Hello,

 

I'm a new Angler and I had a question.  When creating fishing lines/rigs why is it necessary to cut the tag off of knots?

 

Thanks,

Rich

The tag needs to be trimmed, from a functional point of view, so that it doesn't interfere with the lure presentation. 

 

Also, from an aesthetic point of view, most people prefer a neat and finished look to their rigs.

16 minutes ago, Michigander said:

The tag needs to be trimmed, from a functional point of view, so that it doesn't interfere with the lure presentation. 

^ A longer tag will grab onto weeds, algae, whatever and cause interference with the lure's action because of the resulting drag.

30 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

^ A longer tag will grab onto weeds, algae, whatever and cause interference with the lure's action because of the resulting drag.

Ain't that the truth. Even a mm of tag end can snag a lot of algae on the retrieve. I try to cut the tag end off as close as I dare on bottom baits for sure. Been guilty of cutting too close and having to retie lol. 

Edited March 12, 20215 yr by BrianMDTX
It thinks I said a dirty word!!!!

Cut the tag short on connecting knots so it goes through the eyes of your rod better , that’s why plenty of wraps are necessary. I had to learn that one the hard way. Using a pair of straight toenail clippers will help you from nicking the line . Leave a little extra on the braid because it will slip easier than the mono/fluoro does. The uni knot is a great knot to learn for connections and hooks  because it cinches down so easy and is consistent. Tying knots and breaking them at the kitchen table will tell you which knots slip and how much tag you can get away with. Reeling in a curled up end where your hook used to be sucks. 

6 minutes ago, Skunkmaster-k said:

Leave a little extra on the braid because it will slip easier than the mono/fluoro does. 

I was just gonna post that. 
Little known tip that most new comers don’t do or realize. 
 

 

 

 

 

Mike

Hey Rich,

Given my eye condition, I try for close. Meaning, the tag end will be maybe 1/16" - 1/8" from the knot. Does it pick up weeds and whatnot? Yes, but I went the other way and cut so close that it still picked up weeds and whatnot.

I also had knots let go with no tag. Now I leave a little because, again, my eye sight doesn't allow me to cut real close and now I have piece of mind that the knot won't let go....as easy.

Good luck. ?

Our Spotted bass will untie a perfectly tied knot if you leave them something to work with.? Plus all the reason stated above.

5 hours ago, randdmart said:

Hello,

 

I'm a new Angler and I had a question.  When creating fishing lines/rigs why is it necessary to cut the tag off of knots?

 

Thanks,

Rich

It isn't in many situations and I don't.  The monofilament side of joining knots run through the guides better when clipped very short, but leaving +1/2" of PE tag has never affected my cast or retrieve and I don't have to glue the knot either.  Terminal knots with mono have never been a problem when leaving 1/2" tag.   Full disclosure:  I don't fish mono lines thicker than 10lb test or PE lines greater than 20lb test.

 

oe

12 hours ago, randdmart said:

Hello,

 

why is it necessary to cut the tag off of knots?

 

Thanks,

Rich

Necessary? Not, neat yes.

 

 

6 hours ago, OkobojiEagle said:

Terminal knots with mono have never been a problem when leaving 1/2" tag.

oe

Agreed,

The knot with tag end point up (uni knot) would catch weed more than knot with tag end down toward hook (trilene knot), even with shorter tag end.

You can fix this by insert tag end to bottom hole before clinch.