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Topwater Caranx Ignobilis: Giant Trevally (GT) => Tackle & Techniques => Topic started by: Brandon Khoo on April 17, 2011, 07:09:50 PM
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I was wondering what most people are using to connect the leader to the mainline. I know that when we first started the forum, the majority of anglers were using bimimi double to twisted leader but it seems like there has been quite a migration to friction knots.
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It'd probably be easier to start a poll with a few different knots for people to vote/choose on Brandon.
For me I've always stuck to a 'FG' knot connection. Haven't had one fail yet (touch wood) so won't be changing it anytime soon.
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Thanks Sunny - I just added a poll.
Good idea!
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Anyone that selects 'other', can you specify what connection it is?
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Anyone that selects 'other', can you specify what connection it is?
i selected other, i mostly jig,troll and bottom fish so i use wind-ons that i make myself. i've used fg's and for a while when i first popped just an albright but when i do a bit of popping i just use a wind on because they're there and easy to use. the only down side is that you have to keep an eye on the dacron connection for wear.
jake
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Always FG to single strand leader for both popping and jigging these days. Since I learned to tie one properly, have never had a failure.
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Always FG to single strand leader for both popping and jigging these days. Since I learned to tie one properly, have never had a failure.
Ditto!
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I'm currently using a PR for Single strand leaders, or windons with hollowcore spliced loops...
For twisties I prefer a Hollowcore spliced loop over a Bimini if I'm using JB, or a Braid Stich loop instead of a Bimini... I'm not crazy about Bimini's in braid, although I've not had many failures, I find the stitch loop 100%, and I can make the loop nice and small...
I've never had someone to show me the FG, so not tried it yet... need to do some reading up and Youtube searching I guess...
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I've never had someone to show me the FG, so not tried it yet... need to do some reading up and Youtube searching I guess...
Youtube's a good place to start. Just practice at home and test it to breaking point.
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Cheers Jay, will get on it...
Just landed a bunch of Streamline Wind Ons for an upcoming trip, so should be pretty set, but alwasy keen to learn a new connection, especially a well used and recommended one..
Cheers
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DIY wind-on leaders -> 130 lb mono in double sleeve 130 lb JB hollow braid. The wind-on is connected to main line via loop-to-loop (bimmini twist on mainline). I'm still in process of optimizing the serve between mono and hollow braid on the wind-ons. I have just received a serving tool from Beiter and will start making tighter serves using this tool. (http://www.wernerbeiter.com/en/products/winder/Winder_Profi.php (http://www.wernerbeiter.com/en/products/winder/Winder_Profi.php)).
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For popping I use the catspaw to twisty.
For stickbaits i've been uusing "other"...this one -> http://www.gtpopping.com/forum/index.php?topic=3565.0 (http://www.gtpopping.com/forum/index.php?topic=3565.0)
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Here is something different I can contribute to the GT popping world. My connection goes like...... solid braid (short uni to uni) to 6-8ft of hollow core spliced to mono (4ft of mono spliced into the hollow core and about 10-15ft of lead line), nail knot the hollow and mono splice with a drop of glue, from there I either double up for bite leader or uni to uni a heavier mono bite leader.
I like this connection because I'm able to cast solid braid with the stream line connection of the hollow core spliced mono and retie is quick and easy. Nailed knotted splice cast a lot smoother than a FG knot.
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yup FG for both popping and jigging for me ;)
fish on!
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I have been using an albright knot finished off with some half hitches. It has worked good for me and is quick and easy for both single and twisty leaders. I no longer cast leader through the eyes as I have had to many eyes bent. I am going to try the FG again with the video posted if I can be patient enough to wait for it to load with the blistering internet speeds here (64kps)
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I use the bimini to twisted leader 100 and 150lb shogun, notice that lots of people use the fg knot and was wondering what are the advantages of the friction knots over the bimini twisted leader connection? or is it just personal preference?
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Mick, most folks who use an FG or other friction knot such as PR Knot or Mid-Knot are doing so to connect to a single strand leader, not a twistie. It makes most sense with such a set up as the knot has such a low profile you can cast very efficiently with leader still on the spool.
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Mark, i make my twisted leaders approximately a rod length and a bit so that when i cast they arent on the spool and find they shoot out the guides really well without incident provided the legs on the bimini are really short so that they cant open up and wrap around the stripper guide, how long do you make your leaders? i guess longer than mine and is there any advantage with a longer leader other than getting it to hand that bit quicker? Are you using friction knot/single strand mono leader for better wear purposes or do you guys just find that it cast better than the twisties? What size mono are most guys using with friction knots?
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Mick for PE8 or PE10 line I personally use single strand mono leader between 170 and 220 lbs. Length-wise it is about two turns on the spool with about 1 metre still out of the guides.
I suppose one advantage of a longer leader of that nature is more protection against tail cuts and other abrasion. Like most things in GT fishing though it is a compromise and there is no absolutely right way or wrong way to set up. Much comes down to personal preferences.
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I use the bimini to twisted leader 100 and 150lb shogun, notice that lots of people use the fg knot and was wondering what are the advantages of the friction knots over the bimini twisted leader connection? or is it just personal preference?
Mick,
I still love my twisted leaders for popping but I have taken the time to learn the FG also.
When using stickbaits the FG would definetly be my preference for visibility of the leader in the water.
Pete
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Only 1 vote for the poor old Mid Knot. Was that you Brandon ? :)
I know some folks who contend that the Mid Knot is the best of all friction knots.
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That might of been from a nostalgic Luke ;D
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Only 1 vote for the poor old Mid Knot. Was that you Brandon ? :)
I know some folks who contend that the Mid Knot is the best of all friction knots.
Mark ,
It was I !
Jon .
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Excellent Jon :). A nostalgic choice as Greg said!
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Excellent Jon :). A nostalgic choice as Greg said!
Hi Mark ,
As they say , " it's difficult to teach new tricks o this old dog " ;D . I m still happy with MidKnot .
Jon .
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FG for me. KISS!
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Peter,
yes, friction knot/single strand mono definately sounds like a good idea for stickbaits, can see why you would use fg knot for this purpose. How long do you make your leader and what diameter/strength mono do you use for stickbaiting?
Mick.