FG Knot Issues 2024
Notorious B.E.N. reply :
I decided to try out some P-Line TCB 8 braid and am having trouble with the FG knot. However, I can fairly easily pull the Seagur Invizx line that I am using for leader material out when I finish it up.
The braid is 40 lbs. test and the leader material is 15 lbs. test.
I've watched the Salt Strong video again and again to try and figure out what I'm doing wrong.
Anyone have any ideas?
Fishing_FF reply :
I could not get the FG knot to hold with Seagaur Invixz or Blue Label. I tried both with the 2 different mainlines, PowerPro Original and Slick8.
Luke from Salt Strong in the comments on the main page acknowledges there is a problem with the FG knot when using a soft or slick line because the mainline needs to dig (cut into) the leader. Unfortunately when Luke did the knot test, it was under perfect conditions for the FG knot. He was using 10lbs PowerPro Original (not a slick mainline) with 20lbs Ande Monofilament Leader (a thick, stiffer line).
I replicated the Salt Strong test with the mainlines and leaders I use (PP and PP S8 with Seaguar and Yo-Zuri). I tied various mainline to leader knots to hooks attached to a scale just like the video. It took a while to complete as I did 5-10 of each depending on how close the results were until I had winners for each combo of mainline to leader.
LionHeart reply :
I use the FG a lot. Here is the secret. You have to pull the knot tight, and I mean real tight before you trim the tag end of your leader. Just grabbing the line and leader and pulling hard with your hands ain't enough.
Before I trim the tag end of my main line or leader line, I measure out the length I want my leader to be and tie on a lure with a heavy hook. At this point I'm all done except the tag ends have not been cut. Now I hook the lure around something heavy in my garage and walk to my driveway with the rod. I then wrap some of my braid main line around a screw driver handle or something that the braid won't shred, and give a good solid pull.
Whatever you want the knot breaking strength to be, that's how hard you need to pull before you cut the tag ends. This knot slips as it cinches down. Make sure to wet the knot first also. This method takes a few extra minutes but is absolutely worth it in my experience. I hope this made sense. I probably made it sound more confusing than it is.
Bottom line is, pull the knot super tight before you trim the tags. My 5 foot leader will stretch to nearly 6 feet after I'm finished pulling. But the knot will be solid. I've been using J Braid 4 strand 50 lb. And Seagur Red Label 20 lb.
CroakHunter reply :
Pull your lines super tight and make sure your half hitches are really tight as well. Like stayed above the braid makes a Chinese finger trap of you will, trapping the leader inside which means it slips until in gets tight, but Then wont become loose once tied correctly. Another thing I do is wrap more times. For 15-30 braid I wrap 30 times, for 50-65lb I wrap 26-28. Yes it lengthens thebknkt but doesn't make it more bulky.
Paul Roberts reply :
I've had no issues. Very small diam lines gave some trouble initially but also revealed the issue. Agree with CH above here: Keep all three line ends TIGHT as you make the knot. That's all I've had to do. No issues with more slick braids either including J-Braid 8 and even Gliss. Just a GREAT knot.
Sam reply :
After you tighten the line, use some fast drying super glue and apply it to the knot.
Not much. Just enough to cover the knot.
The knot ain't going anywhere after that.
MassYak85 reply :
If it is slipping out it just means you either didn't do your wraps tight enough or you did not cinch up the knot enough when you finished the wraps. Also, I don't know if this would have any effect because I have not used that line, but if the P-line braid had a really slick coating on top of being 8 carrier, it might not bite as much into the leader. Just speculation, I wouldn't think it would be an issue.
whiskeypete reply :
I was in the same boat as you when i first used the knot. As everyone stated, tension is key. Check out "tackle advisors" video on youtube. He runs the line through his nails to get rid of any way, build up, twist, etc. in the line before he starts. Then he uses a method where the lines do not have to be tense because he is constantly pulling the line back while pinched between his fingers.
