I don't know how you don't have 50k+ subscribers yet. This is in my opinion one of the best straight to the point, non BS fishing channels on TH-cam. Thanks for all the great content.
Great info Matt! I’ve used a fluorocarbon leader for several years now and the double uni knot is my go to as well. I like your leader length rule of thumb too. I fish hi-vis braid so the length makes sense. Thank you!
Them fightin words to Blaukat 😡 I smiled when you called him out. Braid to flouro leaders or straight braid FTW! Love backfilling with braid on my saltwater reels too. Huge money saver!
Great video as always Matt. I’ve thrown braid to fluro for years on spinning or bait caster depending on the application. I use the Dodd knot which not many people haven’t heard of. I have found this knot to be amazingly strong simple to tie and very small for eyelet clearance. I have had to cut the braid on a few occasions when snagged because the line wouldn’t break. Keep putting out your great info and we’ll all keep watching. Thanks
Excellent unequaled and certainly unsurpassed content. Been trying hi-vis braid to fluorocarbon on my spinning set up for soft plastics especially for weightless applications Been having more issues than I like with braid to fluorocarbon leader knots as well as not sure on how long to make my leader and you answered both questions for me. To say thanks for the ever increasing number of tips I use I learned from you I have made it a point to buy as much of my gear from your sponsors especially from Tackle WH I can. As a land locked shore angler I know its likely not much in the grand scheme of things but its what I can do to say thanks. You've definitely educated me into becoming a better more successful angler I am utterly bewildered as to way you're not closing in on 100k subscribers as I watch ALOT of fishing vids but when I need a question answered or learn a new technique I always search up you and only 2 other content providers but you more than all others
Same here Matt. Braid to leader on my spinning combos. 15-20lb braid to an 8-10lb fluorocarbon leader. The length of my leader is where the connection knot doesn't get onto the reel. Thanks for the video. ✌🏻🎣
I like a leader that’s double the length of my rod. I find comfort at looking down and glancing at my knot(right at the reel) to make sure I’m good to go. It’s a confidence thing.
I like the alberto knot for joining floro to braid myself. I use it on my spinning rods and i have one baitcaster. Always worked well for me and I can tie in under a minute on the water. that one is my preference.
I use for my spinning applications. My connection knot is just before it goes on my spool for most applications. I’ve used Uni to Uni for years without fail. I played around with the Alberto and the FG. But the Uni is faster easier and I have confidence in it.
I’ve have lengthened my fluorocarbon leaders also to well over 20 foot. I use the uni uni knot also. I have had no problems. One tip, I keep all my spinning reels the same and with that, I have spare pre loaded spools ready to go in the boat in case I need to swap to a new leader. Saves time digging for scissors and leader line in blazing hot sun, or freezing cold rain, or wind and waves. Plus, it helps with time saving as the tourney clocks ticks away to check in time.
I fish braid only most of the time except when it is windy when i fish fluorocarbon only. Spinning as well as casting setups. It works for me because in my home province here in South Africa we fish very grassy dams.
Cool. Always makes me laugh when I hear you tubers, nat. touring pros, industry talking heads act like the FG knot is better than Christmas. Refreshing to hear your honest opinion. Yes huge fan of carbon to braid..... shocking cause I love fishing tubes.... lol. Thanks for the vid, always appreciate your honesty.
I can use a lighter action rod with a braid to leader set up. It normally involves a slightly longer rod so I get longer casts, more sensitivity and stronger line. I use mono for a leader for jigs in slightly stained to dirty water so I get some shock protection from a heavy hookset with big hooks.
Thanks for the tips!!!👊🏻 I agree with you on the FG Knot. I started using the Red Phillips Knot, it's quick to tie and had great success with it. Stay Safe & God Bless!!!!
re: knot, like you pretty much said, if you have confidence in it. Go with it. As far as leader, I will try your formula for leader length. I've usually done about (length of rod) x 2. Another good reason to use braid mainline is that it lasts so long, so you save $. And if you want to tie on a whole new leader you know exactly where to do it. I also figured by the time the fish is making it's boatside lunges, the knot is already on the spool and you don't have to worry about it failing. Thanks for the info!
My wife is new to fishing. I have found less line twist and bow issues with braid to fluorocarbon. I have tried many different ways spool the straight fluorocarbon to prevent this. It has not helped. It has saved me time dealing with tangled line. Upped the enjoyment of fishing. Which in the end. That is what matter. I also used a 15-20 ft leader. Seems to work well.
Matt, thanks for your opinion on this often debated topic. Straight Seaguar Tatsu fluorocarbon ( numerous baits), Power pro Maxcuatro braid (Frogs) or Maxima Ultra green mono(top water) for me🍺. My eyes are not what they were in high school👎 and time 👍is valuable to me. So I choose to fish over tying on leaders. 🤷♂️ With the rods and hooks I use, the hook set worry is non existent. If they bite they usually get their picture taken.🤑
Randy B build to many model airplanes as a kid, he's lost in space... The 3-Hole Shin is a faster and Better Knot Matt S. imho and Decades of Knot Testing.
I think everyone should do a loop challenge to see how their favorite knot stands up to the other knots named in this forum. I just tied 15 line loops. Each complete loop contained 2 braid-to-fluoro knot connections within the loop: an Alberto knot and a double uni knot. I then break tested each loop to see which knot gave up the ghost first. 15 of 15 times, my double uni broke before my Alberto. Every time, my double uni broke at the mono portion of the knot. The braid "barrel" portion of my double uni remained intact. It appears the braid just cuts through the mono. I imagine a thicker braid fares better. TEST CONDITIONS: BRAID: Spiderwire Ultracast X8 4LB (0.05 mm diameter) for 10 tests. Spiderwire Ultracast X8 8LB (0.09 mm diameter) for 5 tests. This is one of the thinnest braids per LB test that I know. I think this plays into the double uni failure mode. FLUORO: Sufix 100% fluoro @ 6LB for 10 tests. Sufix 100% fluoro @ 4LB for 5 tests. UNI KNOT: 6-8 wraps with fluoro side, 8-10 wraps with braid side. ALBERTO KNOT: 8-10 wraps away from loop then 8-10 wraps back toward loop. 1 time back through loop on return. I attach a Stonflo hackle plier to the braid tag end when doing the braid wraps around the fluoro loop. Whipping the braid around the fluoro using the hackle pliers as a swing weight speeds and tightens up the knot tying significantly. The resulting wraps can be seated and tightened quickly. I don't worry about equal spacing in the wraps. 30 sec tie time. KNOT LUBRICATION: Chapstick/saliva from lips at all seating/tightening steps BREAK TEST: Used bare hands and pull loop apart quickly. No fear of cutting fingers as the double uni breaks well before a cut would ever occur.
