I recommend if you're doing a braid to fluorocarbon or monofilament connection with the surgeon's knot you do at least 6 wraps minimum since braid tends to need more wraps than fluorocarbon or monofilament due to its more slippery nature.
Brilliant videos! so much work has gone into this. Thank you. You have to do the FG knot. I love how strong, slim, and surprisingly easy once practiced it is to tie.
Thx Original SK, kind words, appreciate it. Yes the FG is on my to do list. Looking at the Albright next, looking forward to this one, I have tied this knot for years and years, but when I put it on the tensile tester, everything went out the window. Can’t wait to let you guys know what I found out, especially when used with braid. And yes the Surgeons knot is great, if the bite is hot and you need a quick fix, this is the knot of choice for me.Tightlines and thx for the support.
Your knot testing videos are top-notch, amazing high res close-up photos and videos of it slipping really are like nothing I've seen before. You have really set the bar at a new level for knot testing. I do think it's more about fluorocarbon's density rather than its "abrasion resistance" that prevents the braid from cutting it as fast as the mono. Will you be doing the FG knot?
Hi Peter Thank you for your kind words Peter. And yes I will be doing the FG knot at some point. And yes the Density of the fluorocarbon is also another good reason for of why it prevents this cutting in. Another reason also is you will notice under good light and zoomed right in on the line mono is a lot more pitted and has more nicks and abrasions than fluoro, this plays a part also. This may be partly due to the different compositions of the raw material behave in the extrusion process. Take care and glad you enjoyed the content. Tightlines.
@@toitfishing very interesting, so mono has microscopic frays/imperfections than fluorocarbon when it comes fresh out of the extrusion process? Thanks for your response!
@@PeterRanieriII if you take a look at my website you will see what I mean there are a lot photos in there of close ups of knots, when they make monofilament one of the issues is water vapour, you can actually get microscopic air pockets where moisture in the mix expands and these leave minute small pockets or bubbles in plastic. It’s actually found in a lot of plastic extruded components.
Thx Jim, yes it’s a reminder to me also that I am definitely not perfect and make mistakes every now and then. It’s also creates a way for me to add a little extra laugh as knot tying is not always the most fun thing to watch, now I am gonna have to watch this episode again and see what was the blooper. Tight lines and thx for the support.
Morning Jevon. Well that’s a tough question especially because I have not tested braid to braid. So yes definitely opinion based. The strongest knot line to line I have tested braid to Fluoro/Mono is Slim beauty, in the WSFK episode of that I showed the overwrapped Clinch knot with double braid on the braid side of the knot. So I would tie a Blood Knot with double braid but using the overwrapped technique shown in Slim Beauty WSFK, this will then have 2 lines coming out back of each end to protect braid. Not even sure I have seen that tied before but forcing the braid to be over wrapped on double line will be really strong. Obviously got Hollow core braid you can splice both ends with Mono. Take care and let me know how you get on?
@@toitfishing on all of the research that I have done I can only find the blood knot and the double uni knot as braid to braid it's not a well-spoken topic on RUclips I would really appreciate your help with this
Hi Jevon I might just do this sooner rather than later, it might be worth testing the surgeons knot also, all doubled up all 3 in one episode. I think you are right there are a lot deep drop jig anglers, swordfish guys who need this knowledge. Am I okay to mention you in the video? Maybe show your questions? Tightlines
Hi Warren. Does adding a small drop of superglue on a knot add to its strength? Seems logical, but with knots nothing should be deemed to be logical.☝🏻I have bee doing it for years and still dont have a proven answer...
Loving the nickname BigG, funny enough I am currently working on this it will be the same layout and format as the “Knot Lube” video. There are a few things to consider when adding glues to knots, let’s hope I can cover these, including testing also. I know a few people who do this and you are not the 1st for requesting this, hence I have prioritised this content for my subscribers. Thank you for your time and input. Tightlines and Merry Christmas.
Hey BigG I am dropping this video on Sunday, thx for the prompt and getting me to bump this idea up my to do list. Appreciate the request and comment. Have a great weekend and let’s hope I get to answer some of your initial questions. Tightlines.
Current bluefin bte is goin off in San Diego. 30-200 pound fish. Been twice so far and will go another 3 to 4 times this year. Already lost 2. Knot failure on 1, "tuna teeth" on 40 pound cost me another.