Also, a rizutto finish as opposed to a finish with multiple half hitches, has helped me tremendously. Whenever i used opposing half hitches, the knots eventually opened up after running through the guides. Not to say it doesn't work for some people, but i found the design of the rizutto finish naturally complements the knot since it tensions itself onto the FG as the line is loaded up. See "Hitchless FG Knots with Rizutto Finish" on youtube. The quality of his video is horrible, so watch it to get an understanding, then find another video on the rizutto concept.
Lastly, some people might think it's cheesy, but i have a knot assist 2.0 which has helped tremendously with the lighter lines. Obviously with light lines, you want to avoid too much tension which will make the line weaker if stretched beyond it's limits. It is not necessary, but it has helped me with efficiency.
Hope that helps!
NHBull reply :
If you are using 22 wraps, cinch hard at the 1/2 way point and again at the end...often, if you only cinch at the end, the first few wraps don't cut in.......and a dab of super-glue is your friend
Paul Roberts reply :
The "Rizutto Finish" is the way to bowstring serving has been finished for... hundreds of years. I've served quite a few bowstrings over the years but didn't think of using it for the FG. Doh! Thanks for the kick in the right end. 
WRB reply :
If you can't tie a knot under fishing conditions why use it? FC offers nothing for bass fishing as a leader.
Tom
LionHeart reply :
On 1/21/2018 at 5:17 AM, whiskeypete said:I was in the same boat as you when i first used the knot. As everyone stated, tension is key. Check out "tackle advisors" video on youtube. He runs the line through his nails to get rid of any way, build up, twist, etc. in the line before he starts. Then he uses a method where the lines do not have to be tense because he is constantly pulling the line back while pinched between his fingers.
Also, a rizutto finish as opposed to a finish with multiple half hitches, has helped me tremendously. Whenever i used opposing half hitches, the knots eventually opened up after running through the guides. Not to say it doesn't work for some people, but i found the design of the rizutto finish naturally complements the knot since it tensions itself onto the FG as the line is loaded up. See "Hitchless FG Knots with Rizutto Finish" on youtube. The quality of his video is horrible, so watch it to get an understanding, then find another video on the rizutto concept.
Lastly, some people might think it's cheesy, but i have a knot assist 2.0 which has helped tremendously with the lighter lines. Obviously with light lines, you want to avoid too much tension which will make the line weaker if stretched beyond it's limits. It is not necessary, but it has helped me with efficiency.
Hope that helps!
Never heard of the rizzuto but just watched the video. Really good looking finish knot. Definitely trying it.
MassYak85 reply :
On 1/21/2018 at 6:52 AM, WRB said:FC offers nothing for bass fishing as a leader.
Tom
Abrasion resistance?
LionHeart reply :
On 1/21/2018 at 6:52 AM, WRB said:If you can't tie a knot under fishing conditions why use it? FC offers nothing for bass fishing as a leader.
Tom
Pretty bold statement. Gotta disagree with you on that one.
CroakHunter reply :
On 1/21/2018 at 7:45 AM, MassYak85 said:Abrasion resistance?
On 1/21/2018 at 7:53 AM, LionHeart said:Pretty bold statement. Gotta disagree with you on that one.
Copoly and mono have the same if not better abrasion resistance as fluoro. A quality mono is much thinner than fc. Let's not even get started on knot strength/knot choice. Fc has handling issues as well. Fluoro also has more stretch than any other quality line (no matter what the pros say)
MassYak85 reply :
On 1/21/2018 at 8:00 AM, CroakHunter said:
Copoly and mono have the same if not better abrasion resistance as fluoro. A quality mono is much thinner than fc. Let's not even get started on knot strength/knot choice. Fc has handling issues as well. Fluoro also has more stretch than any other line (no matter what the pros say)
Oh if we want to talk fluoro vs mono then I won't disagree, as leader material I don't think it makes much difference. I use heavy mono leaders when Ice Fishing and it's plenty abrasion resistant for sure. I took Tom's comment more as a shot at using any leaders when bass fishing since the knot can apply to either mono or fluoro.