Nice video Matt. I also use braid to fluoro on all my spinning applications and use the double uni knot as well (never fails me). But, as far as leader length, I only use a rod length plus a partial rotation on my spinning reel. Otherwise, the knot could "catch" and impede my cast. Thanks again for the excellent content.
Matt I have only used 3-4 foot leaders but I use High Vis Braid and I am a Walleye Fisherman. I will tie the FG at home but not in the boat either. I will have to try some longer leaders but vertical jigging a lot of times I am right on top of the fish. I do keep one rod with 7lb Sniper FC just when I am shallow 15ft or less. Funny thing is I use to chase the latest and greatest lines and my Best Friend would just out fish with Berkley XL mono. He just uses 4lb in clear water.
I've been throwing braid to leader on ALL my setups for 10 plus years and I think the most obvious reason why most non sponsored fishermen should as well is MONEY. I don't by fancy fluoro(Berkeley vanish) and I tie the Alberto knot.When it comes to knots,my philosophy is I'd rather tie a good knot great,then a great knot good and have never broken a leader yet(knock on wood) with dozens of fish 7-9 lbs.I like about a full casts worth for my length on moving baits and about a foot over a rod length for spinning gear.
Well, interesting. I also subscribe to Randy's channel and I'm seeing where I'm kind of a hybrid between His and your techniques here. I go straight fluoro on my spinning set-up and use braid to fluoro or braid to mono on all my baitcasters. Ive been having success with the Alberto knot for my leader knot. I really look forward to all the videos Matt! Thanks for the content.
Tons of great info 🎣 Lucky for me I don't tournament fish so I don't have to rush myself, most of my water allows straight braid & occasionally I will throw straight fluorocarbon when the fish get stubborn.
Caught my new PB smallie today, using some of your Ned rig advice with the fast falling head. 10lb braid FGed to 8lb fluoro, double line Uni knot to the jighead. Ive pulled up logs and towed the kayak to my snags with that setup, and IFGA knot tests rate those as some of the strongest knots you can tie by hand
Hey Matt, Yikes...The knot wars! The braid to fluoro connection is always on my mind when I'm fighting a fish. Another advantage of the twenty foot leader is that the knot is secure on the reel when you get the fish close to the boat. Those late surges can cost you. My two cents worth: the Red Phillips knot...pretty easy to tie and in my limited experience no failures.
Hey Matt: The leader length I use is always less than my rod length (that way, I avoid creating a 180 degree kink in my leader at the tip during storage and transportation. (Mostly I like kayak bassin' in shallow water with spinning gear. I have mainline braid on all my spinning reels.)
Interesting video. On spinning I do like the braid to fluoro setup but have never tried the double the water depth up to max 20 feet leader length. Even with the FG knot, I worry about that know in the reel (huge fan of the Salt Strong FG not for braid/fluoro as well for speed/consistency). I may try the double the water depth leader in near future when I am in more clear water. Really cool tip, may help me with higher pressure/clear water. Thanks Matt!
I use braid to leader all the time...its also the costs....braid will last longer ,specially spooled from one reel to other so you get double longevity))) Also for the knot i do really like Alberto knot Its fast,easy and strong ! Thanks Matt for all your videos Great content, Fishing Weekepedia
My jaws got too tired when I tied the FG. 😂 I prefer the Uni/Uni as well. Sometimes if the knot is going through the guides, I'll switch to the Blood knot because the tag ends come out in the middle of the knots instead of the ends and it seems like they go through the guides a little smoother.
I do use the FG knot most the time when I tie my leaders on at home. I also use the blood knot for that very reason you stated I like how the tag ends come out of the middle of the knot..
Excellent video Matt! Don't know how I missed it 7 months ago, I'm a daily watcher and this is just what I'm looking for. Just getting into swimbait fishing and the leader knot is the one thing holding me back. Not sure if I should throw straight 25lb fluoro or 80lb maxcuatro (65lb diameter) to 25lb fluoro. Thanks for the advice!
Matt, great information as usual! After much experimentation I use straight flouro on my baitcasters and braid to flouro on my spinning rods using an fg knot. With line under 10 lb test the fg knot works better for me. I noticed you said you use straight flouro on your spinning rod for jerk baits. What’s the reason for that?
Great tips Matt, I use leader lengths close to what you use, I use your system also. Knot wise, I have no trouble tying the fg but a uni to uni is lighting fast compared an fg.
Thanks Matt I have a simple formula too I tie a Improved Alberto then reel the leader up till it is just out of the reel of my spinning gear then cut leader 6" past the rod tip. Works very well .I feel Randy is missing out on the advantages of braid .
I’ve used the FG not for a while not. Used to use the uni as well as the blood knot. All work great. But the small diameter of the fg is very nice coming through the guides. Once you get the hang of tying it it’s pretty easy. I have never broke it either
I use braid to leader often except on my diawa baitcasters until I found shins knot which seems good so far but usually double uni knot on my other baitcasting reels and spinning reels
What about leaders on baitcasters? I like to tie a 6’ 15# Co/Poly leader onto my 30’ braid on most setups. If throwing top waters, I like a 3’ 17# mono leader.
I agree 1000%, the sensitivity factor, hook up factor, leader length and I personally like the double uni. I use braid to floro on finesse for sure and smaller swim baits, jigs, crankbaits. What’s your thoughts on bigger swim baits and punching? I was thinking straight floro for the first and straight braid for the latter.
Sometimes when I gave a braid to florou leader something happens where all this braid balls up like a clump around my knot on the cast and I need to carefully unclump the hair ball of braid. I appears that the braid has a lot of line twist in it when I undo it . Thoughts ?
Great advice. I've been using braid to leader on my spinning rigs for a long time and would never go back to straight fluoro for all the reasons you mentioned. What are your thoughts & suggestions for braid to leader for casting rod applications? On the typically heavier leaders for casting, the knot thickness can be a problem if the leader's long enough to wrap on the spool, but I think the same other advantages apply, casting distance, hook setting, cost effectiveness, etc.
In our European waters we always use steel trace wire (50 centimetres is max by many anglers) when fishing expensive lures (Rapala, Spro, Salmo, Savage Gear). Then it’s Nylon or Braid. But when Wacky, Shakey, NED, Nekko and other Finesse fishing i sure see the benefits and then it’s affordable if Pike or Walleye breaks off by its sharp teeth. On the longer fights you can lose your catch if your leader is FC. The length (on Spinning gear) has never been longer than TWICE the rod length or 1 mtr (on casting gear). Matt you remind me of our CARP fishermen, they also want an Totally invisible line, sink like a brick, follow the contours of the bottom including E V E R Y stick, stone, bike frame, shopping cart or whatever there is under water AND strong enough to lift 100 Kg. As always it doesn’t hurt to listen to your opinion, until next time
I tie the FG knot and feel I'm pretty quick at it. However, sometimes it can get a little frustrating when in the boat. Have you made a video on how you tie your uni to uni?
