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Topwater Caranx Ignobilis: Giant Trevally (GT) => Tackle & Techniques => Topic started by: Peter Olesen on October 11, 2012, 05:25:44 AM

Title: Braid to leader connection strength
Post by: Peter Olesen on October 11, 2012, 05:25:44 AM

Hi guys

I thought it would be fun and interesting to know how different setups test in strength. I have tested the FG knot with some different braids on 170lbs YGK Shock Leader and 220 lbs Fisherman Super Stealth. I measure the strength of the connection with a cheap (but fairly accurate!) baggage scale that goes up to 40 kg. I know the strength does not say anything at all about shock strength, but that is a bit harder to test.

My tests are shown below and I would love to see yours if you have any.

Knot     Braid             Leader            Measured strength [kg]
FG   130 JB solid   FM 220 lb           >40                                 
FG   130 JB solid   FM 220 lb           >40
FG   130 JB solid   FM 220 lb           >40
   
FG   100 JB solid   YGK 170 lb      31
FG   100 JB solid   YGK 170 lb             38
FG   100 JB solid   YGK 170 lb       33
         
FG   GT MP PE10       YGK 170 lb   >40 kg
FG   GT MP PE10       YGK 170 lb   >40 kg

FG   GT MP PE8       YGK 170 lb             38 kg
FG   GT MP PE8       YGK 170 lb           >40 kg

JB = Jerry Brown
GT MP = GT Max Power

Looking forward to see some more test results from you guys!

Regards,
Peter

Title: Re: Braid to leader connection strength
Post by: Peter Olesen on October 27, 2012, 06:55:05 PM

Hi Amr

Thanks. Yes, I know the site. He hasn't tested the FG knot for the heavier gear that we tend to use.

I just added a couple of test results of Varivas GT Max PE8 to my first post.

No one has any results to share?

Title: Re: Braid to leader connection strength
Post by: Mark Harris on October 27, 2012, 09:34:03 PM

Peter, would this not depend a lot on the integrity of each individual FG knot?

Title: Re: Braid to leader connection strength
Post by: Peter Olesen on October 27, 2012, 09:56:39 PM

Hi Mark

It will for sure. I try to minimize that factor by doing more than one test for each line combination. Of course 2 or 3 tests is still not enough to conclude anything, but I do not claim that the tests are build up scientifically correct with fine statistics :)

Those are just observations and it's a good way to practice knots and a lot of fun. When you have made a knot - why not test it instead of just cut it of and quickly tie a new one?

I also see it as a way of building up confidence (hopefully! :) ) in your connections so that you can relax when you're out fishing without any worries.

An FG knot is not just an FG knot - there are many ways to do it: How close are your wraps? How many half hitches on the leader? How many on the main line? I think that we would be able to learn from each other if more people posted some results.

Title: Re: Braid to leader connection strength
Post by: Mark Harris on October 27, 2012, 10:53:09 PM

If you are trying a few samples, then that's good - I guess an average result for each line will be more telling.

Yes there are many ways to tie an FG knot and most anglers I know have their own little variations.