How to Tie the FG Knot in Under 60 Seconds [Free Cheat Sheet PDF]
- By: Luke Simonds
- on August 25, 2020
This post will show you the absolute fastest and easiest way to tie the “FG knot”, and we even have a free PDF guide for you to download too.
The FG knot is a relatively new braid to mono (or fluoro) knot that has proven to be stronger and thinner than all other braid to leader knots we’ve tested.
I have been a huge fan of the FG knot ever since it shocked me in my first braid to leader knot contest because it proved to be over 30% stronger than all of my prior favorite knots including:
- Double Uni
- Crazy Alberto
- Albright
- Bimini Twist with Bristol finish
And it also happens much thinner than all of the other braid to leader knots because the thicker leader line never doubles over like it does for traditional fishing knots.
But the most common complaint against the FG knot that I’ve heard is that it takes to long to tie…
And I’ll completely agree with that concern if it is being tied the traditional way by manually wrapping the braid around the mono.
However, there is a much faster and better way to tie the FG knot that allows it all to be completed in under 60 seconds (video proof below).
How To Tie The FG Knot [Quickly]
The absolute best and fastest way to tie the FG knot is to thread the leader onto the braid while the braid is under tension.
There are several ways to do this, but the version shown in this post is the fastest method by far that I’ve tested.
I used to recommend using your teeth to keep tension on the line, but this new way is actually quicker and easier.
Check out the video below to see how to tie it this way.
FG Knot Tutorial [VIDEO]
Free FG Knot Guide [PDF]
Click here to get a single page cheat sheet PDF guide showing the core steps of the FG knot so you can always have it on hand if you need it… it’s 100% FREE!
And click here to see the results of all of our knot tests so you can make sure you’re using the best knot in every situation.
FG Knot Steps [Must Do All 7]
Here is a list describing the essential steps to tie the FG Knot:
Step 1: Wrap the line around your pinky
This will allow you to keep tension on the line while still having nine other fingers to tie the knot.
Step 2: Wrap the leader around the braid
Place the leader above the braid and then wrap it over and around the braid while keeping tension on the line.
After you’ve made a wrap over the braid, then make a wrap under the braid.
Keep alternating until you’ve made 16 wraps (I used to recommend 20-22, but 16 has worked very well for me).
After you’ve made 16 wraps, it should look like this:
Step 3: Tie two half-hitch knots to lock the coils in place
Hold the coils with your fingers to keep them in place and be sure that you’re getting both the leader and the mainline in these knots above the coils.
Step 4: Apply tension to the knot so that the braid digs into the leader
This knot is only effective if the braid digs into the leader, so once the coils are in place, wrap the braid around your hand a few times and pull on the knot to let it really sink in.
As you’re pulling on the lines, you should see that each of the coils are tightening down on the braid and staying evenly spaced out.
The first coil is the most important, so definitely be sure that that one has tightened up, otherwise you risk this knot coming undone, especially if you’re casting through guides.
Step 5: Cut the tag end of the leader off
You can cut the tag end off really close to the knot because once it’s locked in, it’s not going anywhere.
However, be sure that you cut the tag end off AFTER you’ve put tension on the knot.
When you put tension on the knot, the coils will typically slide up a bit, so you don’t want to cut the tag end off before that.
Step 6: Tie two more half-hitch knots
The purpose of this step is to create a smoother top of the knot so that the hard edge of the leader’s tag end doesn’t snag onto anything (floated debris, rod guides, etc.).
Step 7: Cut off the braid tag end and start fishing!
Free FG Knot Guide [PDF]
Click here to get a single page cheat sheet PDF guide showing these core steps of the FG knot so you can always have it on hand if you need it… it’s 100% FREE!
FG Knot Mistakes
If you follow the instructions listed out earlier in this post, you’ll be able to tie the FG knot like a pro.
However, I have noticed that there are three mistakes that commonly pop up that will cause this knot to fail.
To make sure you know what these mistakes are and how to avoid them, check out the video below.
Click here to see the best knots for every situation and download the Ultimate Knot Guide PDF
As long as you only use this knot when connecting braided line to stronger monofilament or fluorocarbon and don’t cast it through the guides, this knot will serve you well.
The FG Knot In Less Than 60 Seconds
As I mentioned above, the most common reason we’ve heard from those who watched the video above in YouTube was that it takes too long to tie.
But the tying was of course done slowly in order to explain the various steps.
So we thought it would be fun to make a video showing me tying the FG Knot without taking the time to walk through each step. And the result was an FG knot in less than 60 seconds… here is the video:
Note: this is done using the old way of putting tension on the line with your teeth… the way described above is even faster and easier!