Started using leaders on my spinning gear mostly because the braid is so much easier to manage. I no longer worry about kinking on the spool. When you mention the uni to uni, are you referring to a double uni knot? It's what I tie. If I get hung up and I have to break off, 80% of the time, I break off at the hook so I know I'm tying a good leader knot. I thought my leaders were long. :)
Along the same line of thinking, the rule that I have used for a while is to have my leader a minimum of twice the length of the rod I am using. Even my brother asked why don't I just use straight fluorocarbon with a leader that long. The way I explained it was that since the braid last so long without having to replace it, I can buy a 250 yard spool of each of the weight leaders I use and get a whole season out of that spool just using it for leaders. Hurts the wallet a lot less than respooling entire reels with fluorocarbon.
I always use like a 3ft leader but I’m gonna try your method it really does make sense! Do you do that when your throwing a jig or do you go straight braid in fairly thick stuff
Good discussion about fishing line, liter line & knots. I can see where a longer liter makes sense for not spooking fish. I try to avoid bringing my liter knot through my guides because I've had them fail on me a few times. Do you use micro guides?
Braid to floro here for me on my spinning rods and on my baitcasters I start with a backing then fill with 40 lb braid and add enough floro for a long cast. My spool turns faster and the braid never wears out. No sense spending all that $ on a bunch of floro. Got that from A Mart !!
I only use braid as a backer these days I used to do the braid to floro thing. Then about 2 summers ago I started to put roughly 2 full casts worth of floro on over my braid so save me $ on floro. Eventually it does become a shorter leader after re-tieing so many times. I check & retie my line alot. By time it's 3-4 feet I cut it off & tie on a new one. I just use regular floro , I don't spend extra on specific leader material. I haven't taken time to learn how tie FG knot either, I can't think of a good reason to why I would mess with that when good old uni to uni has never failed me & is extremely quick to tie??!
do you use the same pound test or go some lighter on your leader if using under 10 pound test braid? say your using 10 # braid would you use a 8 # test leader or 10 # all the way. I feel going with 8# leader is better cause if I get stagged/ hung up the leader knot will not break but will break off at the lure knot ,so I don't lose the leader as well..Your thoughts please and thank you
Thanks Matt. You have the exact thought process as me when it comes to leaders, you must be really smart. Baitcasters never spinning rods always. I use yellow braid and some weightless lures it's like a strike indicater or strikes on the fall. I even like the double uni cause it's fast and my eyes suck. Oh don't listen to Blaukat he's old and set in his ways. I BEEN FISHING FOR 50 YEARS, NOW HAND ME MY MANNS JELLY WORM. Just kidding I'm an old fart too. By the way nice collection of pork frogs you been hanging out with Randy.
Agreed. And the knot clacking through each guide makes me nervous that I'm compromising it with each cast. And forget about using a Daiwa caster with its TWS--even an FG gets hung up.
@@MattStefanFishing yes for sure you do. I do the double uni knot like you said you do. I've even started to do 3 loops on each side to see if that would help. It did but I still get hung up. Thanks for ur info.
There's a video on TH-cam called "FG KNOT in under a Minute" that I watched last year. He holds the line in one hand and flips it back and forth, It takes a while to get good at it, but it definitely is much easier. I can tie that as quickly as an alberto knot now, so it's usually my main knot even when out on the water. I hate feeling the knot in my baitcast spool, but with an FG knot trimmed down, it doesn't tear your thumb up when casting if it does get down in the spool.
One advantage nobody ever talks about is that when using braid with a long leader, you can change terminal line size without respooling. I can use the same main line to fish for crappie or trout on 4 pound leader, or boost it to 8 or 10 for bass, and never change my main line.
I like to go with a minimum of 10ft with my leaders. Also, I've tried just about every floro "leader" material on the market and i keep falling back to Seaguar Red Label. It's a much cheaper way to go over buying leader spools and I have yet to find a "leader" meaterial that's worth paying more for. I.e. Seaguar Gold Label. It's a quality floro that is smooth and very consistent, but my God does it kink way too easy in my opinion to be dedicated for leaders. There is one " leader" material I will use on occasion and that is Sunline FC. It's a little more stout than their main line which is what you would expect and has the clarity and sensitivity you look for in floro. That's my take on it.
Been tying the FG knot for my spinning rods and topwater baits and have had great success with it. Tried a 40lb braid to 20lb fluorocarbon for a short pitching technique and broke off on the 2ed hookset. 1/4oz bullet with, 4/0 flipping hook with a berkley maxscent creature hawg...broke off on the biggest fish of the day. Does a FG knot lose its strength in higher lb test line?
have you experimented with super thin diameters of braid vs straight flouro? I'm curious what the results would be in a real world test. Refractive index of water is 1.33, flouro is 1.42 and pe braid is 1.54. Essentially the way i see it is refractivity is just how easily light can pass through. But if the braid i have on is 0.06mm, and Berkley Vanish in 4lb test is 0.22mm, then my braid is 1/3rd the thickness and thus 1/3rd as visible, and 10lb flouro is 0.4mm which is almost 7x thicker thicker. It would displace 7x the water as you reel it in and thus the fish could detect it more. I think most guys throwing braid to flouro are throwing it on baitcasters where you essentially need 30lb+ braid (which is thick, especially american brands like spiderwire, and often comes in crazy colors for increased visibility) and nobody is throwing super thin japanese clear braids on spinning tackle. Jeff Thompson did a Mathematical Theory of Fishing Line Visibility where he essentially showed flouro is not invisible and the thickness of your line is what matters most. If flouro is 7% more visible than water, then maybe the simplistic way to read into that is that 7% more of the light is blocked/reflected. So 0.4mm 10lb flouro line x 7% = 0.028mm is visible to the bass. 0.06mm 10lb braided line is 16% so 0.06x16%=0.0096mm is visible to the bass which is still 1/3rd as visible underwater. This isn't taking into account color of course or the fact that most braids aren't perfectly round thus would "slice" through the water creating vibration/noise. It's an interesting experiment. I plan to do some fishing this summer on my extremely clear water lake with straight braid (0.06mm clear 10lb test) and the same braid but with a 10lb flouro leader, just to see if the amount of bites i get changes.
I tried using straight braid and straight fluoro and my bites went way down. On my finesse spinner I use 10 lb braid with a 10 lb mono leader. I tried using fluoro as a leader but switched to mono because I want to add just a bit of stretch since braid has no stretch at all. On my flipping stick for hydrilla and grass flats, it's straight braid, on my wood flipping and my cranking baitcasters I use straight fluro. It's what works for me. And if you catch fish doing something different and it works, I say stick with it. Also, as far as knots, I'm a double Uni guy as well.
