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FG or Albright? Can't make up my mind.

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I can tie both the FG and the Albright knots. Just can't make up my mind which one I like most. I'm sure this is like Ford vs Chevy or Washington vs Dallas when it comes to which is preferred. My thinking is the FG will be a 'Tie at home knot' since it takes longer for me to tie and the Albright will be a 'Tie in the boat knot' since it's quicker and easier to tie. JMHO.

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I did similar for the longest time. FG at home when prepping for a trip, Alberto in the boat when needed.

Since my Alberto knots never failed - I just dumped the FG all-together and just use the Alberto now.

I just do the crazy Alberto it’s never let me down and I can tie it very quick.

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I've used double unis for years and the only time they fail me is when I want them to, like when I snag a rock and can't get my lure back.


The alberto is worth learning as well because it's fairly easy to tie.

On 1/19/2026 at 5:51 PM, MN Fisher said:

Since my Alberto knots never failed - I just dumped the FG all-together and just use the Alberto now.

Same.

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I like FG knots, strong and thin, but I don't have any rods with micro guide trains. I have a bunch of rods with semi micro guides and a well-trimmed Alberto goes through easily.

I've put my Albertos to the test with gorilla blues and I've never had one fail unintentionally.

I can tie an Alberto pretty fast, on a windy night without having to turn a headlamp on.

I'll bet some people can, but I can't tie an FG in the dark.

IMO, if an Albright or Alberto performs well enough than the FG isn't necessary.

Alberto is hard to argue with....if it fails I either botched the knot or whatever is on the line was going to break off anyway. I find that frayed line causes more break offs than the connector knot most times, or people who insist on setting the hook like they're angry at it.

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On 1/20/2026 at 8:49 PM, GetFishorDieTryin said:

I like FG knots, strong and thin…

FG is strong, and the body of the knot is thin. But when you add the hitch knots of the end, it becomes the same thickness as the Alberto which is easier to tie and also strong.

That’s why is switched back..

Its simple... FG, Dallas and Chevy

Used the Alberto for quite awhile, but after much practice I am able to tie the FG in the same amount of time; had to discover a method which works for me.

For thicker lines, say 6+ lb test fluoro/mono, I always use FG knot. It's the strongest and thinnest. The extra few minutes spent is worthy of the assurance knowing it won't fail before others do. But for lighter lines, FG has an increased difficulty to tie and chance to fail, and the thickness of the knot doesn't matter that much given the thickness of the lines, so Albright it is.

I only use the FG because it's the only one I know.

Here's what AI has to say:

The FG knot is generally considered stronger and slimmer for braid-to-fluoro connections, ideal for passing through micro-guides, but is harder to learn and tie quickly; the Alberto knot (or Crazy Alberto) is easier, faster, and very strong, but bulkier, making it a great all-around choice, especially for lighter lines where the FG's difficulty with thin line might be an issue, though some find the Alberto less strong on braid. 

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9 hours ago, FryDog62 said:

FG is strong, and the body of the knot is thin. But when you add the hitch knots of the end, it becomes the same thickness as the Alberto which is easier to tie and also strong.

That’s why is switched back..

Both are fairly close in dia and the FG doesnt condense like an Alberto. The difference in dia is in .10ths of a mm. The height of the FG keeps the knot from rolling where the Alberto and Albrights can roll. If you dont cut the leader tag flush, the knot can roll and catch the line in the tag, causing line twists. With longer leaders that require the knot be taken into the spool, the tag catching the mainline during the cast creates a nightmare mess, ive heard people call it a "blow by knot." Its hard to cut the leader tag flush with scissors or dikes. So far nail clippers are the best tool IMO.

As good as the FG is, its not as efficient in practical situations. I should probably commit to tying just FGs knots for a whole season. It would boost my confidence and increase my tying efficiency.

9 hours ago, newapti5 said:

But for lighter lines, FG has an increased difficulty to tie and chance to fail, and the thickness of the knot doesn't matter that much given the thickness of the lines, so Albright it is

I don't like an FG for really light leader. I think the PR is the superior knot with light line, but it isn't an easy knot to tie for me.

Lot of great advice on here for you to take in. Seems like you are on the right track. If you're a tournament fisherman, which knot can you tie fast, but correctly? Which knot can you tie correctly and quickly in the wind and rain? I have a friend that can tie 3 or 4 different knots. He must have been a boy scout . . . anyway, he can tie some great knots in his garage. Get him on a boat in the wind and rain . . . he always ties the Alberto.

I'm an FG fan just because it goes through the guides nicer. On the boat, in the heat of the action, I rarely tie the FG, I'll go with the Alberto to save time.

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7 hours ago, PGA Dropout said:

FG every time.

I do like it because it's so thin and goes through the guides better but I do have to say it's a knot I have to tie at home and not on the boat.

On 1/22/2026 at 9:01 AM, AvoidingYardWork said:

or people who insist on setting the hook like they're angry at it.

It's rude to talk about me right in front of me. swag flex GIF

  • Super User

Ocean fishing with heavier lines; the FG dominates. It’s stronger. And thinner.

Fresh water with smaller braid. I trend towards the Alberto. The knot is small enough. And I tie it better. It dies tick thru the guides.

I recently watched an interview with a pro angler; when questioned about knots, he said he uses the FG, but does not use nearly the standard number of 22 wraps. I have not tried it yet.

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7 hours ago, Tackleholic said:

I recently watched an interview with a pro angler; when questioned about knots, he said he uses the FG, but does not use nearly the standard number of 22 wraps. I have not tried it yet.

I hover around 16-18, anything more oftentimes prevents the knot from cinching completely and correctly because the knot tightens before the first wraps bite completely. It's worth a try.

scott

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