The moment of truth! Because braided line has such a thin diameter, the importance of knots used to connect braid to a length of mono or fluorocarbon leader takes on greater significance. Most anglers choose to use a leader with braid, but based on the results of this challenge, it would seem that many are losing 30, 40 and even more than 50 percent of the braid’s breaking strength at that knot. On the other hand, some knots retain 90 to 100 percent of the braid’s strength.
One of the knots submitted for testing. The Quepos knot shown here is a beautiful knot, but how strong was it in our tests? Before we look more closely at the winning knots, here’s how the challenge worked. Those who answered our call for participants could enter in either the light-braid category (15-pound braid to 30-pound fluorocarbon leader) or the heavy-braid category (50-pound braid to 80-pound fluorocarbon), or both. Specifically, entrants used Spiderwire Stealth Blue Camo Braid in 15-pound-test and Spiderwire Stealth Glow-Vis Braid in 50-pound-test as their main line, tying to Berkley ProSpec fluorocarbon leader in 30-pound and 80-pound, respectively. The 15-pound Spiderwire braid actually broke at 34.4 pounds, on average; the 50-pound Spiderwire broke at 62.8 pounds.
Adrian E. Keep in mind the bottom-line goal of this challenge: Determine the strongest possible knots to connect braid to leader. Given that objective, there were few restrictions. Some tied a double line in the braid, some did not. A few applied glue to their knots. Whatever worked was fair game, as we can all benefit from that knowledge. It was essential to determine which of the two knots tested weaker; that registered as the “weak link” in their system, and that knot was the one that would determine the strength of their method of connecting braid to leader.
As the charts you’ll see a bit farther down show, the strength of these knots was pretty much all over the place, from 100 percent to as little as about 17 percent. Tied by Capt. Tied by Capt. Tied by Capt. Many different knots were used to connect 15-pound braid to 30-pound mono. Many different knots were used to connect 50-pound braid to 80-pound mono. Knot-tiers are becoming more sophisticated, at least based on comparison to a similar Sport Fishing knot challenge years ago. Another change from the previous knot challenge is the prevalence of single-line knots among better entries. That is, years ago, most of the strongest knots tested were formed from a double line made with a Bimini twist, such as a Bristol (aka Yucatan or no-name knot). This year, only one such knot scored among the best. All other top knots tie the single-strand main line directly to the leader. The FG knot has become quite popular, for example. It seems that tying knots approaching 100-percent strength might be inherently more difficult with lighter braided line.
The percentages of the two best results with 15-pound braid were in the lower 80s, while three entries with 50-pound braid tested between 92 and 100 percent. It’s not just the knot; how it’s tied is strategic. Albrights and double-uni knots are very popular - but are they the best knots? One result consistent in this challenge was that Albright and uni knots to connect braid to leader scored pretty low. Lots of anglers - and pros - swear by them, and certainly, a knot you can tie efficiently, with lots of confidence, is important.
The bobbin knot requires that piece of hardware (a bobbin) and a bit of time but creates a beautiful knot. I asked these charter captains and guides how they choose to connect a braid main line to a fluoro or mono leader. Richard Andrews, North Carolina: Double uni for light braid. David Bacon, Santa Barbara, California: Reverse Albright. Mark Bennett, Englewood, Florida: Double uni, with a spider hitch to create a loop in the braid. Paul Hobby, Ft. Damon McKnight, Venice, Louisiana: Double uni. Comment: I’ve caught everything from 3-pound redfish to 500-pound blue marlin using this connection; I can tie it quickly, and it works every time.
William Toney, Homosassa, Florida: Four to five surgeons for lighter braid; for heavier braid, same knot but using a Bimini twist to create a loop in the braid. Comments: It’s a quick, strong knot that gets my clients back to fishing.
First, we have the F4 Rig, which is super-versatile and allows you to quickly switch between a Carolina, Texas, or in-between rigs, with or without a clackin’ sound. Then we have the Pop ‘n Drop, which allows you to combine a popper with a trailing stickbait that stays off the bottom or suspends subsurface over deep weeds. Later this year, we’ll reveal another combo I’m working on, called The Snakebite Rig. The Snakebite Rig is meant for fishing largemouth bass in areas with a combination of muck and tall, slender weeds (think grass or even cabbage) from the bank or the boat. Every part of the rig has been designed to be as weedless and muckless as possible. It works.
One extremely important element of that rig, is the combination of knots. Knots are important for a variety of reasons. Certain knots work well with specific line types (uni-knots can “burn” and fray fluorocarbon lines, reducing their strength). I know… I used to ignore this as well… but when I was working on The Snakebite Rig it forced me to look at every single part of the setup, because I was sick and tired of pulling weeds and muck and crap off of my line every cast. It’s a waste of time. It forces you to lose focus. It’s annoying. The answer, is The Alberto Knot. What!? Why!? Why not the popular FG Knot?
Great question! For starters, you need to be a rocket surgeon to tie an FG Knot. And three hands. This is not ideal for retying a leader on a windy day when you’re on the water. But, if it were the best option, it would still be worth the effort to master the technique. That can be a BIG problem. Check out The Alberto Knot, and notice that the braid tag end is the one that is facing forward - but braid is supple, and if you leave a quarter or even a half inch tag on said braid, it will fold back nicely and lay flat, making the Alberto Knot much more weedless… or if you’re in the Midwest like me… much more muckless. That gray tag end you see above is braid, and it will fold back easily as it comes through the water. Combine this with a Weedless Uni-Knot (the tag end on a weedless uni points back, not forward) at the bait connection, and we’re in business!
Give it a shot and let me know how it works for you. Ultimately when it comes to knots, confidence and reliability are key - if this is something new, tie several in the garage prior to hitting the water - test them, and repeat the process until you get ’em right. Once you do, it’s simple and effective. Tight Lines & Godspeed, Patriots.
Fishing Knots: Alberto Knot - How to Tie Braid to Fluorocarbon or Braid to Mono
- Weedless and muckless rig concepts for bass and weed-choked waters.
- Alberto Knot and Weedless Uni-Knot as strategic connectors between braid and fluorocarbon leader.
- FG Knot and other single-line knots show high strength with heavier braids.
In practice, when tying fluorocarbon leaders to braided line, consider:
- Use a forward-facing braid tag end through the knot to reduce snagging and improve lay.
- Prefer single-line knots when possible for simplicity and strength.
- Test knots in the garage before fishing to gain confidence and reduce on-water reties.
Overall, the strongest connections come from knots that maximize braid strength retention while remaining weedless, with the Alberto Knot and Weedless Uni-Knot at the bait connection standing out in this discussion. The ultimate goal is reliable, quick rigging that minimizes fouling from weeds and muck while preserving line strength and presentation on the water.