I hated braid to leaders till I started tying the Red Philips. Now I don't mind tying them, maybe it's not "the best" knot but it has never failed me and encourages me to use leaders with braid. Just my 2 cents.
So I've been thinking about switching to braid to leader but my question is do you fish straight fluoro around wood? Or does having that 10 foot leader of fluoro prevent the braid from digging into the wood? That's always been my reason for not switching as I mostly rush around wood cover
@@MattStefanFishing ok so does it still happen on occasion digging into wood? and at what point do you switch to straight fluoro? Thanks for taking the time to answer questions much appreciated
Can you direct me to a scientific study or a collection of data that shows that fish bite a lure depending on line visability, or line color. I'd like to know if it makes a difference or not. I'm not looking for a line salesmens opinion, but hard facts. Thank you. Thank you!
@@dontnonowuno9953 most definitely! My brother uses fluorocarbon and I usually catch more than him. We even went over to Northern NM to do trout fishing and I caught the same amount of fish as him. Trout can see way better than bass I think! I believe it's more on the action of the lure. If it's good and action is right you'll catch! I spend around 40 hours on the water weekly. FYI
I used your suggestion and it worked well except I think I went with 15 lbs braid which I don’t think u recommended however it works. What is the best test braid to use?
On big swimbaits do you use a Heavy power with a moderate action? I usually use a Heavy moderate rod and it seems like a have a lot more hook ups compared to a heavy fast action.
I been using crazy Alberta knot but if it’s not right … I have confidence n double uni it a good knot Alberta less noise n guides but as far as casting distance I don’t believe even fg knot really any better witch takes me forever
I usea GTknot And routinely catch 30 plus inch red fish with 8 pound braid and 15 pound floro I’m very confident with it usuall about four feet long. But occasionally fish look longer.
We all know Randy B. Isn't a braid to floro guy! I used to be then it evolved into just using braid as backing. I guess technically I do use it once my supper long leader gets wittled down to a shorty. I think whatever people are comfortable with, likes & works for them. Them that's what they should do!
Thank you Matt : I fished for the first time my new spinning reel jerbait rod with 8 pounds all fluro ( like you and Randy ) . To be honest , i found the feeling bizarre and its hard to feel the bytes. I also found that 8 pounds is not solide enough. How high can i go with the fluro line size using Megabass 110 normal and junior , can i go with 12 pounds and maybe my rod wont feel that mushy ?
I prefer using a faster action rod when fishing with fluoro. In addition, not all fluoro are created equal. Some fluoro will have more stretch than others. For example, seaguar invizx has a ton of stretch, almost comparable to mono.
Yes you can try it on 12 lb but will Lise depth. It definitely feels different and mushy which in my opinion is one of the reasons it works so much better
TOPWATER FREAKS... For finesse topwater presentations... leaving your topwaters sit for long periods of time... braid to fluorocarbon or mono is the only way to go. Both fluorocarbon and mono sink if used as mainline. For spinning gear, 1 LB or 2 LB diameter quality braid like Berkley X9 to a 3 FT fluorocarbon leader, I use 20 LB test Berkley Vanish for less pike bite offs. Tie the lines together using a micro swivel, use a floating bead to keep the swivel from sinking, use a bobber stop to hold the floating bead to the swivel. Take a black jumbo sharpie marker and color 10 FT of the braided line. It takes time and effort, it will take several coats. Let the ink dry. Tie off your line. Let out 200 FT or more line out. Have someone hold the rod and line tight. Use a block of paraffin wax to coat the entire length of the braided line. Experiment with the color of the floating beads. UV, green, orange, yellow, purple or even...pink ! I use 10 LB diameter braid rigged up the same way on baitcasters. All topwater Smallmouth fisherman should have a dedicated finesse topwater rod or two... Bill
I've only got two rods rig with braid to floral ang use a 10 foot leader. The rest are floral or mono. on the spools I'll drill a small hole to run my line through an tie it off. Both work for me. But Matt, it hasn't been said but should - YOUR the leader of our band. What it called? Why it's the, Tight Lines and Screening Drag!! Thx 😂
I don't know how you don't have 50k+ subscribers yet. This is in my opinion one of the best straight to the point, non BS fishing channels on TH-cam. Thanks for all the great content.
Thanks! Hopefully we will get there!
Great info Matt! I’ve used a fluorocarbon leader for several years now and the double uni knot is my go to as well. I like your leader length rule of thumb too. I fish hi-vis braid so the length makes sense. Thank you!
Sounds good!
Them fightin words to Blaukat 😡 I smiled when you called him out. Braid to flouro leaders or straight braid FTW! Love backfilling with braid on my saltwater reels too. Huge money saver!
Haha not fighting words
Great video Matt. I like the braid to flouro as well. I use the alberto knot. But use the knot you can tie the best and have the most confidence in.
agreed!
Great video as always Matt. I’ve thrown braid to fluro for years on spinning or bait caster depending on the application. I use the Dodd knot which not many people haven’t heard of. I have found this knot to be amazingly strong simple to tie and very small for eyelet clearance. I have had to cut the braid on a few occasions when snagged because the line wouldn’t break. Keep putting out your great info and we’ll all keep watching. Thanks
I’ll check out the Dodd knot
I have found Leader and main line; the leader line tends to be stiffer. Great one Matt TY.
Thanks!
Excellent unequaled and certainly unsurpassed content.
Been trying hi-vis braid to fluorocarbon on my spinning set up for soft plastics especially for weightless applications
Been having more issues than I like with braid to fluorocarbon leader knots as well as not sure on how long to make my leader and you answered both questions for me.
To say thanks for the ever increasing number of tips I use I learned from you I have made it a point to buy as much of my gear from your sponsors especially from Tackle WH I can.
As a land locked shore angler I know its likely not much in the grand scheme of things but its what I can do to say thanks.
You've definitely educated me into becoming a better more successful angler
I am utterly bewildered as to way you're not closing in on 100k subscribers as I watch ALOT of fishing vids but when I need a question answered or learn a new technique I always search up you and only 2 other content providers but you more than all others
Thanks!
Same here Matt. Braid to leader on my spinning combos. 15-20lb braid to an 8-10lb fluorocarbon leader. The length of my leader is where the connection knot doesn't get onto the reel. Thanks for the video. ✌🏻🎣
Thanks for sharing
I like that I can change different pound tests with leaders. I can go from 12-20 pound leaders without having to respool my reels.
Yep
I like a leader that’s double the length of my rod. I find comfort at looking down and glancing at my knot(right at the reel) to make sure I’m good to go. It’s a confidence thing.
Sounds good to me
This helped me with my self arguments on this. These talks just keep getting better
Great!
I like the alberto knot for joining floro to braid myself. I use it on my spinning rods and i have one baitcaster. Always worked well for me and I can tie in under a minute on the water. that one is my preference.
