06.1 - FG Knot

THE FG KNOT

This is possibly one of the most discussed knots on the planet whether it's for its knotting performance, slimness of profile through the rod rings, or difficulty in tying. Like many of the knots we use, it should not surprise you to know that the FG Knot does have some limitations and that it will pay you to play to its strengths. What do I mean by this?

Some types of knot seem to be able to be used across all types of line and in all diameters, e.g. Palomar, San Diego Jam, Uni, Double Uni, Nail, Bimini Twist. They may not always be the best in class when used on a particular line material / diameter combination, but are still capable of producing a usable performance. Other knot patterns, however, can only be safely used with mono or fluoro, or on lines above a certain diameter. My researches lead me to believe that the FG Knot falls into this category both in regard to line material and line diameter.

To understand its strengths and weaknesses, you need to understand its background and how it works. It originated from the world of sportfishing where there was a need to have an exceptionally strong knot to handle sporting fish like Tuna and GT's with an exceptionally slim profile to smooth its passage through the rod rings when casting repeatedly. Its success or failure depends on the ability of the main line (usually braid) to bite into the leader line - mono or fluoro. If you think of it more as a 'trapping' knot like a Nail Knot rather than a 'binding' knot like a Uni Knot, you will begin to see why it might be good with some lines and not with others.

The following is what I have read or had reported to me:

• Braid to braid - don't even think about it! Thin braid or thick braid, you would be better off using a Double Uni with single or doubled lines on each Uni. Better still, try my Tuna Bend Knot
• Braid to fluoro - some avoid using this knot in this union because the fluoro has less stretch than mono making it harder to get the braid embedded in it. Some skippers use circular finger pulls to let them exert the maximum pressure. For Bass Fishing, I am told that 15lb braid to a 10lb fluoro leader is a good combination. Once you have reached the stage in the tying process where you are ready to snip off the end of the fluoro, it might be worth leaving 1mm which you can 'blob' or 'flatten' with a hot pin. The aim would be to arrest any slight slippage which, if left unchecked, would cause the whole knot to fail
• Braid to mono - this is the combo for which it is justly famed. Whether using heavier lines for the likes of Tarpon, Tuna, or GT's or a lighter line combo like 12lb-15lb braid to 8lb-10lb mono, this knot is up there with the likes of the Yucatan Knot, or its twin brother, the Aussie Quickie. One caveat I read was that it does not work as well with light lines and avoid Nanofil for the braided side. Even if this is true, the knot profile on 10lb braided lines matched to, say, 8lbs is going to be pretty thin and you would have the pick of suitable alternatives. In fact, a 10-turn Nail Knot would be a good substitute for performance and slimness of profile

By now, you might be having second thoughts about using the FG Knot and may be thinking to stick with your regular knot. Before you do that, why not give my Tuna Bend Knot a try? You will find it can match and surpass the FG Knot in all areas except one - slimness of profile. Only a Nail Knot can match it on profile and while most people want to consign it to Fly Fishing, you would find that in braid-to-mono or braid-to-fluoro combinations, it will outperform most of the standard knot patterns simply because you are playing to its strength - a thin line attaching to a line of greater diameter, i.e. a fly line.

I devised my alternative knots because I could not tie the FG Knot. It didn't matter how many videos I scrutinised, how many diagrams I peered at, I always seemed to be missing something. Of course, it doesn't help that everyone has their own way of tying an FG Knot and the more I was unable to tie it, the more it irked me! Naturally, all those who have mastered it, now claim how easy it is, quickly forgetting the initial pain of discovery!

The first thing to understand about tying the FG Knot is that there are two distinct methods - un-tensioned (free style) and tensioned. I will supply the video I studied from to illustrate each method. The second thing you will see is that some like to work the braid around the leader line, others like to do the reverse. Both methods will be shown.

FREE STYLE

I am using the phrase 'un-tensioned' to refer to the fact that the knot is being tied free hand without being tensioned against the rod tip. The more tension you can impart as you lay down each wrap, the better the knot will turn out. Some have claimed that only the rod-tip method can guarantee tension and therefore consistency - it is also the one thing that puts a lot of people off as making the knot impractical! It is really down to which works best for you.

I am starting with this video because it afforded me my first success with tying the FG Knot. The presenter has opted to use the 'braid-first' method and commences proceedings using the braided main line to make the first pass around the end of the leader, followed by the braid tag end being passed around the end of the leader to complete the first pass of both lines in a 1-1, 2-2, 3-3 sequence. You can make the first pass with the braided tag end if you prefer. The important thing is to keep the count in your head. 16-20 is the recommended number. Once completed, take the braid tag end around both leader line and braid main line (i.e. braid is the line on the reel) to make a half hitch to lock everything in place. With each pass of the braided tag or braided main line, you are trying to lock the wrap in place so that you end up with a herring-bone design in whatever colour your braid is.

Once you have applied the locking half hitch, you may apply another either in the same direction or reversed direction (Cow Hitch). Finish off with more half hitches between braid tag and braid main line (Cow Hitches recommended) or use a Rizutto Finish (fancy name for a reversed Uni Knot).

Here we go:

WITH TENSION

Now here's the thing, having successfully tied the above version, I expected to be able to tie the following version much more easily. Not so. I was back at square one! In my defence, using two coloured shoe laces for my lines does not lend itself to tying this knot at all.

The key to understanding this version is to recognise that the braid is under a 'giving' tension rather than  an 'absolute' tension. As you make each pass with the leader tag end and pull both sides of your leader line, the braid needs to be allowed to 'coil up' one wrap with each pass of the leader tag end. To do this, the end of the braid line must be allowed to slip a little. I found that holding the braided line between a fixed point like the rod tip and my knees allowed just the right amount of slippage for this to happen. Then, by pulling up or down on the leader line with each pass around the braid and allowing a little slip between your knees, you should see the braided coils slowly building up along the leader line.

The finish shown looks like the Rizutto Finish. Some claim this is the better finish as there is no chance of the hitches coming undone through repeated casting. Both styles of finish probably help the line pass through the rings more smoothly but I doubt they contribute much to the strength of the knot as in other patterns.

Now, if all has gone to plan, you are successfully tying the FG Knot and getting more confident in your ability with each attempt.