I am new to the web site and I am so far impressed with the topics in these threads.  I have a quaestion I was hoping to get some input on.  I fish Smallies in clear water (Mille Lacs lake, MN)  and I fish braided line with jigs and suspending crankbaits.  I think the bigger (ie smarter) fish see the braided line and I've been experimenting with fluorocarbon leaders but the knots I've been using are cumbersome and "catch"in my eyelets as I cast.  Any suggestions?   I have found that you need to up size your fluorocarbon when tying these knots.  Braids and knots of similar lb test seem to not work...I think the braid cuts the mono.  Thanks

I have a couple rods rigged with 15# P-line leaders and just use barrel/uni knots to 30# PP and 20/30# SW Ultracast. I'm hoping to get up to Mille Lacs this summer, you got some great Smallies in there. :o

MSRIVER DOG That is some stout terminal hardware...I use 8# super braid/Power pro and a 12# leader.  I've seen limited success with the albright knot.  Problem is, it requires a bit aof a hassle getting it tied.  I'll try the barrel/blood knot.  It does seem a bit bulky???

PS  Don't come to Mille Lacs..there aren't any fish there...I was just kidding about large smallies seeing my braided line .  

I was on the either Power Pro or Flouro no leaders.

This spring I've been testing knots and leaders. The surgeon double loop that I wrap 4 times wins and BPS XPS flouro with 20 yellow Power Pro.

I do work for Power Pro and told the boss he can have all my green back.

Garnet

bronzeback88 it doesn't seem to matter a lot here on the Upper Miss area's I fish, stained or really fast water, my second choice for a leader is 10# XT but then I am mostly a spinner/buzzer guy at this time of the year. Senco's and Tube's are my throw back lures after missed hits, the rocks here are really abrasive and tear up any braid but the Ultracast fast. A couple Bud's of mine only use 10 or 8# XT with their tubes and Sencos but fish a little different section and don't mind break off's and retieing a bunch. Most of the time I tie straight to the braid. If I fished Mille Laks a lot I'ld step down a bit, that water is so clear.

For the last 3 years now, I've used 10# Fireline with a 4', 6# test fluoro leader. I use the Uni to Uni knots and have never had a break at the joint. Casts nice thru the guides too. JMO  

Try back to back uni knot. I use 20lb or 30lb ultracast baid & 12lb or 15lb maxima ultragreen for leaders. Maxima ultragreen is  very abraison resistant & very strong for the line test rating. The back to back uni knot is bullet proof for strength.

The J knot !

I like the modified Albright or Alberto's knot.  It is small and needs no glue.  I had failures with the uni, J, and stren knots just to name a few but the Alberto has not failed yet.

http://www.stripersonline.com/Pages/Articles/article_arby_albertos_knot.shtml

I like the modified Albright or Alberto's knot.  It is small and needs no glue.  I had failures with the uni, J, and stren knots just to name a few but the Alberto has not failed yet.

http://www.stripersonline.com/Pages/Articles/article_arby_albertos_knot.shtml

x10

I've used this knot exclusively when tying leaders.  I've never had the knot fail and I've pulled my share of snags out.

The terminal knot will fail before this knot does.

I asked a similar question under the rod,reel,line section and someone put me on to the slim beauty knot.I tried it and it works excellent.Google it and you can find out how to tie it.It's simple and it works.