Thanks for sharing
I am finding that it is easier for my old fingers and old eyes to tie an uni to uni knot easier than any other knot. It also works.
Stick with what works
The Alberto knot is easier to tie and a lot stronger.
I use for my spinning applications. My connection knot is just before it goes on my spool for most applications. I’ve used Uni to Uni for years without fail. I played around with the Alberto and the FG. But the Uni is faster easier and I have confidence in it.
Me too
I’ve have lengthened my fluorocarbon leaders also to well over 20 foot. I use the uni uni knot also. I have had no problems. One tip, I keep all my spinning reels the same and with that, I have spare pre loaded spools ready to go in the boat in case I need to swap to a new leader. Saves time digging for scissors and leader line in blazing hot sun, or freezing cold rain, or wind and waves. Plus, it helps with time saving as the tourney clocks ticks away to check in time.
good tip!
I fish braid only most of the time except when it is windy when i fish fluorocarbon only. Spinning as well as casting setups. It works for me because in my home province here in South Africa we fish very grassy dams.
awesome!
Cool. Always makes me laugh when I hear you tubers, nat. touring pros, industry talking heads act like the FG knot is better than Christmas. Refreshing to hear your honest opinion. Yes huge fan of carbon to braid..... shocking cause I love fishing tubes.... lol. Thanks for the vid, always appreciate your honesty.
You do love tubes! Lol!
I can use a lighter action rod with a braid to leader set up. It normally involves a slightly longer rod so I get longer casts, more sensitivity and stronger line. I use mono for a leader for jigs in slightly stained to dirty water so I get some shock protection from a heavy hookset with big hooks.
Thanks for sharing
You provide great info Matt, keep up the good work.
Thanks, will do!
Thanks for the tips!!!👊🏻 I agree with you on the FG Knot. I started using the Red Phillips Knot, it's quick to tie and had great success with it. Stay Safe & God Bless!!!!
I’ll check it out
re: knot, like you pretty much said, if you have confidence in it. Go with it. As far as leader, I will try your formula for leader length. I've usually done about (length of rod) x 2. Another good reason to use braid mainline is that it lasts so long, so you save $. And if you want to tie on a whole new leader you know exactly where to do it. I also figured by the time the fish is making it's boatside lunges, the knot is already on the spool and you don't have to worry about it failing. Thanks for the info!
Thanks!
My wife is new to fishing. I have found less line twist and bow issues with braid to fluorocarbon. I have tried many different ways spool the straight fluorocarbon to prevent this. It has not helped. It has saved me time dealing with tangled line. Upped the enjoyment of fishing. Which in the end. That is what matter. I also used a 15-20 ft leader. Seems to work well.
Sounds good
Matt, thanks for your opinion on this often debated topic. Straight Seaguar Tatsu fluorocarbon ( numerous baits), Power pro Maxcuatro braid (Frogs) or Maxima Ultra green mono(top water) for me🍺. My eyes are not what they were in high school👎 and time 👍is valuable to me. So I choose to fish over tying on leaders. 🤷♂️
With the rods and hooks I use, the hook set worry is non existent. If they bite they usually get their picture taken.🤑
Love taking pictures haha!
Interesting take on these topics. Enjoyed it
Glad to hear it!
Randy B build to many model airplanes as a kid, he's lost in space... The 3-Hole Shin is a faster and Better Knot Matt S. imho and Decades of Knot Testing.
thanks for sharing
Thank you, Matt, and congratulations on reaching 25,000 subscribers!
Thanks!
I think everyone should do a loop challenge to see how their favorite knot stands up to the other knots named in this forum.
I just tied 15 line loops. Each complete loop contained 2 braid-to-fluoro knot connections within the loop: an Alberto knot and a double uni knot. I then break tested each loop to see which knot gave up the ghost first. 15 of 15 times, my double uni broke before my Alberto. Every time, my double uni broke at the mono portion of the knot. The braid "barrel" portion of my double uni remained intact. It appears the braid just cuts through the mono. I imagine a thicker braid fares better.
TEST CONDITIONS:
BRAID: Spiderwire Ultracast X8 4LB (0.05 mm diameter) for 10 tests. Spiderwire Ultracast X8 8LB (0.09 mm diameter) for 5 tests. This is one of the thinnest braids per LB test that I know. I think this plays into the double uni failure mode.
FLUORO: Sufix 100% fluoro @ 6LB for 10 tests. Sufix 100% fluoro @ 4LB for 5 tests.
UNI KNOT: 6-8 wraps with fluoro side, 8-10 wraps with braid side.
ALBERTO KNOT: 8-10 wraps away from loop then 8-10 wraps back toward loop. 1 time back through loop on return. I attach a Stonflo hackle plier to the braid tag end when doing the braid wraps around the fluoro loop. Whipping the braid around the fluoro using the hackle pliers as a swing weight speeds and tightens up the knot tying significantly. The resulting wraps can be seated and tightened quickly. I don't worry about equal spacing in the wraps. 30 sec tie time.
KNOT LUBRICATION: Chapstick/saliva from lips at all seating/tightening steps
BREAK TEST: Used bare hands and pull loop apart quickly. No fear of cutting fingers as the double uni breaks well before a cut would ever occur.
thanks for sharing
Nice video Matt. I also use braid to fluoro on all my spinning applications and use the double uni knot as well (never fails me). But, as far as leader length, I only use a rod length plus a partial rotation on my spinning reel. Otherwise, the knot could "catch" and impede my cast. Thanks again for the excellent content.
Thanks!
One of your Best videos to date thank you
Awesome thanks
Matt I have only used 3-4 foot leaders but I use High Vis Braid and I am a Walleye Fisherman. I will tie the FG at home but not in the boat either. I will have to try some longer leaders but vertical jigging a lot of times I am right on top of the fish. I do keep one rod with 7lb Sniper FC just when I am shallow 15ft or less. Funny thing is I use to chase the latest and greatest lines and my Best Friend would just out fish with Berkley XL mono. He just uses 4lb in clear water.
Thanks for sharing
I've been throwing braid to leader on ALL my setups for 10 plus years and I think the most obvious reason why most non sponsored fishermen should as well is MONEY. I don't by fancy fluoro(Berkeley vanish) and I tie the Alberto knot.When it comes to knots,my philosophy is I'd rather tie a good knot great,then a great knot good and have never broken a leader yet(knock on wood) with dozens of fish 7-9 lbs.I like about a full casts worth for my length on moving baits and about a foot over a rod length for spinning gear.
Great point
Well, interesting. I also subscribe to Randy's channel and I'm seeing where I'm kind of a hybrid between His and your techniques here. I go straight fluoro on my spinning set-up and use braid to fluoro or braid to mono on all my baitcasters. Ive been having success with the Alberto knot for my leader knot. I really look forward to all the videos Matt! Thanks for the content.
