How to Tie the 100% Strength PR Bobbin Knot
At Tasline, we rate the PR knot extremely highly for medium to heavy line classes where maximum casting distance isn’t the critical factor. It’s ideally suited to jigging, trolling, and general fishing, but while still eminently “castable”, most anglers find the more compact FG knot better for achieving maximum casting distance and accuracy.
When tied correctly, the PR knot delivers near 100% of braid strength while creating a smooth profile that is exceptionally reliable under the heavy pressure of tight drags, big fish, and long fights. It does require a bobbin tool and a little patience to perfect, but the result is one of the strongest braid-to-leader connections available.
Another application for the PR knot that’s gaining popularity is using it to join solid braid (Tasline X8) to monofilament top-shots when game fishing. The tying method is the same, with the only difference being the use of a line class monofilament instead of a heavy leader. In this guide we’ll walk you through the process step by step.
What You’ll Need
- Braided main line (X4 or X8 Tasline Elite)
- Fluorocarbon or monofilament leader
- PR bobbin tool (or similar weighted bobbin with adjustable drag)
- Sharp scissors or cutters
- Cigarette lighter (optional, for mushrooming the leader tag)
1. Load the Bobbin
Thread the braid down through the bobbin tube and wind approximately 12 turns
onto the bobbin. Set the drag so there is firm but smooth tension (it should take
noticeable effort to pull line out).
2. Position the Leader
Lay the leader along the braid from the PR bobbin so it overlaps the braid about
25cm. At about 10cm above the bobbin tube, firmly pinch both braid and leader
together, then use the remainder to provide a good grip.
3. Make the Wraps (the core of the PR)
With the lines pinched, spin the bobbin around and down the leader in a loose spiral (10-12 turns). Then reverse direction and let the bobbin’s weight create tight, snug wraps back over the loose spiral until you have covered roughly 5-8cm of the leader. Keep the leader from spinning.
4. Lock the Wraps with Half Hitches
Pull a short length of braid from the bobbin (approx. 20cm), cut it free, and set the tool aside. Using the braid tag, tie 3-4 half-hitches firmly around both the braid and leader to lock the wraps in place. Cinch tight.
5. Trim & Finish
Trim the leader tag close. Optionally apply a quick touch of heat with a lighter to
mushroom the tip. Now finish with 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 PR Knot
- Keep firm tension on the bobbin drag throughout the wrapping process.
- Prevent the leader from rotating while the bobbin spins.
- Aim for 5-8cm of tight wraps - more wraps generally equal a stronger, more
secure connection.
- Always lock the wraps with half-hitches before trimming the leader tag.
- A small mushroom on the leader tag (via lighter) helps stop the wraps from sliding off under extreme pressure.
- The PR is best tied at home the night before - it is not a quick on-the-water knot.