Red Phillips was my father in law. He passed away June 30th at 88. He loved seeing these videos. For those who preferred other knots I will quote his favorite response "use what ever you are comfortable with"
Hi CA i just wanted to drop you a line and let you know how much your show has changed my fishing for the better. You are a wonderful teacher. I have been a captain up here in Destin Fort Walton Beach area for years, coming from a 31' offshore to a 23' flats boat. I have caught more fish than I thought possible since I have incorporated some of your techniques. Thanks again for your help and love for our sport. God Bless Capt. Terry Brown
As far as the FG knot failing. Just wanted to add a few tips that changed my FG from a single trip to lasting a week or two over thousands of casts and dozens of fish without fail. I also use about 8 foot of leader for the stealth benefits and as a result am reeling and casting the knot from the spool of my baitcaster. Equal tension is the most important obviously when tying the knot. But 3 small changes that made a big difference in reliability is A. Cinching the FG dry before wetting and cinching again. B. Rubbing the wax off the braid with a fingernail where the coils are. And C, on the half hitches (2 before cinch, 2 after cinch and tag end clip) making sure the braid comes through the half hitch towards the leader. Once I incorporated these, my knot has yet to fail, and I’m always breaking off at the hook/lure so rarely have to retie my leader when I’m out. It takes me about 2 minutes to tie but with practice I have no issues doing it while wading or even while walking now. FG doesn’t have to be a “kitchen table” knot if you’re able to practice, but definitely is a tricky knot at first.
I've started using this knot exclusively because I can tie it easily on the boat, and it casts really well. I'm willing to sacrifice the slight loss in knot strength for the other benefits.
Long time TV show watcher and now subscriber. Freshwater bass fisherman. Love the content. I was an RP/crazy Alberto knot guy for awhile. Then finally got the courage to work up to the FG knot. In a pinch I’d use the Lefty Kreh knot. I’m knot sold on the FG though many are. Regardless, it took practice practice practice to make the switch.
That red Phillips knot looks nifty! I’ll have to give it a try. Honestly, the FG knot is fairly easy to tie in any situation for me. BUT, despite being the “thinnest” knot you can do, it’s long when you do enough good wraps and it never felt like it went through the guides very well. And it always made me feel like it could randomly fail on me, despite having perfect tension and execution. The end loop knots wear on the guides as they're running through and eventually come undone no matter how tight they are. Sure, you can add more steps to make it better, and I have, but why make it take 2 minutes for a knot that’s not as good as the simpler option? After years of the FG, I’ve gone back to the modified Albright knot and it works so much better through the guides, as well as being an easier to tie. I can also show other people how to do it far easier than the FG. Thank you for bringing me back to reality C.A.!
I had the same issue so I watched a few other videos on this knot and it's the braid tag you start the uni. I really like that modified Albright though for shorter leaders. I'm really glad I subscribed to this channel.
What are your thoughts on copolymer for large test leaders since they are smaller diameter and more supple,especially for smaller bait casting guides?thanks for the mod Albright been loving it and will try red next
Good info CA! I'm experimenting...typically, I'll tie FG in the shop, prepping gear, but on the water, the modified Albright is my go to...used to be double uni, but the just slip (maybe I suck) I'm interested to try this out! I'm not a guide, but I'm pretty avid angler.
I mostly fish fly. I totally agree on how much power one can actually apply, with the rod in the system. We don't get huge fish, and last time I measured with an 8 weight I was getting like 4 pounds working it as heavy as I need to. I could actually use a knot that would break at maybe 33% at the hook. I have tried to come up with it, but so far I haven't got one that is a reliable fuse. If I am going after huge pike (huge pike, but there is nothing like a Tarpon up here). Simplest thing is to just throw on a single strand of 20 or 25, I can then build the leader with knots that don't have to be all that strong, but work out in other ways.
quick question...I was watching some old videos from the late 80's early 90s and I believe Roland Martin mentioned super glue...any thoughts on that? Basically coat the knot, not for strenght but for glide and casting.
I’m going to try this not today. I have two set ups that are almost identical. The same size guides I typically used a double Uni not but I can feel and hear that leader line beating up my guys. This may be the night that I need for successful fishing.
Hi Captain, I was wondering how the Red Phillips knot holds up with heavier lines, like for big tuna fishing, as well as lighter lines, like freshwater trout fishing….i’m looking for a new favorite knot that is suitable for both applications, and is easier to tie with my 70 year old eyes and arthritic fingers….
