FG Knot

FlatsNBay · December 10, 2024, 02:44:24 PM

Over the years, I've used an FG Knot a ton as a leader connection knot. I've always liked the knot and never had any problems with it,... until now. I recently broke 2 FG knots while fishing with a jerkbait. I'm wondering if all of the rod snapping and reeling in the line rapidly through the guides helps to contribute to breaking the knot? I don't think that I have had one other FG knot fail with any other technique, and I have used the FG knot a bunch. Same line and same leader.

I'm debating switching to a different leader connection knot when using a jerkbait. Your thoughts?

Capt. BassinLou · December 10, 2024, 03:03:47 PM

That's definitely a weird situation. You know the fg is the only knot I tie for joining line's, and I can't remember the last time I had a knot fail. I got to cut them off because I lost too much leader.
You're a mindful angler so I'm sure you covered your basis. Here would be my checklist to determine the problem:
- is it a new spool of the same line that's probably bad?
- are you tying the knot identically, as you were before? Same number of wraps and cinch down knots?
- have you changed rods, with micro guides?
- tying fresh leaders on each outing?

Again those were just spitballing questions. Doesn't make sense to have 2 knots fail, if nothing has changed.
Keep us posted if you find the issue.

FlatsNBay · December 10, 2024, 08:13:38 PM

Nothing has changed. I'm super meticulous in all of the details and knot tying. The only thing is the technique. It's jerkbait season and I had 2 fails in back to back trips.

FlatsNBay · December 14, 2024, 07:08:50 AM

I'm going to try and pay attention to making sure to really cinching down the knot and also adding more finishing knots to prevent the knot from slipping. I think that the intense jerking and quickly reeling the knot through the guides when fishing a jerkbait is causing the line to slip. I'm going to try that. It hurts when my little 13 Fishing Whipper Snapper jerkbait has been discontinued and losing one due to my knot slipping has dire consequences!

Capt. BassinLou · December 14, 2024, 08:38:48 AM

Quote from: FlatsNBay on December 14, 2024, 07:08:50 AMI'm going to try and pay attention to making sure to really cinching down the knot and also adding more finishing knots to prevent the knot from slipping. I think that the intense jerking and quickly reeling the knot through the guides when fishing a jerkbait is causing the line to slip. I'm going to try that. It hurts when my little 13 Fishing Whipper Snapper jerkbait has been discontinued and losing one due to my knot slipping has dire consequences!

I do a total of 9 finishing knots. Ever Since I have switched to this following knot combination, I have had 0 FG knot issues.
When I complete the knot, I finish it with 3 overhand knots, very tight cinch, 3 wrap Rizzuto knot, followed by 3 more, overhand knots. Done.

Princeton_Man · December 18, 2024, 07:01:39 AM

Could your Fluoro/Mono be aged, heat damaged, of just have a weak section? Are there any remnants of the knot after the break?

FlatsNBay · December 18, 2024, 08:26:41 AM

The fluorocarbon is slipping out of the knot. It only started happening when jerkbait fishing. The line is good.

Capt. BassinLou · December 18, 2024, 08:39:00 AM

Quote from: FlatsNBay on December 18, 2024, 08:26:41 AMThe fluorocarbon is slipping out of the knot. It only started happening when jerkbait fishing. The line is good.

Is it slipping after you cinch the first holding knot?

Princeton_Man · December 18, 2024, 08:30:20 PM

Quote from: FlatsNBay on December 18, 2024, 08:26:41 AMThe fluorocarbon is slipping out of the knot. It only started happening when jerkbait fishing. The line is good.

Is the braid coated? Maybe it picked up oil or some other contaminant from the water surface that's reducing the friction/grip in the knot? You might try some fresh line. While it doesn't help identify the problem, maybe a small drop of Crazy Glue on the knot would prevent it from loosening.

Capt. BassinLou · December 19, 2024, 07:53:08 AM

Still thinking about this thread. Steve, how many wraps are you making with the FC. I do a minimum of 20.

FlatsNBay · December 20, 2024, 06:58:16 AM

I'm using 22 wraps, then 4-5 holding knots. If you look at Ott Defoe's FG knot video on YouTube, that's exactly how I tie it.

The braid isn't coated. Nothing changed in the knot or line. It's just slipping out and not breaking. I'm upping my finishing knot process to prevent it from happening again. It's jerkbait time here so I should know pretty quick.