Thanks! Stick with what works for you
Tons of great info 🎣 Lucky for me I don't tournament fish so I don't have to rush myself, most of my water allows straight braid & occasionally I will throw straight fluorocarbon when the fish get stubborn.
Sounds good
Caught my new PB smallie today, using some of your Ned rig advice with the fast falling head. 10lb braid FGed to 8lb fluoro, double line Uni knot to the jighead.
Ive pulled up logs and towed the kayak to my snags with that setup, and IFGA knot tests rate those as some of the strongest knots you can tie by hand
Awesome!
Hey Matt, Yikes...The knot wars! The braid to fluoro connection is always on my mind when I'm fighting a fish. Another advantage of the twenty foot leader is that the knot is secure on the reel when you get the fish close to the boat. Those late surges can cost you. My two cents worth: the Red Phillips knot...pretty easy to tie and in my limited experience no failures.
I’ll look it up
Hey Matt: The leader length I use is always less than my rod length (that way, I avoid creating a 180 degree kink in my leader at the tip during storage and transportation. (Mostly I like kayak bassin' in shallow water with spinning gear. I have mainline braid on all my spinning reels.)
thanks for sharing
Interesting video. On spinning I do like the braid to fluoro setup but have never tried the double the water depth up to max 20 feet leader length. Even with the FG knot, I worry about that know in the reel (huge fan of the Salt Strong FG not for braid/fluoro as well for speed/consistency). I may try the double the water depth leader in near future when I am in more clear water. Really cool tip, may help me with higher pressure/clear water. Thanks Matt!
Give it a try!
I use braid to leader all the time...its also the costs....braid will last longer ,specially spooled from one reel to other so you get double longevity)))
Also for the knot i do really like Alberto knot
Its fast,easy and strong !
Thanks Matt for all your videos
Great content, Fishing Weekepedia
Haha! Fishipidia
Lol 😆 🤣
Changed this spring to longer 16 - 20 foot leader on my spinning and flipping rigs. Currently using Alberto knot.
Sounds good
My jaws got too tired when I tied the FG. 😂
I prefer the Uni/Uni as well. Sometimes if the knot is going through the guides, I'll switch to the Blood knot because the tag ends come out in the middle of the knots instead of the ends and it seems like they go through the guides a little smoother.
Stick with what works for you
I do use the FG knot most the time when I tie my leaders on at home. I also use the blood knot for that very reason you stated I like how the tag ends come out of the middle of the knot..
Excellent video Matt! Don't know how I missed it 7 months ago, I'm a daily watcher and this is just what I'm looking for. Just getting into swimbait fishing and the leader knot is the one thing holding me back. Not sure if I should throw straight 25lb fluoro or 80lb maxcuatro (65lb diameter) to 25lb fluoro. Thanks for the advice!
glad to help!
Matt, great information as usual! After much experimentation I use straight flouro on my baitcasters and braid to flouro on my spinning rods using an fg knot. With line under 10 lb test the fg knot works better for me. I noticed you said you use straight flouro on your spinning rod for jerk baits. What’s the reason for that?
i want stretch and it sinks allowing me to get my jerkbait deeper
Good info. I was thinking my 12ft leader was excessive but sounds like I need to up my game!
Stick with what works for you but nothing wrong with trying
Great tips Matt, I use leader lengths close to what you use, I use your system also. Knot wise, I have no trouble tying the fg but a uni to uni is lighting fast compared an fg.
Same here
Thanks Matt I have a simple formula too I tie a Improved Alberto then reel the leader up till it is just out of the reel of my spinning gear then cut leader 6" past the rod tip. Works very well .I feel Randy is missing out on the advantages of braid .
Thanks for sharing
I’ve used the FG not for a while not. Used to use the uni as well as the blood knot. All work great. But the small diameter of the fg is very nice coming through the guides. Once you get the hang of tying it it’s pretty easy. I have never broke it either
It does flow well
I use braid to leader often except on my diawa baitcasters until I found shins knot which seems good so far but usually double uni knot on my other baitcasting reels and spinning reels
thanks for sharing!
I've had good luck with the FT knot
Nice!
What about leaders on baitcasters? I like to tie a 6’ 15# Co/Poly leader onto my 30’ braid on most setups. If throwing top waters, I like a 3’ 17# mono leader.
I do it on topwaters but not much else
Great video. The other good reason I like using braid to fluoro/mono because of the heat damage to my mono line.
Agreed
I agree 1000%, the sensitivity factor, hook up factor, leader length and I personally like the double uni. I use braid to floro on finesse for sure and smaller swim baits, jigs, crankbaits. What’s your thoughts on bigger swim baits and punching? I was thinking straight floro for the first and straight braid for the latter.
I agree
Hehe good video again Matt!!
Thanks!
The Fg knot, like others qets quicker the more you tie it. An superb knot for strength
thanks for watching
@@MattStefanFishing I enjoy your videos. You are down to earth and very informative.
Sometimes when I gave a braid to florou leader something happens where all this braid balls up like a clump around my knot on the cast and I need to carefully unclump the hair ball of braid. I appears that the braid has a lot of line twist in it when I undo it . Thoughts ?
make sure your knot tag ends are cut as close as possible to the knot
The GT knot is a uni to figure 8 and it’s WAY BETTER! Thanks Matt! I won a recent tournament because of your T swivel in current video! @5casts
ill check it out
Great advice. I've been using braid to leader on my spinning rigs for a long time and would never go back to straight fluoro for all the reasons you mentioned. What are your thoughts & suggestions for braid to leader for casting rod applications? On the typically heavier leaders for casting, the knot thickness can be a problem if the leader's long enough to wrap on the spool, but I think the same other advantages apply, casting distance, hook setting, cost effectiveness, etc.
thanks for sharing!
In our European waters we always use steel trace wire (50 centimetres is max by many anglers) when fishing expensive lures (Rapala, Spro, Salmo, Savage Gear). Then it’s Nylon or Braid. But when Wacky, Shakey, NED, Nekko and other Finesse fishing i sure see the benefits and then it’s affordable if Pike or Walleye breaks off by its sharp teeth. On the longer fights you can lose your catch if your leader is FC.
The length (on Spinning gear) has never been longer than TWICE the rod length or 1 mtr (on casting gear). Matt you remind me of our CARP fishermen, they also want an Totally invisible line, sink like a brick, follow the contours of the bottom including E V E R Y stick, stone, bike frame, shopping cart or whatever there is under water AND strong enough to lift 100 Kg.
As always it doesn’t hurt to listen to your opinion, until next time
Thanks for the comment!
Great video buddy
Thanks 👍
Thanks, Matt. I have just started doing this
Sounds good
I tie the FG knot and feel I'm pretty quick at it. However, sometimes it can get a little frustrating when in the boat. Have you made a video on how you tie your uni to uni?
Yes i have
I'm a double uni guy myself. Strong and fast to tie also easily tied in higher winds!
