I have finally decided to give it a try.  I have tied several practice knots and have some questions.

 

 I am using 15# braid and 12# fluorocarbon lines.  
 

1.  After I complete the knot and 2 half hitches should I cut the fluorocarbon leader or make more half hitches first?

2.  How many half hitches total should I use?

3.  How about some clear Sally Hanson nail polish on the knot?

4.  Burn braid tag or not.

 

 I will be fishing in a friend’s boat and will have only two braid to fluorocarbon setups with me so I want the best knot that I can get.  We’ve been fishing swim baits among timber in 40-70’ water and hang ups are likely.  Thanks in advance for tips.

20 wraps total, 10 each side. One half hitch on each side after all the wraps. Make sure that your half hitches go in the same direction on both sides!! 
 

Keep as much tension as you can on the knot and pull each wrap tightly as you work

 

 

I don’t understand one half hitch on each side.  Each side of what?

 

 

Each side of where the leader and mainline intersect. Where you are holding the two lines together to begin your knot

Keep even tension on the lines as you knot 

 

7 hours ago, Jig Man said:

I have finally decided to give it a try.  I have tied several practice knots and have some questions.

 

 I am using 15# braid and 12# fluorocarbon lines.  
 

1.  After I complete the knot and 2 half hitches should I cut the fluorocarbon leader or make more half hitches first?

2.  How many half hitches total should I use?

3.  How about some clear Sally Hanson nail polish on the knot?

4.  Burn braid tag or not.

 

 I will be fishing in a friend’s boat and will have only two braid to fluorocarbon setups with me so I want the best knot that I can get.  We’ve been fishing swim baits among timber in 40-70’ water and hang ups are likely.  Thanks in advance for tips.

 

Do your wraps. I’m usually 16-20. I like 2 half hitches next. Then set the knot!  I like a couple quick pops on it, then I torque down and really pull. You’ll see the knot change color as it bites. Next, trim the floro as close as possible, this is the number one source of a knot unraveling over time. Nail clippers are my favorite. Then I do 2-3 more half hitches and a 4 turn rizzuto to finish. Burn or not burn hasn’t affected me yet and I never put nail Polish on it. I think you’ll see there’s really nothing to it as you gain confidence tying them. Best of luck on the swimbait hunt!

 

scott

7 minutes ago, softwateronly said:

 

Do your wraps. I’m usually 16-20. I like 2 half hitches next. Then set the knot!  I like a couple quick pops on it, then I torque down and really pull. You’ll see the knot change color as it bites. Next, trim the floro as close as possible, this is the number one source of a knot unraveling over time. Nail clippers are my favorite. Then I do 2-3 more half hitches and a 4 turn rizzuto to finish. Burn or not burn hasn’t affected me yet and I never put nail Polish on it. I think you’ll see there’s really nothing to it as you gain confidence tying them. Best of luck on the swimbait hunt!

 

scott

Scott nailed it.  I find this knot pretty simple, and I am far from a knot expert, more of a knot head.  

Thanks for the thorough reply.

My reasoning on the polish is any interruption to the beginning of the knot destroys it.  I thought nail polish would keep it firm and avoid any problem.  If it won’t degrade the fluorocarbon then I think it will make me feel better.

44 minutes ago, Jig Man said:

Thanks for the thorough reply.

My reasoning on the polish is any interruption to the beginning of the knot destroys it.  I thought nail polish would keep it firm and avoid any problem.  If it won’t degrade the fluorocarbon then I think it will make me feel better.

Yes and no. Wraps not jumping themselves is key. Tightness does help that, but correct lay is far more important, and it’s not just at the beginning of the knot.  Those two or three quick little pops before I really cinch it down helps tighten the wraps before it bites into the leader material.  Not sure if you’re familiar with a timber hitch for rope, but there’s some similarities in how they both constrict against a cylindrical object. 

If the polish gives you confidence, you should definitely do it. Too long/stiff of a knot the more it catches line/guides while spooling off on the cast, so probably a light touch is best. 
 

scott

20ish wraps, rizutto finish (no half hitches), burn the leader to a tiny bulb, burn the braid tag to get rid of fuzzies. 

After much practice I decided to do one setup for tomorrow with the GG.   I’ll be in my boat with backups in the rod locker.  I put a casting plug on it and threw it a few times.  Even with the Sally Hansen’s on it I couldn’t feel it going through the eyelets.  If it is as strong as people say,  then I an a new convert.

 

Thanks for the responses.

Keep even tension on the lines as you knot