Capt- Would you consider a subscribers request? I was recently bass fishing with a friend on Lake Sante Fe and brought along my new Kistler LMH Helium rod paired with the JDM SLX DC XT. I was telling my friend that the small micro guides had recently up-ended my traditional braid to fluoro knots, clicking and clacking through the guides on the cast and retrieve. He recommended you Red Phillips knot video and I am so far sold to a point. I feel there is a small stone unturned that might make or break the knot. If you search Red Phillips knot, the videos are fairly abysmal. Some guys put the half hitch on the baid and proceed, some put the half hitch on the fluoro side. Tons of misinformation, lots of bad filming making, really hard to even see whats truly going on. I know you are a details man like myself, would you consider another video of the knot in better lighting, using distinctive lines, and filmed from your perspective while tying? Knot videos that have folks facing the camera have far too much going on in the background to really see clearly. Anyway, apologies for being long winded, but my concern NO ONE clarifies in ALL the Red Phillip knot videos I have scoured through is this: With the loop formed in the fluoro, do you enter the loop with the braid the same direction as the leader tag or opposite?? Have you ever done a breaking strength test that shows a significant difference if you were to enter the loop on one side versus the other? Side Note if I havent lost you by now- I had my radar on the GT knot for my micro guide woes too, but have abandoned the GT. The internet is actually full of absolutely wrong and incorrect ways of tying the GT knot using a single strand of braid entering the fluoro bow tie. The bow tie should be threaded with a bimini twist per Florida Sportsman braid to leader tests. It made the top of the list in larger line diameters at 100%. That is greater than the pain in the ass FG which is all over the place simply because of user errors when they tie it. Super hard to be rock solid with an FG in real world circumstances. My Best!! Jeff
Incorrect. The FG knot is the slimmest of the lot and the easiest going through the guides. The Red Phillips knot on the fluoro leader side is probably as twice as bulkier. First, the granny knot and then the folded leader's tag end along the granny makes it even thicker than the Alberto which has the folded leader only. Look closer and see for yourself. The FG or SC knots all the way. Or a Slim Beauty at least.
Let me guess, you also use a rizzuto finish, bulge the tag ends with a lighter, and coat them with Loon Knot UV sense. He never said the RP knot was slimmer than the FG or went through the guides better. He said the FG is prone to wear when contacting the guides and that wear can cause it to eventually slip if not tied perfectly or with the proper line diameter. Hence, keeping it out of the guides. Can you drastically reduce this with a lighter, rizzuto, and glue? Sure. But if your doing that, I hope your offshore and plan on catching Marlin. This is an inshore fishing channel to help the average person. All knots are prone to wear and often need to be retied on a rocky boat in the wind. All of the knots you mentioned take at least 3 times longer to tie than the RP and M. Albright. Hence, kitchen table knot. Easier knots that take less time to tie will make sure your knot stays fresh and doesn’t discourage one from retying. A knot only needs to be strong ENOUGH and slim ENOUGH. It doesn’t have to be the scientifically best possible knot. Also, the RP and Albright are probably in the top 5 slimmest braid to leader knots, so let’s keep things in perspective. The RP is not as smooth, but it’s more than sufficient for most people. You sound like a knot nerd. That’s cool. I’m a knife and steel nerd. We get obsessed about the finest/sharpest possible edge. But that edge is rarely, if ever, NEEDED. Real professional chefs don’t even use edges that fine. Is just to satisfy the geeks among us. The best chefs in the world just needs a normal sharp edge to cook a Michelin star meal. But I will spend 10 times longer getting the perfect edge. That’s the definition of diminishing returns. And will it make me a better cook? Of course not. Chefs get good by spending time cooking, not sharpening. Same with fishing. Captain C.A. is a working guide on the water literally everyday. He knows what it takes to get the job done and dependably land fish day in and day out for his clients. If he says the knots are strong and slim enough, then they just are. Once you start tying knots with large diminishing returns (for most inshore fishing) you are becoming a perfectionist and knot tying becomes a hobby unto itself. That’s totally fine. But don’t go around telling people that the only knots worth tying are the most complex and difficult ones. Especially not to a 30 year veteran guide who has to tied way more knots than you in the field while his reputation is on the line
Red Phillips was my father in law. He passed away June 30th at 88. He loved seeing these videos. For those who preferred other knots I will quote his favorite response "use what ever you are comfortable with"
I’ve been using his knot for years and it has never failed. Best braid to leader knot I have ever used!
Hi CA i just wanted to drop you a line and let you know how much your show has changed my fishing for the better. You are a wonderful teacher. I have been a captain up here in Destin Fort Walton Beach area for years, coming from a 31' offshore to a 23' flats boat. I have caught more fish than I thought possible since I have incorporated some of your techniques. Thanks again for your help and love for our sport. God Bless Capt. Terry Brown
Thank you Terry for the feedback my friend… tight lines
As far as the FG knot failing. Just wanted to add a few tips that changed my FG from a single trip to lasting a week or two over thousands of casts and dozens of fish without fail. I also use about 8 foot of leader for the stealth benefits and as a result am reeling and casting the knot from the spool of my baitcaster.
