The FG Knot (Fine & Good Knot, developed in Japan) has become the preferred braid-to-leader connection for serious anglers worldwide. Its thin profile and maximum strength make it the benchmark for modern braided line fishing.
Why the FG Knot Matters
When using braid main line with a fluorocarbon or monofilament leader, the connection knot must:
- Hold under maximum load — the knot is the weakest point in the system
- Pass through rod guides cleanly — a bulky knot hitting the guides kills casting distance and makes rod tip noise fish can detect
- Handle thousands of guide passes — over a full day of fishing, the knot may pass through the guides hundreds of times
The FG Knot succeeds at all three better than any other braid-to-leader knot.
How to Tie the FG Knot — Step by Step
Setup
- Hold the braid in your dominant hand
- Hold the fluorocarbon leader taut under tension — grip one end with your teeth (mouth closed firmly), anchor the other end, or grip it with your knees
The leader must be straight and taut throughout the tying process. Slack in the leader causes the wraps to slide and fail.
Wrap 1 (Over Pass)
- Lay the braid over the top of the leader
- Bring the braid under the leader and back up — one wrap, coming from below, over, and under
- Pull this wrap toward the tag end of the leader (away from you) firmly
Wrap 2 (Under Pass)
- Bring the braid under the leader from the opposite side
- Come up on top and back over — one wrap in the reverse direction
- Pull toward the tag end firmly
Alternate direction with each wrap. Keep each wrap tight before moving to the next — loose wraps compress under pressure and fail. Each pair of wraps (one from each direction) should sit neatly next to the previous pair.
Continue: 10 Over Passes, 10 Under Passes
Repeat steps 3–8 until you have 20 wraps total (10 pairs). Work toward the tag end of the leader.
Half Hitches
After the wraps: 9. Tie 3 half hitches around the leader with the braid tag end 10. Each half hitch should seat firmly against the end of the wrap section
Finishing Knot
- Tie an overhand knot with both the braid tag end and the main braid line
- This finishing knot prevents the half hitches from pulling through under extreme load
Trim
- Trim the braid tag end close — within 1/8 inch of the finishing knot
- Trim the leader tag end close — within 1/8 inch of the wrap’s entry point
Common FG Knot Mistakes
| Mistake | Result | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Loose wraps | Knot compresses and slips | Keep each wrap tight before adding the next |
| Too few half hitches | End of wraps pull through | Use at least 3 half hitches |
| Leader not under tension | Wraps slide | Keep constant firm tension on the leader |
| Wraps overlap | Uneven tension distribution | Space wraps evenly along the leader |
When to Use vs. Double Uni
Use FG Knot: Tournament fishing, long casting with leader, deep water where knot guides frequently, saltwater inshore and offshore.
Use Double Uni: Quick field re-ties, casual fishing, when the knot won’t be cast through guides repeatedly, beginners learning braid-to-leader connections.