11 hours ago, warefisher said:

I didn’t mean to but I got older!  I’ve found this device very handy in tying a nice Alberto Knot.  It’s lightweight, not large, and will easily travel in the tackle bag.

 

https://albertoknot.com/product/uncle-jim-tool/

This is great!  I was wondering if somebody made a tool, because I was thinking it had to be a common issue.

I've been fishing mono exclusively and have only just started using braid the last couple of years. This was mainly due to a lack of thin, finesse braids to match my preferred presentations.

 

Having found some finesse braids, I'm still not convinced of any benefit for my case. My leader of choice is Berkley Big Game in 6lb.

 

As far as EASY knots go, the GT knot is fast, easy and strong. About 10-15 seconds to tie. This knot has won "strongest" connection line knot in the past I believe. I've had no breakage or other issues. It also makes for a tiny knot, which is important as my rods have micro eyes.

 

But my preferred method for thin lines is the Daiwa Sokkou knot tool. I don't know what knot it ties but have seen Euro carp fisherman use this on 4lb to haul in 20+ pounders. I've had no issues with breakage. It's ridiculously fast (5-10 seconds) And the best part about it is the tiny, tiny knot it makes.

 

Oh, and for those who can't stand noise, Spro Finesse Braid is smooth and makes ZERO noise. Downside? Expensive. It's currently my favorite.

 

 I have been using Sunline Almight sinking braid lately and have been warming up to it. It is loud like most braids though.

 

 

Personally I had to go to braid with fluro leader using an FG knot. Don't have to worry about line twist anymore. Longer cast, more sensitivity. Love it when using wacky rigs etc... If I do happen to occasionally get a wind knot I just make sure the knot is wet and pull and it will come right out.  Just what works for me.

Just a word to the wise, braid is not immune to line twist. It’s still there, you just don’t see or feel it the same as mono/fluro/copoly, etc.  It’s still a good idea to stretch it out once in a while and allow it to unwind.  It’s especially more prevalent with the lighter test braids.  That undetected twist aids “wind knots” that appear with no wind. 😉

Braid to 100ft of fluorocarbon.  No loops or twists with only 100ft.  Less issues with wind blowing the braid.

I try to go with 100% fluorocarbon whenever I can. A uniform sink rate for anything finesse is highly underrated IMO. 

1 hour ago, TOXIC said:

braid is not immune to line twist

 

Agreed, it still twists.  I can speak from personal experience.  The key is to address it before it becomes too big of a problem.

 

The simple operation a spinning reel creates some line twist regardless of what kind of line you're using.  Hence the name "spinning" reel.  As soon as you turn that crank, the reel starts spinning and pulling line on twisted.

On 11/14/2024 at 8:15 PM, RRocket said:

But my preferred method for thin lines is the Daiwa Sokkou knot tool. I don't know what knot it ties but have seen Euro carp fisherman use this on 4lb to haul in 20+ pounders. I've had no issues with breakage. It's ridiculously fast (5-10 seconds) And the best part about it is the tiny, tiny knot it makes.

 

Looks like the Seaguar or Lefty Kreh Knot (I've seen it referred to by both names), but with one extra twist (most instructions suggest 3 twists).

20 lb. braid

 

6 to 8 lb. mono leader (6’-8’ length)

 

Lefty Kreh leader knot

 

Gave up on a spool full of mono a long time ago.