CroakHunter reply :
On 1/21/2018 at 8:04 AM, MassYak85 said:Oh if we want to talk fluoro vs mono then I won't disagree, as leader material I don't think it makes much difference. I use heavy mono leaders when Ice Fishing and it's plenty abrasion resistant for sure. I took Tom's comment more as a shot at using any leaders when bass fishing since the knot can apply to either mono or fluoro.
Lol I took it the other way.
LionHeart reply :
I took it as a comment against leaders in general. Should have read it more carefully.
livin2fish reply :
Have had great FG knots recently with 15 lb Fins Windtamer braid to 8 lb and 12 lb copoly, and also with KastKing 15 lb 4 strand braid to 8 lb and 12 lb copoly. The Rizzuto finish saved me from scrapping the FG knot. One thing that goes against most everything I have seen, is making a really strong knot by making fewer wraps, not more wraps. When making up to 20 wraps I found that only the first 1/4 of the wraps cinched up really tight. The remainder served no purpose. Settling on 12 wraps up and down makes for me the strongest knot and the one least likely to unravel and/or pull loose. Grandson caught a 30 lb. catfish on the Fins 15 lb to 12 lb copoly with the FG knot
Team9nine reply :
BR readers beware! Saturday night and the fluoro bashing has begun... 
24/7LMB reply :
On 1/21/2018 at 2:31 AM, Paul Roberts said:I've had no issues. Very small diam lines gave some trouble initially but also revealed the issue. Agree with CH above here: Keep all three line ends TIGHT as you make the knot. That's all I've had to do. No issues with more slick braids either including J-Braid 8 and even Gliss. Just a GREAT knot.
Paul, how do you like the JB 8? Ive got JB 4 50lb and have not spooled it up yet.
whiskeypete reply :
On 1/21/2018 at 8:29 AM, livin2fish said:Have had great FG knots recently with 15 lb Fins Windtamer braid to 8 lb and 12 lb copoly, and also with KastKing 15 lb 4 strand braid to 8 lb and 12 lb copoly. The Rizzuto finish saved me from scrapping the FG knot. One thing that goes against most everything I have seen, is making a really strong knot by making fewer wraps, not more wraps. When making up to 20 wraps I found that only the first 1/4 of the wraps cinched up really tight. The remainder served no purpose. Settling on 12 wraps up and down makes for me the strongest knot and the one least likely to unravel and/or pull loose. Grandson caught a 30 lb. catfish on the Fins 15 lb to 12 lb copoly with the FG knot
Totally agree, I think the more wraps is just to over compensate for a lack of tension. I forgot where I read it, but it was mentioned that you will notice that the beginning of the knot does not pinch or lock down when tensioning if there are too many wraps basically making it less effective and uniform. When tensioning you should notice the line smoothing out and almost becoming translucent.
MickD reply :
All of the above is true, and you need to use most all of the tips for a reliable FG. My only reservation with the tips would be to note that if you don't have a sound knot with the mono getting deformed by the braid, super glue isn't going to cure it, You have to accomplish that first. Then the super glue can help by keeping the half hitches from loosening. If they loosen, all it lost.
It's such a temperamental knot that I only use it when I have to have its small size.
livin2fish reply :
The FG for me, 2 half hitches are needed before the knot is pulled tight (initially pulling on the braid tag and braid mainline together). Then the Rizzuto knot. To finish the Rizzuto, hold the braid tag in teeth while cinching the Rizzuto down tight against the half hitches. Re. slick lines, the only one I have tried is Gliss 40 lb.. Slim beauty worked "for it". FG did not. If I cannot tie the knot strong enough using just my hands, I'll use a different knot. Doubtful if slim beauty works well with micro guides.
One other thing, if braid line and leader do not have some tension on them while tying, it is difficult to end up with a good FG knot.
