FG Knot assistance

[hrogers]

How to keep the braid under tension while doing the FG know
Make a bow and use the braid to keep tension on the bow

[bassbug]

Got to give you credit for being innovative.  I tie the braid between thumb and forefinger,  like a bow. Other times I use the weight of the rod or the flex of the rod tip to help with tension

[Trevour]

It is a nice idea, and I'm sure your knot is a good one provided the stick does not damage the braid, but sometimes the knot has to be made on the rocks or the beach or even the boat, and as far as tools for knots go that is a pretty big one to lug around. Good tension is possible without a tool, and is pretty easy to do once you are used to it.

[FishStyx]

Different mono leaders call for different mainline (braid) tension. Thin flexible mono calls for significantly less braid tension in order to get the braid turns up close and snug without distorting the mono. For this reason, I use the rod weight leaning away from me, with the tag end of the braid between my teeth to get it right. Less angle on the rod is less tension, steep angle away is more tension for the thicker and stiffer leader material. Also, with the tag in my teeth, I can get a good eyeball on how the braid turns are laying against on another... My 5c 

[soupcan]

Different mono leaders call for different mainline (braid) tension. Thin flexible mono calls for significantly less braid tension in order to get the braid turns up close and snug without distorting the mono. For this reason, I use the rod weight leaning away from me, with the tag end of the braid between my teeth to get it right. Less angle on the rod is less tension, steep angle away is more tension for the thicker and stiffer leader material. Also, with the tag in my teeth, I can get a good eyeball on how the braid turns are laying against on another... My 5c 

I second this - tag end of braid in the mouth with rod leaning away from you to give tension to the braid.  Weave the leader onto the braid about 40cm away so you can see what going on.  This can be done on the rocks, in the wind too!

[hrogers]

Good to know - only problem my teeth keep on getting damaged when it came to fishing,   
I repair it again last year in December.
I will practice the knot on different methods

[FishStyx]

Good to know - only problem my teeth keep on getting damaged when it came to fishing,   
I repair it again last year in December.
I will practice the knot on different methods

Crankman came up with a cunning little device that he made. I think he may have posted it on a previous thread but I'll ask him to post it here as well. It doesn't involve teeth 

[hrogers]

Thanks - that might be helpful !!

[CRANKMAN]

Good to know - only problem my teeth keep on getting damaged when it came to fishing,   
I repair it again last year in December.
I will practice the knot on different methods

Crankman came up with a cunning little device that he made. I think he may have posted it on a previous thread but I'll ask him to post it here as well. It doesn't involve teeth 

I will take some pics of it tonight, super simple to make and to use and small enough to fit in a your top pocket. Very handy when tackling up in tight areas like on a busy boat or if doing your knots at night in bed and you don't want to disturb the missus 

[FishStyx]

if doing your knots at night in bed and you don't want to disturb the missus 

Is that what you call it these days?

[soupcan]

Good to know - only problem my teeth keep on getting damaged when it came to fishing,   

You don't have to hold it in your teeth - if I'm at home I tie the tag end to my belt loop on my trousers and then lean the rod away from me.  Works just the same if you use a small 6/7ft rod.

[CRANKMAN]

Here is my little gizmo to help me tie the FG when the situation doesn't allow you to use the traditional method of teeth and rod.

It has a few advantages for us older folk, the knot is tied at a distance that you can keep an eye on it, you don't need your teeth (assuming you still have some) and you can do it in tight spaces or pre tie all your leaders without having to mount the reel to the rod.

I have used two pieces of 12 mm dowel, two pieces of clear tube as clamps, a bit of nylon cord and a spring.
You could swap out the spring and nylon cord for a piece of bungy cord or elastic, the stretch helps to not put too much tension on the braid, which can cause the mono to kink.

I cut a small angled slot in the dowel where I wrap the braid, then slide the clear tube over it to hold it in place.

The knot is tied between your thighs, put the gizmo under your legs first, with the two clamps in your lap. Attach the braid to the "clamps" with a space of about 15 cm between them, spread your knees to create tension, then tie the knot as normal.
I will try add a small video at the end.

[CRANKMAN]

06 - YouTube

[CRANKMAN]

Once the knot is tied, you can wrap your leader around one dowel and your main line around the other to fully tension the knot without cutting your hands.

[REEFMAN]

Nice Gizmo Sean! Really dig those pants! 

[CRANKMAN]

Nice Gizmo Sean! Really dig those pants! 

Excuse the overalls, I would rather have done this on the beach with a hot model with beautiful legs, but sadly I don't know any models and I'm about 1000 kms from a beach...
 

[hrogers]

Thanks Crankman ! - Can't wait to see the video

[CRANKMAN]

Video link is above - but quite small  - click the "06 You Tube" in grey a few posts above

[Zak-e-Boy]

See http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/index.php?topic=19246.msg328727#msg328727

[Zak-e-Boy]

Sorry tried to copy and paste an old post but was unable to.