Equal tension is the most important obviously when tying the knot. But 3 small changes that made a big difference in reliability is A. Cinching the FG dry before wetting and cinching again. B. Rubbing the wax off the braid with a fingernail where the coils are. And C, on the half hitches (2 before cinch, 2 after cinch and tag end clip) making sure the braid comes through the half hitch towards the leader.
Once I incorporated these, my knot has yet to fail, and I’m always breaking off at the hook/lure so rarely have to retie my leader when I’m out. It takes me about 2 minutes to tie but with practice I have no issues doing it while wading or even while walking now. FG doesn’t have to be a “kitchen table” knot if you’re able to practice, but definitely is a tricky knot at first.
Fantastic knot tip! I use this knot in most situations.
I'm betting this will soon become my favorite braid to leader knot.
Thanks Captain. C.A that FG can fail if not done exact... Thanks for this tip.. will be trying the RP on my gear...
Thanks for the info. I will give the Red Phillips Knot a try. I've been using the Royal Polaris Knot for a while now.
I've started using this knot exclusively because I can tie it easily on the boat, and it casts really well. I'm willing to sacrifice the slight loss in knot strength for the other benefits.
Long time TV show watcher and now subscriber. Freshwater bass fisherman. Love the content. I was an RP/crazy Alberto knot guy for awhile. Then finally got the courage to work up to the FG knot. In a pinch I’d use the Lefty Kreh knot. I’m knot sold on the FG though many are. Regardless, it took practice practice practice to make the switch.
That red Phillips knot looks nifty! I’ll have to give it a try. Honestly, the FG knot is fairly easy to tie in any situation for me. BUT, despite being the “thinnest” knot you can do, it’s long when you do enough good wraps and it never felt like it went through the guides very well. And it always made me feel like it could randomly fail on me, despite having perfect tension and execution. The end loop knots wear on the guides as they're running through and eventually come undone no matter how tight they are. Sure, you can add more steps to make it better, and I have, but why make it take 2 minutes for a knot that’s not as good as the simpler option? After years of the FG, I’ve gone back to the modified Albright knot and it works so much better through the guides, as well as being an easier to tie. I can also show other people how to do it far easier than the FG. Thank you for bringing me back to reality C.A.!
Are you looking the flouro tag or the power pro to start the uni? I am guessing the flouro.
Thx for another great informative video
I had the same issue so I watched a few other videos on this knot and it's the braid tag you start the uni. I really like that modified Albright though for shorter leaders. I'm really glad I subscribed to this channel.
Thanks for sharing
Thank you
I have never heard of this knot..cool! are you using the micro guides?
What are your thoughts on copolymer for large test leaders since they are smaller diameter and more supple,especially for smaller bait casting guides?thanks for the mod Albright been loving it and will try red next
Good info CA! I'm experimenting...typically, I'll tie FG in the shop, prepping gear, but on the water, the modified Albright is my go to...used to be double uni, but the just slip (maybe I suck) I'm interested to try this out! I'm not a guide, but I'm pretty avid angler.
👏🏼
I mostly fish fly. I totally agree on how much power one can actually apply, with the rod in the system. We don't get huge fish, and last time I measured with an 8 weight I was getting like 4 pounds working it as heavy as I need to. I could actually use a knot that would break at maybe 33% at the hook. I have tried to come up with it, but so far I haven't got one that is a reliable fuse.
If I am going after huge pike (huge pike, but there is nothing like a Tarpon up here). Simplest thing is to just throw on a single strand of 20 or 25, I can then build the leader with knots that don't have to be all that strong, but work out in other ways.
It would be great to see you use a blue or red twine on the bow of your boat so the viewers could really see the knot, just saying 👍
quick question...I was watching some old videos from the late 80's early 90s and I believe Roland Martin mentioned super glue...any thoughts on that? Basically coat the knot, not for strenght but for glide and casting.
I’m going to try this not today. I have two set ups that are almost identical. The same size guides I typically used a double Uni not but I can feel and hear that leader line beating up my guys. This may be the night that I need for successful fishing.
Are you trying the uni knot with both tag ends?
Capt, I tried it last night and tested this morning.. what is the Maximum size if any braid and leader in pd test..
Great Job as always.
It not really clear which line you use for the uniknot. Is it the super braid or the flouro or mono?
Have you tried that pr knot out
FG is harder to hold on smaller line. Use a few less wraps, I use 9 plus one half wrap then close the knot.
What’s the shortest bite tippet length you would use for snook?
