Knots breaking

[Cuda]

I am experiencing a lot of broken / snapped knots with my mono leaders that I am tying to my doubled braid main line. It seems that the braid must be cutting into the thicker mono when I am getting snagged and applying minimal sort of strain on the line as the double is remaining intact.
I am using an Albright knot to join the two lines, but must be doing something wrong as this is happening all the time. Braid is 15 kilo and the mono leader is 27 kilo. Should I drop down my leader to 15 kilo too?
I am careful to ensure that the knots are pulled tight when tied so they shouldn't be slipping - I think
Any suggestions folks

[Peril]

This may sound like a stupid question, but are you tying the braid onto the mono or the mono onto the braid. The albright is designed to tie a thin line onto a thick line, so you have to tie the braid onto a loop formed in the mono

[Cuda]

That's not a stupid question Peril, I understand what you are saying. I just went into the site that shows how to tie the knot and I didn't pay attention when I first looked at the animation of the knot
So I am the stupid one and will tie the knot the right way now
I take it that it doesn't matter if the braid is doubled, you just tie the knot as specified by looping the braid around the thicker mono eh

[Peril]

I don't see any point in the double unless you have a long one to protect against abrasion

[Dodge]

Mark after using an Albright for a long while I saw reference to the Surgeons Join on the Berkley SP DVD as in this link, but you have to use 5-6 turns using braid according to the DVD.

Have found it can be tied easily [including on the yak] and worth looking at mate, and may solve your problem

http://www.animatedknots.com/surgeonsjo ... g&Website=

[Cuda]

Onya Richo, you're most helpful as always mate
Peril - you're probably right, a mug fisho like me should keep it simple

[wolfy]

Remember that braid and fused are different, but we tend to call it all braid.

"Fireline" etc is fused gelspun... real braided line will need a bimini double to tie a leader on, it's a pain in the butt. Anything else will slip.

[spooled1]

Rather than pulling tight on a finger pull. Test it out properly on a nail driven into a post. Just attach a good quality crane snap swivel and keep locking up the drag as you walk backwards.

With a 60lb leader on 30lb braid you should be getting a really solid connection on the double. I use a freaky knot that wraps inside the double but can't explain it.

I fully support the use a double.

[Billybob]

Cuda, I had the same problem a while ago when I moved from mono to braid.

For me the problem was the mono leader I was terminating my 20lb Fireline with. It was 40lb SureCatch. Good enough for mono to mono but not a good match for braid.

It would hold up for a session or two but the braid would cut through it without warning (and under very little load) the next time out, even though I'd stressed tested it the night before.

I'm using 30lb flurocarbon at the moment and haven't had a problem so far.

I do a Bimini Twist to match the line diameter of the mono by the way.

[Cuda]

Thanks Billybob. Your comments sort of ring home the need to re-tie knots regularly and I'm a lazy bugger - no pun intended to anyone
I know of pro anglers who re-tie knots every 20 casts or so

[occy]

I've been having a similar problem with fluro which has been left on for some time. I think it probably has something to do with the quality of the fluro (I'm using relatively el cheapo Vanish). When I put fresh stuff on it seems OK.

Sorry to change the subject a little, but I must comment on your signature Billybob. That reference to kayak fishing consultant is a classic. I'm not being a smart arse here when I say, that's a job I really aspire to.

[Billybob]

A man's gotta do....

[FletcherG1991]

Remember that braid and fused are different, but we tend to call it all braid.

"Fireline" etc is fused gelspun... real braided line will need a bimini double to tie a leader on, it's a pain in the butt. Anything else will slip.

I use 'real' braid all the time, i only have 1 reel with fused gelspun on it.

I have never had a problem with braid slipping when joining my leader and i dont use a double when using light line (4lb) though i am usually using a uni to uni.

When I tie an albright I form the loop with the braid (wether it be cause it is a double or just simply forming a loop) and do the wraps with the fluro/mono. I have had no problems with slipages (even when tieing 50lb braid onto 130lb leader where there is a huge difference in diametre).

Cheers,
Fletcher

[occy]

It's a dirty job but someone has to do it.

[Davey G]

cuda - don't forget to wet the knots with spit before snugging them tight. any heat / friction will weaken the mono if you dont wet the knot before pulling it tight - another possible reason for knot failure.