Conclusion
Learning how to tie the FG knot in under 60 seconds is not difficult… it just requires knowing the quick method explained in this video.
And the most important part to remember is the tightening of the braid coils on the leader before cutting off the leader’s tag because that is what locks the coils in place for good.
Best of all, it will result in a knot that has tested out to be more than 20% stronger than many very popular knots for connecting a braided line to a mono/fluoro leader.
Note: The breaking test results change depending on line types used, so I highly recommend trying it out on your favorite gear and seeing if it has a higher breaking point than whichever knot you’re using to see if it’s worth the switch.
P.S. – If you think your angler friends or fishing networks would like to see this, please TAG them or SHARE this with them. It would mean a lot to me.
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STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
Luke, I watched your podcast with Captain Tyler about Tarpon. I really enjoyed it and learned a lot, however I have a question. I thought I heard Capt. Tyler say he uses the FG knot and uses a 10′ leader. So I assume the knot has to go through the guides on his rod, so is it safe to cast the FG through the guides? Or should I be using another connection like Bimni to Albright when casting crabs to Tarpon? Thank You!
The FG knot won’t get hurt by hitting guides unless it’s done lots of times… for tarpon fishing with live/cut bait, there isn’t as much casting involved so shouldn’t be any issues.
Been practicing but only get it about 1 out of 5. For some reason my coils end up going the wrong way. Any input why? I lay it over the top and go under and around alternating sides
My guess is that your braid line is stronger than your mono/fluoro leader… if that’s the case, I don’t recommend the FG knot… a double uni would be a safer play.
Does the FG work better with mono than flouro?
It works with both equally well in my opinion… perhaps mono has a slight edge.
Thanks for the video Luke! I want to try out your new method, as I’ve tied it using your old method several times, but my knots always come loose. It seems like maybe the way I’m finishing it, or “locking” it in place is failing, causing the whole thing to unravel. It’s cost me quite a few Gulps! and Owner hooks when I cast and they keep flying straight into the mangroves while my line is fluttering in the wind! Lol. Any extra tips or pointers on finishing or “locking” the knot in place? Thanks for every thing you guys do at Salt Strong!
I find that by tying the second half hitch in the reverse direction I get a more secure finish to the whole knot
Hey guys, two questions for ya.
1) I’m putting new line on a Daiwa Fuego 3000. Main line is 10LB Braid. Do you think that 12LB mono is strong enough backing to do the FG knot to attach the backing to the braid or should I up it a few more Lbs?
2) I’ve heard from others that putting a dab of super glue on knots will increase strength a little bit. What are your thoughts on a small amount of super glue over the braid portion to help protect it and increase the strength?
Thanks in advance for the assistance and help!
I have seen questions about using super glue or clear nail polish on knots may make them stronger. Have not seen your answer anywhere. Can you answer or supply a link? Thanks.
I know this might sound crazy, but I think it might be helpful to make a video with the camera over your shoulder as some people have a problem with reversing the whole process
Good idea Richard!
Does this mean you will do a quick video with the camera behind you? Thanks
I’ll try… the FG knot is tough to tie with the camera setup that I have not because the line requires tension and there isn’t much room on my table to get a good shot.
To get the tension when tying the not ( I only tie it at home, never on boat) , I tie the braid to the handle of a coffee mug full of coins.
Thank for the fantastic video! I will say for me personally I found it helpful to leave my leader material connected to the spool and locked in place with some tension. It helped me to keep the leader tidy while I made the wraps
Yes I’ve watched the video’s 🙂
However, I’ve found the best way (for me) to do it is put the braid on the floor ( have on the reel or the container) by your feet, your sitting at the dining room table, and yes she is unhappy, and put the ‘leader’ etc on the table in front of you cut to length.
Make sure the braid is connected to a reel, or make sure you can hold some pressure against it.
next… tie a loop in the braid about 3″ dia, put this loop in your mouth and hold it with your teath.
This way is good because you can see the braid and the leader connection as it’s up close to your face and you have everything happening in front of your eyes. I have early on-set Parkinsons, so it is fantastic for me.
Go and wrap the leader under, behind etc just 3 or 4 times as shown in video, then straighten up the loops you have formed on the leader and also the braid can be pushed closer together. Do this 3 or 4 more times.
Then when finished tie off the leader hard against the braid and use a double or tripple ***** knot, whatever your happy will hold the braid hard against the leader.
When your happy with the way this knot holds, and yes it does hold, cut off the leader against the braided knot and the balance of the braided line.
Thanks for making time to leave the helpful comment Mainey!