The Strongest, Slimmest Braid-to-Leader Connection for Serious Anglers
At Tasline, we’re big fans of the FG knot. It’s one of the strongest and slimmest ways to join our braided main line to a fluorocarbon or mono leader. It’s ideally suited to casting applications where distance and accuracy are critical, and works exceptionally well with light, and ultra-light braids.
Properly tied, the FG knot is shorter and more compact than the PR knot. This allows it to cast more smoothly through rod guides and tip, promoting the longer casts and greater accuracy. It is also less likely to generate “wind knots” when casting light weight lures.
Provided the FG knot is cinched-tight correctly in the tying process (see below), it will provide excellent strength and hold up to the shock loads and sudden pressure changes of serious fishing.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of forming a reliable FG knot.
What You’ll Need
- Braided main line (e.g. Tasline X8 or X4)
- Fluorocarbon or monofilament leader
- Sharp scissors or cutters
- Cigarette lighter (optional, for mushrooming the leader tag)
1. Create Tension on the Braid
Secure the rod in a holder and tension the braid from the tip. This can be done by wrapping the braid around your pinkie-finger 3–4 times, holding it in your teeth, stepping on it, or securing it with several wraps around the reel handle. The key is to
make sure the braid stays tight while the FG knot is formed.
2. Position the Leader
Lay the leader across the taut braid at roughly 90 degrees, leaving tag end of
approximately 10–15 cm.
3. Begin the Alternating Wraps
Alternately wrap the leader under one side of the braid, then under the other side, making sure the leader straightens each time. Each pair is a “double wrap”, with the braid forming a weave around the straight leader. Repeat this for 12–15 double wraps. It is important to keep the wraps tight and neatly stacked together. If necessary, compress the stack every 5–6 pairs so they don’t spread out.
4. Lock the Wraps with Half Hitches
Pinch the wraps firmly between thumb and forefinger so they cannot unravel, then release the tag end from however it’s being secured. Using the braid tag end, tie 2–3 half hitches around both the braid main line, and the leader (just above the wraps).
5. The Critical Cinch (most important step)
Now the formed body of the FG knot is secured by half hitches, pull the main braid and the main leader hard in opposite directions. Firm force rather than a wrench or jerk is what is needed. You should see the wraps “bite” into the leader and often darken slightly. This seats the knot.
6. Trim the Leader Tag
Trim the leader tag close. Optionally apply a quick touch of heat with a lighter to mushroom the tip. Now finish using the braid tag to add additional half-hitches in a chain (or a Rizzuto finish) around the braid only. Finally, trim the braid tag to approximately 1cm and optionally apply a quick touch of heat to mushroom the end.
Quick Tips for a Strong FG Knot
- Practice properly forming the FG so the leader doesn’t slip. It’s easy once you
have the knack, but you don’t want to be doing this in the middle of a hot
bite. - Tension is everything – loose and poorly place wraps will allow the leader to
slip. - 12–15 double wraps is a solid starting point. Some anglers prefer 16–20
depending on braid or leader diameters (more wraps for lighter lines). - Always cinch hard before trimming the leader tag. Use our Knot Puller for best results.
- Important: After trimming the leader tag, carefully apply a brief touch of heat from a cigarette lighter to the very tip. This melts the end slightly and creates a small “mushroom” that helps prevent the tag from slipping back through the knot.
- Get a second opinion – there are several techniques described for tying the FG knot. Animated Knots has a great visual example to reference.