Yep
Started using leaders on my spinning gear mostly because the braid is so much easier to manage. I no longer worry about kinking on the spool. When you mention the uni to uni, are you referring to a double uni knot? It's what I tie. If I get hung up and I have to break off, 80% of the time, I break off at the hook so I know I'm tying a good leader knot. I thought my leaders were long. :)
Thanks for sharing
Along the same line of thinking, the rule that I have used for a while is to have my leader a minimum of twice the length of the rod I am using. Even my brother asked why don't I just use straight fluorocarbon with a leader that long. The way I explained it was that since the braid last so long without having to replace it, I can buy a 250 yard spool of each of the weight leaders I use and get a whole season out of that spool just using it for leaders. Hurts the wallet a lot less than respooling entire reels with fluorocarbon.
Great point
I always use like a 3ft leader but I’m gonna try your method it really does make sense! Do you do that when your throwing a jig or do you go straight braid in fairly thick stuff
Give it a try
Good discussion about fishing line, liter line & knots. I can see where a longer liter makes sense for not spooking fish. I try to avoid bringing my liter knot through my guides because I've had them fail on me a few times. Do you use micro guides?
I use semi micro guides. In the middle between micro and standard guides
Braid to floro here for me on my spinning rods and on my baitcasters I start with a backing then fill with 40 lb braid and add enough floro for a long cast. My spool turns faster and the braid never wears out. No sense spending all that $ on a bunch of floro. Got that from A Mart !!
good tip thanks for sharing!
Erased my comment. Just listening. Thank you Matt.
Thanks for watching
I only use braid as a backer these days I used to do the braid to floro thing. Then about 2 summers ago I started to put roughly 2 full casts worth of floro on over my braid so save me $ on floro. Eventually it does become a shorter leader after re-tieing so many times. I check & retie my line alot. By time it's 3-4 feet I cut it off & tie on a new one. I just use regular floro , I don't spend extra on specific leader material. I haven't taken time to learn how tie FG knot either, I can't think of a good reason to why I would mess with that when good old uni to uni has never failed me & is extremely quick to tie??!
Thanks for sharing!
do you use the same pound test or go some lighter on your leader if using under 10 pound test braid? say your using 10 # braid would you use a 8 # test leader or 10 # all the way. I feel going with 8# leader is better cause if I get stagged/ hung up the leader knot will not break but will break off at the lure knot ,so I don't lose the leader as well..Your thoughts please and thank you
i geni usually go slightly lighter on the braid for the same reason
For me it's pretty simple. Two arm's lengths and go. I just need to focus on tying the best knot I can to make it work.
Sounds good
For 30 Lb Braid, what Lb fluorocarbon leader should I use, generally, for bank bass fishing?
I’d use 8 to 15 lb fluoro
Thanks Matt. You have the exact thought process as me when it comes to leaders, you must be really smart. Baitcasters never spinning rods always. I use yellow braid and some weightless lures it's like a strike indicater or strikes on the fall. I even like the double uni cause it's fast and my eyes suck. Oh don't listen to Blaukat he's old and set in his ways. I BEEN FISHING FOR 50 YEARS, NOW HAND ME MY MANNS JELLY WORM. Just kidding I'm an old fart too.
By the way nice collection of pork frogs you been hanging out with Randy.
I did want to add I also take a big black sharpie to about 6' of the yellow braid. I always you about 10' of floro.
sounds great thanks for sharing!
I have a problem with my knot getting stuck in my guides if I have a long leader. It drive my crazy so I don't do it anymore.
Agreed. And the knot clacking through each guide makes me nervous that I'm compromising it with each cast. And forget about using a Daiwa caster with its TWS--even an FG gets hung up.
@@dcgravity7822 I have lost lures from it hang up on my guides. I see my lure flying away😠
@@crowe1974 That too has happened to me more times than I care to admit! And it seems to always be my $20 and over lures.
Yeah it can happen but i do believe you get more bites with a long leader
@@MattStefanFishing yes for sure you do. I do the double uni knot like you said you do. I've even started to do 3 loops on each side to see if that would help. It did but I still get hung up. Thanks for ur info.
I would love to see a demonstration of tying a uni knot in 15 seconds. That would be a useful skill
im pretty sure i could do it in 10 seconds if I was being timed
There's a video on TH-cam called "FG KNOT in under a Minute" that I watched last year. He holds the line in one hand and flips it back and forth, It takes a while to get good at it, but it definitely is much easier. I can tie that as quickly as an alberto knot now, so it's usually my main knot even when out on the water. I hate feeling the knot in my baitcast spool, but with an FG knot trimmed down, it doesn't tear your thumb up when casting if it does get down in the spool.
Sounds good!
Yo Matt! I might be an idiot but I use a palomar knot tied to a clinch knot. Super quick to tie and is tiny coming through the guides
Stick with what works for you!
One advantage nobody ever talks about is that when using braid with a long leader, you can change terminal line size without respooling. I can use the same main line to fish for crappie or trout on 4 pound leader, or boost it to 8 or 10 for bass, and never change my main line.
Agreed
I like to go with a minimum of 10ft with my leaders. Also, I've tried just about every floro "leader" material on the market and i keep falling back to Seaguar Red Label. It's a much cheaper way to go over buying leader spools and I have yet to find a "leader" meaterial that's worth paying more for. I.e. Seaguar Gold Label. It's a quality floro that is smooth and very consistent, but my God does it kink way too easy in my opinion to be dedicated for leaders.
There is one " leader" material I will use on occasion and that is Sunline FC. It's a little more stout than their main line which is what you would expect and has the clarity and sensitivity you look for in floro. That's my take on it.
thanks for sharing
Been tying the FG knot for my spinning rods and topwater baits and have had great success with it. Tried a 40lb braid to 20lb fluorocarbon for a short pitching technique and broke off on the 2ed hookset. 1/4oz bullet with, 4/0 flipping hook with a berkley maxscent creature hawg...broke off on the biggest fish of the day. Does a FG knot lose its strength in higher lb test line?
That’s a bummer and i don’t have the answer to your wuestion
have you experimented with super thin diameters of braid vs straight flouro? I'm curious what the results would be in a real world test. Refractive index of water is 1.33, flouro is 1.42 and pe braid is 1.54. Essentially the way i see it is refractivity is just how easily light can pass through. But if the braid i have on is 0.06mm, and Berkley Vanish in 4lb test is 0.22mm, then my braid is 1/3rd the thickness and thus 1/3rd as visible, and 10lb flouro is 0.4mm which is almost 7x thicker thicker. It would displace 7x the water as you reel it in and thus the fish could detect it more. I think most guys throwing braid to flouro are throwing it on baitcasters where you essentially need 30lb+ braid (which is thick, especially american brands like spiderwire, and often comes in crazy colors for increased visibility) and nobody is throwing super thin japanese clear braids on spinning tackle. Jeff Thompson did a Mathematical Theory of Fishing Line Visibility where he essentially showed flouro is not invisible and the thickness of your line is what matters most.
