I use a lot of braid to leader set ups.  This post is specifically about 6# FC.  I don't have this problem with mono or 8# FC.  In this single circumstance, I have been using an Alberto knot to connect the leader.  It seems like the line diameter of the 6# FC is too small.  I cannot get FG wraps to dig into the leader even if I use as many as 30 wraps.  Consequently, I have been using an Alberto knot for this circumstance which works adequately.  With that said, I would prefer to use an FG knot if at all possible.  Sometimes when I snag, my Alberto knot gives before my SD Jam, Pitzen, or Orvis knot do.  Since I am only talking about 6# line, I am hesitant to use a weaker knot to connect to the lure.  It's annoying to the point I am considering a dedicated 6# FC reel.  Before I do, I thought I would consult all of you.

 

It also occurs to me that perhaps those who can successfully tie 6# FC leader might be using other gear so here is what I am using.  

 

Leader Line:  6# Red Label
Main Line:  15# Kastpro

I've had this same issue, and TBH haven't really found a solution other than use another knot. But that being said, try actually using fewer wraps. After a certain point the additional wraps are not really biting into the line. Try like 15 wraps and see if it bites. 

Double uni knot

I've had no problems using FG on 5# and 6# FC line, but I'm also only using 3, 5 and 8# braid, so that might make a difference. Always use 12/24 wraps regardless.

 

 

I almost posted this same topic and have been experimenting with knots.  Cant get an FG to bite with light line but Alberto is not quite strong enough even with 9 wraps.  Saw an old utube video of the double alberto and it seems to be an improvement.  Run your braid through the leader loop, then pull it back through and do 6 turns up and back with both strands of braid like a regular alberto.  Finish with 3 tags.  Good luck man!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WGH65RGH2C4

 

I run 10 lb Berkley fireline braid with 6 lb Red label FC using a 7 wrap Alberto. I retie before every trip and have caught 5 to 10 lb stripers on it. If it'll handle those hard chargers it'll definitely handle LM.

 

 

Why don’t you just use 6 lb mono or 8 lb flouro since they don’t cause a problem? Seems like an easy solution.

1 hour ago, Team9nine said:

I've had no problems using FG on 5# and 6# FC line, but I'm also only using 3, 5 and 8# braid, so that might make a difference. Always use 12/24 wraps regardless.

 

 

What brands of line do you use if you don't mind me asking? 

If you're using 6# FC that is .008 dia why use Red label? Seaguar offer 6# .008 dia in 3 better FC line grades with improved knot strength. If you want .008 dia line with knot strength greater then FC use Maxima UG 5# is .008 dia.

Tom

PS, surprised the Alberto/RP knot isn't working, could be KK braid.

22 minutes ago, WRB said:

If you're using 6# FC that is .008 dia why use Red label?

BPS had a sale for $7.49 per spool. If the line is the problem, I’ll stop trying.  

1 hour ago, Happybeerbuzz said:

What brands of line do you use if you don't mind me asking? 

Regular PP braid and either Seaguar (Tatsu, InvizX) or Toray Super Finesse FC leaders.

1 minute ago, Happybeerbuzz said:

BPS had a sale for $7.49 per spool. 

How many leaders do you make up a year that you need bargin line?

Tom

 

25 minutes ago, WRB said:

PS, surprised the Alberto/RP knot isn't working, could be KK braid.

It’s working.  It just gives out before my line to lure knot when I have to break off. 

2 minutes ago, WRB said:

How many leaders do you make up a year that you need bargin line?

Tom

 

It’s not so much as that as how much other new stuff I have to pass up in favor of more expensive line. The 20, 15, 12, & 10# Red Label are working fine with an FG knot so far.  With other FC normally costing $20-25 a spool, it amounts to the bait monkey having to go without a lot of meals. Besides, Red Label is on TW’s best seller list so there is some consensus that it is an adequately good product. 

Get a PR bobbin and try the PR knot. I have never had an issue with its knot strength. 

i dont use leaders because i dont believe in extra knots. i would use 6 or 8 straight flourocarbon.

Try a six-turn surgeon's knot. Strong enough that the flouro line will break at the terminal knot, fast, and hard to get wrong regardless of light, moving platform, etc.

Can't image why a weekend bass angler uses so many different FC leader lines! Spinning I understand you may need 1 the 6#, bait casting maybe another but 6 is over the top. I don't use any braid to FC leaders and catch lots of bass.

Tom

 

55 minutes ago, WRB said:

Can't image why a weekend bass angler uses so many different FC leader lines! Spinning I understand you may need 1 the 6#, bait casting maybe another but 6 is over the top. I don't use any braid to FC leaders and catch lots of bass.

Tom

 

My dad use to slay them too with just a Zebco 33 and a spool of Stren, but bass fishing hasn’t really been much about ‘need’ in decades.  I couldn’t decide on a couple so I bought a variety.  Being on sale, it was an affordable way to get into FC. 

I have had this issue with certain rare combinations of leader and braid. The answer is to use a different leader line. It usually happens when I'm trying to use a thin hard leader with thicker braid. I had a problem with 3lb fluoro to 10lb braid, but swapping to 3lb mono cured it.

Try using smaller diameter braid. I use 8 and 10lb PP with 6lb redlabel with a 20 turn FG without issue. Seems like the braid may be too thick to dig into the line.

I use 6lb Red Label to 10lb Power Pro all the time. Zero issues with the Alberto Knot.

 

 

 

 

I have found that I have trouble tying fg knots with the kastking braid. It has a larger diameter, which I believe throws off the knot. I am pretty efficient in tyinf multiple knots and leader connections and have only had problems out of kk, even in heavier lb tests. I used to be a braid to leader  fan but have since switched to mainlines only, whether that is braid, mono, copoly, or fluoro. My favorite braid to tie a leader knot with is daiwa j-braid x4. When crappie fishing I could tie 10lb braid to 4lb mono.

Zebco 33 outfit is all that is needed for novice anglers.

Time on the water is limited and valuable and equipment failure a waste of time and lost opportunity to develop fishing skills.

Suggested Max UG 5 lb Copolymer line to resovle your knot issues, it's not a cheap product, it's a premium line with exceptional knot strength with high abrasion resistance needed for finesse bass fishing. 

Tom

 

 

5 hours ago, waymont said:

Try using smaller diameter braid. I use 8 and 10lb PP with 6lb redlabel with a 20 turn FG without issue. Seems like the braid may be too thick to dig into the line.

 

3 hours ago, CroakHunter said:

I have found that I have trouble tying fg knots with the kastking braid.

I have some 10# PP. I’ll give it a go tonight when I get minute.  Thanks for the help.