How to Splice 12-Strand Hollow Braid to Leader Line
Splicing hollow 12-strand braid directly to a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader creates one of the strongest and smoothest connections possible. Because the braid is hollow, the mono can be inserted inside it, forming a secure “Chinese finger trap” style join that is slim, strong, and passes cleanly through rod guides.
This method is ideal when you want maximum strength and a low-profile connection without using a traditional knot.
What You’ll Need
- 12-strand hollow braid (Tasline X12)
- Monofilament or fluorocarbon leader
- Splicing needle (hollow needle with a rounded point to suit the leader size)
- Sharp scissors or cutters
- Lighter (optional)
- Super glue or UV resin (optional but recommended)
1. Prepare the Leader
Cut the end of the leader at a shallow angle to form a tapered point. This makes it easier to insert into the braid directly (splicing without a needle), or into the rear of the hollow splicing needle. Optionally, when not using a needle to guide the leader up the hollow braid, lightly melt the tapered point tip with a lighter to create a small, rounded end (do not create a large mushroom). This will help keep the point of the leader inside the hollow braid.
2. Open the Braid
Using your splicing needle or a fid, carefully open the hollow core of the 12-strand braid. You want to create a tunnel large enough to accept the leader.
3. Insert the Leader
Using a hollow splicing needle is highly desirable. It makes sliding the leader up the 12-strand braid considerably easier, and also helps protect the braid from snagged fibres or damage. Choose a needle size that only just accepts the leader inside, or just wedges the tapered point. Now feed the splicing needle and trailing braid a minimum of 30cm along the inside of the hollow braid. Longer insertions generally give a stronger splice, especially with heavier leaders. Once the desired splice length is reached, gently slip the splicing needle ahead of the leader, leaving the leader in place, then carefully slide it out through the side of the hollow braid.
If not using a splicing needle, carefully slide the pointed end of the leader along the hollow core of the braid. Patience is needed because there isn’t a rigid splicing needle helping keep the leader straight. Take care not to snag into the braid as you go. Remember to make the splice a minimum of 30cm long, with longer splices generally stronger.
4. Milk the Braid Down
Gently pull and “milk” the braid down over the leader so it tightens and grips the leader firmly. The braid should sit smoothly and evenly around the length of the leader with no large gaps or bunching. The cut and tapered end of the leader formed in Step-1 now serves to provide a protecting ramp as the hollow braid transitions over top of the leader.
5. Lock the Splice (Recommended)
To prevent the hollow braid unravelling at the end, or the leader from working its way out under extreme pressure, lock the end of the splice:
- Use a length of dental floss or waxed serving thread to bind over top of the last 1-2cm of braid so it is tight to the leader and will not fray, or
- Apply a small amount of super glue or UV resin over the last 1-2cm of braid and work it into place so the transition from leader to splice is smooth and secure.
6. Trim and Finish
Trim any excess braid tag if necessary. Check that the transition from braid to leader
is smooth. The finished splice should feel firm and look neat. Now test load the splice
with moderate pressure to ensure any remaining creep has been removed.
Quick Tips for Best Results:
- When matching leader to line, aim for a leader rating that is no more or less than 30% of the braid rating.
- Don’t forget the taper cut at the tip of the leader, it’s critical for getting a strong transition where the hollow braid expands to cover the leader and form the splice
- Some anglers find using a small piece of very fine sandpaper to smooth the tapered cut in the leader beneficial in making insertion easier and the finished result stronger
- Don’t be tempted to over-expand the hollow braid to fit a fat leader. Moving to a thinner fluorocarbon leader will generally provide a stronger splice
- Using a fid made from suitable stainless wire with smooth rounded ends to loosen and open the hollow braid will make the splice easier to form