If flouro is 7% more visible than water, then maybe the simplistic way to read into that is that 7% more of the light is blocked/reflected. So 0.4mm 10lb flouro line x 7% = 0.028mm is visible to the bass. 0.06mm 10lb braided line is 16% so 0.06x16%=0.0096mm is visible to the bass which is still 1/3rd as visible underwater. This isn't taking into account color of course or the fact that most braids aren't perfectly round thus would "slice" through the water creating vibration/noise.
It's an interesting experiment. I plan to do some fishing this summer on my extremely clear water lake with straight braid (0.06mm clear 10lb test) and the same braid but with a 10lb flouro leader, just to see if the amount of bites i get changes.
I agree with you on water displacement.
I go with bright colored braid for line watching detection, with a mono or fluorocarbon leader.
Very interesting!
Helpful stuff. Thanks.
You bet!
I tried using straight braid and straight fluoro and my bites went way down. On my finesse spinner I use 10 lb braid with a 10 lb mono leader. I tried using fluoro as a leader but switched to mono because I want to add just a bit of stretch since braid has no stretch at all. On my flipping stick for hydrilla and grass flats, it's straight braid, on my wood flipping and my cranking baitcasters I use straight fluro. It's what works for me. And if you catch fish doing something different and it works, I say stick with it. Also, as far as knots, I'm a double Uni guy as well.
I agree! Stick with it!
I hated braid to leaders till I started tying the Red Philips. Now I don't mind tying them, maybe it's not "the best" knot but it has never failed me and encourages me to use leaders with braid. Just my 2 cents.
Stick with what works for you
Have you fished berkley nanofil on your spinning rods? What was your experience with it?
I have not
So I've been thinking about switching to braid to leader but my question is do you fish straight fluoro around wood? Or does having that 10 foot leader of fluoro prevent the braid from digging into the wood? That's always been my reason for not switching as I mostly rush around wood cover
It helps prevent it from sawing into wood
@@MattStefanFishing ok so does it still happen on occasion digging into wood? and at what point do you switch to straight fluoro? Thanks for taking the time to answer questions much appreciated
@@goatroper101101 I’d go to a longer leader before switching to all fluorocarbon
Can you direct me to a scientific study or a collection of data that shows that fish bite a lure depending on line visability, or line color. I'd like to know if it makes a difference or not. I'm not looking for a line salesmens opinion, but hard facts.
Thank you.
Thank you!
i dont know a study to recommend
I use straight braid. I don't think i catch less fish at all. To each their own though. Great video!
Depends what type of water your fishing.You really think your catching as many fish in clear water on long casts(not just pitching in cover)?
@@dontnonowuno9953 most definitely! My brother uses fluorocarbon and I usually catch more than him. We even went over to Northern NM to do trout fishing and I caught the same amount of fish as him. Trout can see way better than bass I think! I believe it's more on the action of the lure. If it's good and action is right you'll catch! I spend around 40 hours on the water weekly. FYI
@@michaelace4739 wow..super interesting take.
Yep stick with what works for you!
I agree
Thanks!
I used your suggestion and it worked well except I think I went with 15 lbs braid which I don’t think u recommended however it works. What is the best test braid to use?
I use 10 but 15 should be ok too
could the noise the line makes in the water draw fish to your baits like rattles do ?i dont think rattles are a natural sound.
Interesting thought
The GT is also simple to tie check it out
I’ll check itbout
On big swimbaits do you use a Heavy power with a moderate action? I usually use a Heavy moderate rod and it seems like a have a lot more hook ups compared to a heavy fast action.
Yes i do
I been using crazy Alberta knot but if it’s not right … I have confidence n double uni it a good knot Alberta less noise n guides but as far as casting distance I don’t believe even fg knot really any better witch takes me forever
Stick with what works for you
I usea GTknot And routinely catch 30 plus inch red fish with 8 pound braid and 15 pound floro I’m very confident with it usuall about four feet long. But occasionally fish look longer.
Awesome!
I agree. I use 110 yard leader.. 🤣
Haha! That’s a long leader!
We all know Randy B. Isn't a braid to floro guy! I used to be then it evolved into just using braid as backing. I guess technically I do use it once my supper long leader gets wittled down to a shorty. I think whatever people are comfortable with, likes & works for them. Them that's what they should do!
I agree completely!
Thank you Matt : I fished for the first time my new spinning reel jerbait rod with 8 pounds all fluro ( like you and Randy ) . To be honest , i found the feeling bizarre and its hard to feel the bytes. I also found that 8 pounds is not solide enough. How high can i go with the fluro line size using Megabass 110 normal and junior , can i go with 12 pounds and maybe my rod wont feel that mushy ?
110 is meant to be fished on 8lb flouro, maybe it’s the rod and not the line nor the lure. What rod ya thrown the 110 on?
I prefer using a faster action rod when fishing with fluoro. In addition, not all fluoro are created equal. Some fluoro will have more stretch than others. For example, seaguar invizx has a ton of stretch, almost comparable to mono.
Yes you can try it on 12 lb but will Lise depth. It definitely feels different and mushy which in my opinion is one of the reasons it works so much better
I use braid to floor on all rods except maybe 3. My leaders are always twice the length of the rod
Sounds good
TOPWATER FREAKS... For finesse topwater presentations... leaving your topwaters sit for long periods of time... braid to fluorocarbon or mono is the only way to go. Both fluorocarbon and mono sink if used as mainline. For spinning gear, 1 LB or 2 LB diameter quality braid like Berkley X9 to a 3 FT fluorocarbon leader, I use 20 LB test Berkley Vanish for less pike bite offs. Tie the lines together using a micro swivel, use a floating bead to keep the swivel from sinking, use a bobber stop to hold the floating bead to the swivel. Take a black jumbo sharpie marker and color 10 FT of the braided line. It takes time and effort, it will take several coats. Let the ink dry. Tie off your line. Let out 200 FT or more line out. Have someone hold the rod and line tight. Use a block of paraffin wax to coat the entire length of the braided line. Experiment with the color of the floating beads. UV, green, orange, yellow, purple or even...pink ! I use 10 LB diameter braid rigged up the same way on baitcasters. All topwater Smallmouth fisherman should have a dedicated finesse topwater rod or two... Bill
Great info thanks for sharing!
I've only got two rods rig with braid to floral ang use a 10 foot leader. The rest are floral or mono. on the spools I'll drill a small hole to run my line through an tie it off. Both work for me. But Matt, it hasn't been said but should - YOUR the leader of our band. What it called? Why it's the, Tight Lines and Screening Drag!! Thx 😂
Lol!