during the second half of the construction of the knot.


STEP 1 - Take the loop end of your Bimini knot, or the tag end of your single strand braid, and wrap it clockwise around your left pinky finger 7-10 times. Slide your right hand up towards the Bimini and wrap the braid around your left index finger 10 -12 times. Note: spread your pinky and index finger as far apart as possible before wrapping your index finger. You may also use your thumb as shown to create some slack if you find it necessary.

STEP 2- Place the fluorocarbon (F.C.) under the braid approximately 1.25 -1.5 inches from the pointed end of the F.C.(larger distances for heavier materials). Pinch the F.C. at the intersection of the braid with the tip of your thumb and index finger. Now swap the position of your index finger and your thumb beneath the F.C. Next, place/push the F.C. down below the braid and criss-cross the braid again on top of the F.C. Repeat these steps 11 to 15 times while keeping each x-wrap snug and taught.

[Capt. Hook]

STEP 3 - When that is complete, remove the wrapped line from your two fingers and place the F.C. in your left hand and the braid in your right, taking care not to let the x-wrapped braid unravel. Take the tag end of the braid and wrap a half-hitch(H.H.) over the F.C. and standing part of the braid as it lays firm against the F.C.. It is best to do the half-hitch in the same direction that it came off the x-wraps. Repeat this step 1 to 2 more times while snugging the braid after each H.H.

[Capt. Hook]

STEP 4 - SETTING THE KNOT- (Before setting the knot, you may wish to slide the x-wraps farther from, or closer to the end of the F.C.. Practice and experience will help to determine this). Place a glove on each of your hands to protect them from the line. Wrap the lines onto both hands and pull in opposite directions with a force of between 10 and 20 pounds. If done correctly the x-wraps will tighten to the F.C. and progress towards the tip of the F.C..(1/8-1/4 inch). CAUTION: The x-wraps or "Chinese handcuff" portion of the knot should not creep onto the tapered part of the F.C.. If it does, your knot will be less than full strength. HELPFUL HINT: You may experience the braid slipping off of the F.C. at this step. You can take a precaution before this step to help prevent the braid from slipping off the F.C.. You can snug the x-wraps by placing your right and left thumb and index fingers on the middle of the x-wraps and exerting pressure while sliding your hands in opposite directions to tighten the wraps. If this doesn't work, you can use fine sandpaper on the F.C. to help the braid to grip the F.C. before constructing the knot.

[Capt. Hook]

STEP 5- Construct several more half-hitches until you approach the tip of the Simos Slice. Note: When you snug down the half- hitches, it is very important to pull on the tag end only in the direction towards the x-wraps and not towards the bimini. When you reach the tip of the F.C. be very careful not to "pull" the braid over or off the tip. If you do you have to undo the half-hitches that slide off and re-do them, or start over from the very beginning.

[Capt. Hook]

STEP 6 - After you have constructed a few half-hitches past the tip of the F.C., cut one of the strands of braid 1/8 inch from the body of the knot leaving it behind to secure later.

Continue with 3-5 more half hitches using the remaining strand of braid. Now you are ready to finish wrapping and secure the braid. Do this with a double or triple loop/half-hitch, secured slowly. Pull tight(towards the knot), trim and glue, or set with heat to secure the tag end. Cut the fluorocarbon to the length of leader that you prefer, ATTACH LURE AND GO FISHING. Hint: If you cut the F.C. using a Simos Slice, your leader material will be ready for the next B.I.G. knot.

[Capt. Hook]

Finally

[REEFMAN]

Very interesting Mike! Thanks for sharing... some cred for laying it out so well...!

Few observations:
The Bristol appears to be exactly the same as the Modified Albright?? If so, these results contradict all their previous tests...!?
That FG knot seems like a mission to do... think If I had the time to do a knot like that I would rather go with the PR Knot?
What are your thoughts...?

Do you have a link to that article? Would like to read more about the particular knots they tested....

[Capt. Hook]

These guys are well known for their knot testing in the US.

Here is the link: http://www.sportfishingmag.com/article.jsp?ID=1000084846&cmpid=enews082510

Very interesting Mike! Thanks for sharing... some cred for laying it out so well...!

Few observations:
The Bristol appears to be exactly the same as the Modified Albright?? If so, these results contradict all their previous tests...!?
That FG knot seems like a mission to do... think If I had the time to do a knot like that I would rather go with the PR Knot?
What are your thoughts...?

Do you have a link to that article? Would like to read more about the particular knots they tested....

[Capt. Hook]

FG Knot is way too much for me.

I like my Bimini to double the braid with 8 turn Uni in the double braid and 4 turn fig. 8 in the leader, it has never let me down yet. Nowadays I am also using a 7m leader which makes for a good shock absorber.

On the end of my leader I tie another Bimini and then with the double line a fig. 8 to my lure

[Capt. Hook]

Yes the bristol looks like an albright to me, except that it is tied to the bimini which would make it stronger