If you have a question the Pure Fishing Team has the answer. The Pure Fishing Pro Staff Team wants to help you become a better angler and to help you get there the Team will be answering member questions.


Question from B.D.:

Here is a question for the Pure Fishing Team. I am a big fan of Fireline and use it on most of my reels but have been moving to Fluoro's now as well. My question is what do you feel are the best knot's to use and when. Also what is the best knot for joining Fluoro leaders to Fireline. I currently use a double uni now but have a lot of issue's with the line breaking at the knot, but that could be an error in the way I tie it.

Thanks


Stren and Berkley Pro Staff Member Pierre LaFrance of Aylmer, PQ, offers the following answer:

There are many choices when it comes to selecting which knots to use with the various line types on the market. When using superlines such as Berkley Fused Fireline and Spiderwire Stealth, I generally prefer to use the Palomar Knot. I find this knot to be very reliable. The added advantage of this knot is that it is quick to tie, a bonus in cold conditions or during a tournament. It is also easy to learn. For Berkley Nanofil, which is a uni-filament line, there is actually a knot somewhat close to the Palomar called the Nanofil Knot expressly designed for use with that product.

When it comes to using fluorocarbon line such as Stren Fluorocast 100% or mono such as Berkley Trilene XL Armor Coated, I prefer to use the Trilene Knot. It is highly suggested by experts when it comes to tying on hooks, swivels, etc... to these types of lines. When joining either a fluorocarbon or mono leader to braided line, I use the Double Uni Knot. It is not too difficult to tie which is a time saver out on the water. It is important to add a couple of extra wraps when tying the superline Uni Knot portion of the Double Uni Knot as these lines are usually slicker.

Regardless of the knot, it is important to wet them prior to pulling them tight. By doing so, it'll require less effort to tighten and it will reduce friction on the line. This is especially important in the case of fluorocarbon line which has a higher chance of becoming weakened when exposed to the high heat that is produced if pulled tight when dry. The steps that must be followed to tie all the above mentioned knots can be found by doing a quick search using their respective names on the Internet.

Pierre


Berkley Trilene and Abu Garcia Pro Staff Member Carl Donnelly of Orleans, Ontario, offers the following response:

Hi,

Over the years I have simplified my knots and almost exclusively use the Palomar Knot, when tying directly to my jigs and other baits. Early on when I began using this knot with Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon Professional grade, and Berkley Trilene Vanish, I did experience some issues but resolved them by ensuring I lubricated or dampened the line before cinching down the knot. I am convinced that drawing down the knot dry, damages the integrity of fluorocarbon line.

As for bringing the two separate lines types together, such a Berkley Fireline, and Trilene 100% fluorocarbon professional grade, I have also simplified and use the double uni knot. I find this knot extremely durable and reliable when paired with matching line sizes, such as 15lb Fireline, to a 10 to 12lb fluorocarbon leader. As outlined above, ensure you dampen or moisten the line before cinching it down, and during tournaments I also deposit a spot of super glue on the knot and roll with my fingers, just for added confidence.

Another consideration is the setting or your reels drag, I have witnessed on many occasions where on heavy hook sets or when close to the boat, a last minute surge has snapped the line due to a heavy drag setting, especially if the fluorocarbon leader is lighter test then the main line.

Hope the following info is useful to you, have a safe and productive season on the water.

Carl


Abu Garcia and Berkley Pro Staff Member Nigel Touhey of Rockland, Ontario, offers the following answer:

For braided and fused lines like Fireline Braid and Fireline Original, I use the Berkley Braid knot. I believe it’s the perfect knot for this type of line because there is almost zero slip, I can honestly say that I have never had this knot slip on me.

When using Berkley 100% Flourocarbon line I use the Trilene knot because of its simplicity, I can tie it quickly and have a lot of confidence in the Trilene knot. This is important because I tend to re-tie my fluorocarbon line a lot.

When I attach a braided or fused line with fluorocarbon I always use the Uni to Uni knot. I try to match the two lines diameter when using this knot. For example, if I’m using 30lb Fireline braid, I will try to match the diameter of the fluorocarbon leader. The diameter of all Berkley line is marked on the box the line comes in. The other very important thing to remember is to wet the line before pulling the knots together, this minimizes friction and will help keep the knot as strong as possible.

Nigel Touhey


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See You On The Water,
Andrew