Braided line is incredibly strong, but it's also slick. Some knots that work great with mono can slip with braid. Use the right knots and your connection will be as strong as your line. Here are the knots every braid angler should know.
1. Palomar Knot: Braid to Hook or Lure
The Palomar is simple, very strong and one of the most popular knots for tying braid directly to a hook, jig or lure.
- Double about 6 inches of line and pass the loop through the hook eye.
- Tie a loose overhand knot with the doubled line.
- Pass the hook or lure through the loop.
- Pull the tag and main line to tighten, and trim the tag.
Tip: Leave a slightly longer tag with braid, about 1/8 inch, in case it beds in a little.
2. Double Uni Knot: Braid to Leader
The double uni is an easy, reliable way to join braid to a fluorocarbon or mono leader, or to tie braid onto mono backing.
- Overlap the braid and leader by several inches.
- With the braid, tie a uni knot around the leader, making about 8 to 10 wraps. Braid needs more wraps than mono.
- With the leader, tie a uni knot around the braid with about 4 to 5 wraps.
- Wet the knots and pull the main lines so the two knots slide together. Trim the tags.
3. FG Knot: The Slim, Strong Leader Knot
The FG knot wraps the braid around the leader in a woven pattern, creating a long, slim connection that slides through guides easily. It takes practice, but it's a favorite for long casts and big fish.
- Hold the braid tight and weave it around the leader, alternating over and under, for about 15 to 20 wraps.
- Lock it with a few half hitches around both lines, then several half hitches around the braid only.
- Pull tight firmly, then trim.
Practice the FG at home before you need it on the water.
4. Arbor Knot: Line to Spool
Use the arbor knot to tie line onto your reel. With braid, use backing or tape on the spool first so it doesn't slip. See How to Spool Braided Line.
Knot Tips for Braid
- More wraps: Braid is thin and slick, so add extra wraps compared with mono.
- Wet and cinch slowly: Especially important when one side is fluorocarbon.
- Test every knot: Give it a firm pull before you cast.
- Cut cleanly: Frayed braid makes weak knots. Use braid scissors or pliers with a braid cutter.
- Retie often: After a big fish or snag, check the last few feet and retie if it's rough.
More Knot Help
Watch videos of the Palomar and other essential knots in The Top 5 Knots Every Angler Needs to Know, and learn when to use a leader in Fishing Leaders 101.
Ready to tie in? Shop Reaction Tackle braided line.