Paul Roberts reply :
On 1/21/2018 at 11:03 AM, 24/7LMB said:Paul, how do you like the JB 8? Ive got JB 4 50lb and have not spooled it up yet.
It's now my GoTo braid. I haven't tried them all by any means, but it's a good step up from the SpiderWire Stealth I've used for some time -which has been a good usable line. J-B is very smooth, much finer in diameter (per break rating -haven't tested it though), so far isn't fraying much, holding its color, and the price is competitive. I assume the "breakthrough" of 8-carrier braids came from Sufix 832, as it's gotten such great reviews. Everyone has been following suit. J-Braid is the only I've tried. Very happy with it.
Further North reply :
On 1/21/2018 at 6:52 AM, WRB said:If you can't tie a knot under fishing conditions why use it? FC offers nothing for bass fishing as a leader.
Tom
Sure it does.
- It is the smallest leader to mainline knot, period.
- I have never had one come undone.
...and I can tie them in the boat, all day, every day. It's not hard at all.
WRB reply :
FC is fluorocarbon not FG knot.
Braid, I only use braid for 2 reasons; 1. Added line capacity for salt water big game fishing 300-400 yds backing and 2) for freshwater fish in heavy cover and don't use a leader with braid for bass fishing in heavy cover.
I like to tie knots and give the FG a try simply to learn another knot and it is a difficult knot to tie effectively under any circumstances. This thread has several replies stating how difficult a knot it is to tie effectively. If you can tie this knot under fishing conditions in a moving boat, wind and rain you are in a very exclusive club.
Tom
Preytorien reply :
On 1/21/2018 at 1:14 AM, LionHeart said:I use the FG a lot. Here is the secret. You have to pull the knot tight, and I mean real tight before you trim the tag end of your leader. Just grabbing the line and leader and pulling hard with your hands ain't enough.
Before I trim the tag end of my main line or leader line, I measure out the length I want my leader to be and tie on a lure with a heavy hook. At this point I'm all done except the tag ends have not been cut. Now I hook the lure around something heavy in my garage and walk to my driveway with the rod. I then wrap some of my braid main line around a screw driver handle or something that the braid won't shred, and give a good solid pull.
Whatever you want the knot breaking strength to be, that's how hard you need to pull before you cut the tag ends. This knot slips as it cinches down. Make sure to wet the knot first also. This method takes a few extra minutes but is absolutely worth it in my experience. I hope this made sense. I probably made it sound more confusing than it is.
Bottom line is, pull the knot super tight before you trim the tags. My 5 foot leader will stretch to nearly 6 feet after I'm finished pulling. But the knot will be solid. I've been using J Braid 4 strand 50 lb. And Seagur Red Label 20 lb.
This pretty much sums up any advice I’d have, especially pulling unbelievably tight before trimming
As much as I love this knot, I haven’t yet had it effectively work for Gliss or YGK
Further North reply :
On 1/22/2018 at 7:35 AM, WRB said:FC is fluorocarbon not FG knot.
Ah, that makes more sense!
On 1/22/2018 at 7:35 AM, WRB said:I like to tie knots and give the FG a try simply to learn another knot and it is a difficult knot to tie effectively under any circumstances. This thread has several replies stating how difficult a knot it is to tie effectively. If you can tie this knot under fishing conditions in a moving boat, wind and rain you are in a very exclusive club.
Could be, but I'm doubting that...no one knows me would think me anymore than average in terms of coordination.
I've tried two ways of tying the FG:
- Rod leaning away to provide tension on the line
- Line looped around something (I used the reel handle, because it's adjustable) to provide tension.
I prefer the first method, but both work.
Just saw these for a third way I'll try that might make it even easier to tie on the boat:
...Part 3 wearing gloves kinda seals the deal in terms of how easy it might be, for me. 
tonka_blue reply :
On 1/21/2018 at 6:52 AM, WRB said:If you can't tie a knot under fishing conditions why use it? FC offers nothing for bass fishing as a leader.