12”
Hi Captain, I was wondering how the Red Phillips knot holds up with heavier lines, like for big tuna fishing, as well as lighter lines, like freshwater trout fishing….i’m looking for a new favorite knot that is suitable for both applications, and is easier to tie with my 70 year old eyes and arthritic fingers….
So have you moved from the Modified Albright to this Red Phillips knot Pros/Cons ?
I hear the SC knot is like the FG knot but easier.
Hard to see what you did, what line wrapped which lines.
Your hands are shakey, must be the rum, lol
Capt- Would you consider a subscribers request? I was recently bass fishing with a friend on Lake Sante Fe and brought along my new Kistler LMH Helium rod paired with the JDM SLX DC XT. I was telling my friend that the small micro guides had recently up-ended my traditional braid to fluoro knots, clicking and clacking through the guides on the cast and retrieve. He recommended you Red Phillips knot video and I am so far sold to a point. I feel there is a small stone unturned that might make or break the knot. If you search Red Phillips knot, the videos are fairly abysmal. Some guys put the half hitch on the baid and proceed, some put the half hitch on the fluoro side. Tons of misinformation, lots of bad filming making, really hard to even see whats truly going on. I know you are a details man like myself, would you consider another video of the knot in better lighting, using distinctive lines, and filmed from your perspective while tying? Knot videos that have folks facing the camera have far too much going on in the background to really see clearly. Anyway, apologies for being long winded, but my concern NO ONE clarifies in ALL the Red Phillip knot videos I have scoured through is this: With the loop formed in the fluoro, do you enter the loop with the braid the same direction as the leader tag or opposite?? Have you ever done a breaking strength test that shows a significant difference if you were to enter the loop on one side versus the other?
Side Note if I havent lost you by now- I had my radar on the GT knot for my micro guide woes too, but have abandoned the GT. The internet is actually full of absolutely wrong and incorrect ways of tying the GT knot using a single strand of braid entering the fluoro bow tie. The bow tie should be threaded with a bimini twist per Florida Sportsman braid to leader tests. It made the top of the list in larger line diameters at 100%. That is greater than the pain in the ass FG which is all over the place simply because of user errors when they tie it. Super hard to be rock solid with an FG in real world circumstances. My Best!! Jeff
Why are fish getting more challenging to catch?
Incorrect. The FG knot is the slimmest of the lot and the easiest going through the guides. The Red Phillips knot on the fluoro leader side is probably as twice as bulkier. First, the granny knot and then the folded leader's tag end along the granny makes it even thicker than the Alberto which has the folded leader only. Look closer and see for yourself.
The FG or SC knots all the way. Or a Slim Beauty at least.
Let me guess, you also use a rizzuto finish, bulge the tag ends with a lighter, and coat them with Loon Knot UV sense. He never said the RP knot was slimmer than the FG or went through the guides better. He said the FG is prone to wear when contacting the guides and that wear can cause it to eventually slip if not tied perfectly or with the proper line diameter. Hence, keeping it out of the guides. Can you drastically reduce this with a lighter, rizzuto, and glue? Sure. But if your doing that, I hope your offshore and plan on catching Marlin. This is an inshore fishing channel to help the average person. All knots are prone to wear and often need to be retied on a rocky boat in the wind. All of the knots you mentioned take at least 3 times longer to tie than the RP and M. Albright. Hence, kitchen table knot. Easier knots that take less time to tie will make sure your knot stays fresh and doesn’t discourage one from retying. A knot only needs to be strong ENOUGH and slim ENOUGH. It doesn’t have to be the scientifically best possible knot. Also, the RP and Albright are probably in the top 5 slimmest braid to leader knots, so let’s keep things in perspective. The RP is not as smooth, but it’s more than sufficient for most people. You sound like a knot nerd. That’s cool. I’m a knife and steel nerd. We get obsessed about the finest/sharpest possible edge. But that edge is rarely, if ever, NEEDED. Real professional chefs don’t even use edges that fine. Is just to satisfy the geeks among us. The best chefs in the world just needs a normal sharp edge to cook a Michelin star meal. But I will spend 10 times longer getting the perfect edge. That’s the definition of diminishing returns. And will it make me a better cook? Of course not. Chefs get good by spending time cooking, not sharpening. Same with fishing. Captain C.A. is a working guide on the water literally everyday. He knows what it takes to get the job done and dependably land fish day in and day out for his clients. If he says the knots are strong and slim enough, then they just are. Once you start tying knots with large diminishing returns (for most inshore fishing) you are becoming a perfectionist and knot tying becomes a hobby unto itself. That’s totally fine. But don’t go around telling people that the only knots worth tying are the most complex and difficult ones. Especially not to a 30 year veteran guide who has to tied way more knots than you in the field while his reputation is on the line
To much. Playing around with ends for me