Nothing’s worse than feeling that hard hit, starting the fight of your life, and then—snap! You’re left with a broken line and a lost fish. More often than not, your line to leader knot is the real culprit. It’s that critical connection between your main line and leader.
After decades as a fishing guide, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to choose the right line to leader knot. In this blog, we’re going to compare two of the most popular knots for tying a leader to your main line: The Albright Knot + Bimini Twist combo and the FG Knot. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, and I’ll break down why I prefer one over the other. Especially after years of taking clients out fishing!
What Is a Line to Leader Knot?
When you’re fishing, especially for larger species, like barramundi or giant trevally etc. you need a strong connection between your main line—often braid—and your leader, which is usually made of thicker monofilament or fluorocarbon. The leader acts as a shock absorber and provides abrasion resistance when you’re fighting fish near structures or rocky bottoms. The line-to-leader knot ensures these two lines are securely connected, so you don’t lose fish during a battle. Many anglers use a swivel for this purpose and we explain why this is not the best idea here > 7 reasons NOT to use a swivel.
Before we jump into the pros and cons of these knots, if you’re a visual learner, check out the YouTube video that goes along with this blog. I break down these knots in more detail, showing up-close visuals to help you grasp the key points we discuss. Sometimes seeing things makes all the difference!
The Albright Knot + Bimini Twist Combo
Unlike the FG knot, which is a single knot used to connect your leader to the main line, the Bimini Twist + Albright is actually a two-part system. First, you tie the Bimini Twist, which doubles your main line, and then the Albright Knot connects this doubled main line to your leader. It’s a versatile and widely used option in many fishing scenarios. However, understanding the pros and cons of this approach can help you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs.
If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide on how to tie the Bimini Twist and Albright Knot, be sure to check out our full wind-on leader system tutorial HERE!
Pros of the Albright Knot + Bimini Twist Combo
- Easier to tie: Especially when your hands are cold or you’re in tough conditions – Watch me tying a bimini twist blindfolded in 30 seconds!
- Versatile: Works well with different line types and diameters, whether you’re using braid, mono, or fluorocarbon.
- Reliable: Once tied correctly, it’s secure and gets the job done and has stood the test of multiple trophy fish species including over 2000 massive metre plus barramundi!
- Low-profile: It slides smoothly through rod guides (but not micro guides), making it a solid choice for frequent lure casting.
Cons of the Albright Knot + Bimini Twist Combo
- Weaker than the FG Knot: In most strength tests, it doesn’t hold up as strongly as the FG Knot when measured purely by machine. But don’t discount purely by strength alone!
- Bulkier: It’s not as streamlined as the FG Knot, so it may cause friction through rod guides – which can be solved by the RMF knot.
RMF Knot alternative to Albright knot.
- An adaptation we developed for a more streamlined version of the Albright is the RMF knot – learn to tie it here.
- Time-consuming: The Bimini Twist can be tricky to tie with braid, requiring multiple twists.
- Jams easily: If the knot jams, it can be difficult to untie, which might cost you precious time when the fish are biting.
The FG Knot
The FG Knot is often hailed as the strongest knot for connecting braid to a leader. Various tests show that the FG Knot outperforms the Albright Knot + Bimini Twist combo in raw strength. However, you should consider this information carefully. Many anglers focus solely on knot strength, but as you’ll see, knot strength alone isn’t the full picture. Keep reading to understand why that is, and how to make the most of your knot choice without falling into common traps.
Pros of the FG Knot
- Strongest knot: In most tests, the FG Knot comes out on top for strength.
- Slim profile: The thinnest connection of any line to the leader knot, making it perfect for smooth casting.
- Versatile: Works well with a variety of line sizes and types, making it a flexible option.
Cons of the FG Knot
- More difficult to tie: Especially for beginners, the FG Knot can be a challenge. Even I find that when I haven’t tied it for a while, it takes me longer to get it right.
- Requires a tight cinch: If not cinched tightly before cutting the tag ends, it can slip and fail.
- Doesn’t work with all lines: The FG Knot struggles with reliability when the leader is weaker than the braid or with certain braided lines.
- Takes time: When the fish are biting, you don’t want to be stuck tying an intricate knot.
My Preferred Line To Leader Knot
In my 35+ years as a charter guide, catching thousands of large trophy fish, I’ve had clients who struggled with the FG knot. So from my experience, I find it prone to failure if you don’t tie it perfectly.
And here’s the truth: STRENGTH ISN’T EVERYTHING! If your gear is poorly maintained or your drag is set incorrectly, no amount of knot strength will save you. In fact, DIY servicing your drag washers and setting your drag right is far more important. Next, check out my blog on how to set your drag properly -> Set your Drag Correctly And Catch Bigger Fish.
For me, speed is the most critical factor when it comes to line-to-leader knots.
When the fish are biting, the last thing you want is to spend too much time tying complicated knots. Because the goal should be to get back in the water as fast as possible. The Albright Knot + Bimini Twist lets me do just that. It’s quick, reliable, and works in all sorts of fishing conditions. That’s why it’s my preferred line to leader knot.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, both the FG Knot and the Albright Knot + Bimini Twist combo are excellent choices for a line-to-leader knot. But the best one depends on your priorities. If you want maximum strength and have the time to tie it properly, the FG Knot is a great option. But if you’re like me and prefer a knot that’s quick to tie and reliable every time, the Albright Knot + Bimini Twist combo is tough to beat.
And if you’re looking to improve your fishing game, don’t forget to check out my free resources like knot-tying guides and gear tips, or dive even deeper with our online courses that cover everything from sounder skills to catching various big fish consistently. Tight lines, and I’ll see you on the water!
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