Another vote for the Alberto knot. Doesn't have the problem with lighter leaders. I find it easier to tie than the FG, especially at night and I fish a LOT at night. Goes through the guides well. I too wind the knot all the way onto my bait casters like Lynn.

FG is very small diameter knot and is supposed to be slightly stronger.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/23/2020 12:32AM by John C. Allgood.

Tests have shown the FG knot is 30% stronger than the Alberto knot, and most other leader to braid knots. The Alberto knot is easier to tie, but is fatter, because the leader is doubled over and this results in a hard tag end in front of the knot which is prone to hanging up. The FG knot has no hard tag end in front of the knot so it will never catch when casting. However, there are a large number of braid to leader knots out there, and all of them will work. Use what is best for you. In my opinion, the FG knot is the best of the lot, because of its strength and it’s exceptional thinness which allows it to pass through cleanly through any guide.
Norm

Norman Miller Wrote:
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> this results in a hard tag end in front of the knot which is prone to hanging up. > Norm

NOT TRUE. If you have a hard tag end in frontt (or behind) of an Alberto Knot you aren't tying it right.

Although the Alberto IS a little thicker, in actual use it goes through all but the tiniest of guides with ease. I don't use the tiniest of guides so it works quite well for me.

The Alberto is definitely not as strong as the FG knot, but it is functionally strong enough for my needs and apparently the needs of several others in this thread.

The FG is stronger AND thinner, yet I find ease of use to be a real shortcoming. The FG knot also is proven NOT reliable with light leaders. Alberto works on even the lightest leader.

You should use what you are comfortable with. Just because someone else doesn't use the same as you, it's alright as long as you are satisfied with your choice.

I am very satisfied with the Alberto but have no problem with those that would rather use the FG knot or the double uni or any other knot as long as they are happy with their results.

The technical term is FREEDOM OF CHOICE and I feel it is a good thing.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 10/23/2020 12:34AM by John C. Allgood.

Keith, the original poster, stated that he was having trouble with the braid twister knot not going through the guides smoothly. A very simple and logical explanation for this is the leader tag (hard tag) end is facing forward and is clicking on the guides when passing through. I suggested the FG knot because it’s very thin, strong, and with no tag end pointing forward. The Alberto knot (an excellent knot) does have the leader tag facing forward just like the braid twister knot. You cannot tie them otherwise, but you can trim it close. So in my opinion using the Alberto Knot, as well as most other braid to leader knots, is just substituting one hard tag forward knot with another. I was just trying to solve his problem, nothing more. I agree, use the knot you are most comfortable tying. Over the years I have tried most of the braid to leader knots, and for a long time my go to knot was the double uni knot. When the FG knot showed up I tried it and never looked back. I have gotten so I can tie it quite quickly even in the dark, and I freely admit it is not as easy to tie as most other knots, but in my opinion it is well worth the extra time.
Norm
PS - Another excellent knot with no hard tag pointing forward is the Slim beauty knot. I have tried and liked it a lot and it’s easy to tie. It is still a little fatter than the FG.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/23/2020 11:46AM by Norman Miller.

Though it isn't designed for connecting braid to leader, I use a nail knot, only I leave the tag end of the leader very ong.Then I tie a 2nd nail knot with the tag end of the leader over the braid. Wet both knots and pull tnem together. Tighten firmly. This set up has never failed me, and is very strong..It's also easy to tie, especially with a nail knot tool.

Tight lines and frisky fish.

RJF

My APPOLOGIES to NORM. I have done it so long without thinking that I went out into the garage and retied a leader with the Alberto to be sure. I trim the mono tag end short ( just like Norm suggested)... to the point that it doesn't exist anymore. Hence the knot goes through the guides very smoothly.

Again, I was wrong and Norm was right.

I have not tried the fg knot since it looks too complicated for me. On SaltStrong , they say:

“ FG Knot*
Pro: Thinnest knot I’ve ever seen while also having the highest breaking strength.
Con: Requires a strong cinch before cutting the tags so that it fully locks into place.
Note: Only use this knot if tying a braided line to a stronger mono/fluoro leader.”

When I use a Fluoro leader it is almost always a lighter pound test than the braided mainline. Usually something in the neighborhood of 10# braid to 6” leader for example. I may be trying 4-6# braid to 6# leader next year.

I always use a lighter pound test leader to braid. That way when I break off, it's cheaper leader material, not expensive braid. Makes my braid last for years.