Tom
I've tied it in 20+mpH winds still running the trolling motor. It's not that hard once you learn it
On 1/22/2018 at 7:06 AM, Further North said:Sure it does.
- It is the smallest leader to mainline knot, period.
- I have never had one come undone.
...and I can tie them in the boat, all day, every day. It's not hard at all.
I agree 100% and I'm the same way I can tie them in all conditions. Having winter here in MN I spent all last winter learning it and doing it faster
Further North reply :
On 1/22/2018 at 1:15 PM, tonka_blue said:I agree 100% and I'm the same way I can tie them in all conditions. Having winter here in MN I spent all last winter learning it and doing it faster
I'm about 120 miles due east of you...and same thing: Practice, practice, practice!
What else are we gonna do this time of year? I hope this storm misses you guys, looks like we might be right in its crosshairs...
J Francho reply :
Th FG knot has really been more of a pain, and not worth all the hassle over tying a simple Alberto. Sometimes for lighter spinning applications, I just use a triple surgeon's knot - even simpler!
tonka_blue reply :
On 1/22/2018 at 10:31 PM, Further North said:I'm about 120 miles due east of you...and same thing: Practice, practice, practice!
What else are we gonna do this time of year? I hope this storm misses you guys, looks like we might be right in its crosshairs...
Haha exactly there isn't much else to do in the winter. I hope we are on the 3in of snow side of the storm and not the 10in but who knows I'm sure you're like everyone else who listens to the weather man we will believe it when we see it.
Further North reply :
On 1/22/2018 at 10:53 PM, J Francho said:Th FG knot has really been more of a pain, and not worth all the hassle over tying a simple Alberto. Sometimes for lighter spinning applications, I just use a triple surgeon's knot - even simpler!
Maybe...sometimes. Probably depends if you find tying it a pain. I don't.
But then I think tying a Uni-to-uni is a pain...too many loose ends to keep track of...for me.
On 1/23/2018 at 3:27 AM, tonka_blue said:Haha exactly there isn't much else to do in the winter. I hope we are on the 3in of snow side of the storm and not the 10in but who knows I'm sure you're like everyone else who listens to the weather man we will believe it when we see it.
If I had to guess, I'd say 10" +/- 2", here.
Since I refuse to watch TV, I'll have to wait for the "official" total.
Notorious B.E.N. reply :
So after a good amount of travel for work, I had a chance to sit down and try increasing the number of wraps I did with the FG knot. I went from 20 wraps to 40 and my knots didn't give on the pull test.
I was also able to get out and attempt to put it to the test on Friday. I only caught one that was about 2.25 lbs. but the knot held up good.
Also I am not sure where the wound on the fish came from. To my knowledge it did not get any stumps or anything when I was landing it but I was in an area with scattered timber. I landed quickly, put the bass on my fish grips while I got the camera ready, dipped the trough in water before measuring, and it was released in great condition. It didn't hesitate after I placed it back in the water to swim off. The lake I was on has a regulation of not allowing possession of bass between 14 and 24 inches.
FishDewd reply :
I can kinda do the FG on heavier mono line, but I have issues getting it to work for more standard sized lines, especially if it's FC. I'm not much on FC anyway, but I did try it once and the cinching down part was painful to say the least. Until I have a need for really long leaders that reel up into the spool and have to go through eyelets, I don't have a need for this FG knot to attach lines. I like the J knot for mono-mono (or copolymer-copolymer) and the Alberto for CP or mono to braid. These are easy enough to tie that it doesn't matter if the lines break and I need to make a new leader now and then while fishing. I can do both in a reasonable amount of time. If I could find a way to attach 12-15 lb copolymer to braid with the FG I might use it, but when I try that, every wrap of the braid tries to travel away from the knot rather than coming into it where my fingers are clinching the lines. Just a pain really... I did try the tackle advisor's method of doing it but no worky for me.
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