Hi Harry, I would look at using either of the two options below. The first option is more complicated and my preferred. First Option : Line to line connection, "Actual GT Knot" then into the "Toit Knot" as Terminal Knot. Second Option : Line to line connection, "Slim Beauty" then then into the "Toit Knot" as Terminal Knot. I would watch the How too video in conjunction with the WSFK episode for those 3 knots. Tightlines and let me know how you get on. I have definitely got that trip on my radar looks so much fun and living on board with a bunch of fisherman/woman for a few days trading stories sounds ace.
MONO to MONO knots ONLY. (Knots with braid mainline and mono leader are well covered at over 100% tensile using an FG or PR ... but mono-2-mono has no consistent corresponding 100% or better mainline to leader knot, until now) ...... I have performed well over 200 mono-2-mono mainline-2-leader knot tests and the ONLY clear winner has been the six turn surgeon knot (6XS knot). Using 18lb or 25b Sakuma Nite Crystal and 17lb or 25lb Sufix Seige, married to 50lb Sufix Superior or 50lb Gardner or 80lb Gardner, the mainline always broke *outside* the six turn surgeon knot and always over 100% of the mainline's rated tensile strength. The mono used is of highest quality - soft and reasonably limp. If other mono brands/types are used, specifically if they are harder and stiffer, they must be tested to insure a similar performance of a 6XS (six turn surgeon) knot. All knots were hand tied, no pulling sticks or pliers used, no mainlines were crossed over themselves, and a digital force gauge captured the breaking strength. The key is 6 overhand turns, any less number of turns would yield some tied knots breaking inside the knot and at less than then mainline rated tensile strength. Once the knot has been started to be drawn together, it must be wet lubricated. A typical 6XS tying protocol has all lines initially pulled together, then the leader tag and its line are pulled, then the main tag and its line are pulled, then just the mainline and leader line are pulled tight and the tag ends clipped off close to the knot. The issues with all mono-2-mono surgeon knots are .... their completed knot diameter will be a larger diameter as compared to other popular mono-2-mono knots, and the need to drag 35' of shock leader 6 times through a knot required for hefty surf cast fishing tackle. For the most part, one will need to test casting a 6 turn surgeon knot to see if it will work well enuf and no to little lost casting distance is observed. One method of pulled 35' of shock leader through the six overhand loops is relatively easy and can be done at the beach in the roughest of weather and surf conditions. Pre-spool the leader on a stick of 3/4"x5" dowel or PVC tubing - start by taping one end to the stick and wind on all but about 2' of the leader, keep the spooled part from coming off by using a rubber band. I carry four of these "leader sticks" in my surf bag. To tie on a new leader, pull off a few feet of mainline off the reel and slip its end into the rubber band f the leader stick. Mate together and grab both the mainline and leader together, make a 4" loop with them, pass the leader stick in and out of the loop six times. Make the surgeon knot. Easy peasy. :)
Hi Harry, thanks for getting in touch. I did consider doing this category also but it was based purely on cost and time to include another category for testing with all the line weights would add approximately 1-1.5 days of work and the cost of the respective lines also. As you say it would be similar to the mono to mono connection, but not entirely. These WSFK episodes really do take about 5-6 days worth of work to put out and currently RUclips does not promote or push my content so it is hard to justify investing in another category. Hope that makes sense. Take care and thanks for watching.
@@toitfishing Great job and very helpful to us west coast tuna guys. My only fear when fishing tuna are the knots. Gotta get them right everytime and your video certainly helps.
@@1999glock Hey Harry, Definitely, knots are so important. Thank you for the kind words. Tightlines. You should also take a look at the video from Jonny Jigs on the Tuna fishing they were slow pitch jogging which really looked like so much fun. Take Care
Thank you Lake 2 Sea Outdoors, Yes I will gladly add it to my list. Thank you for the kind words also. Appreciate the feedback, If you tag me on Facebook or send me an email with the link to your video I will take a look gladly. I would certainly drop some comments, Like Subscribe etc. I am looking at the Albright knot next. Thanks for getting in touch. Tightlines
I use surgeons knot when im in a hurry fishing around saltwater docks and concrete piers and using insanely big leader material 50# + where knot strength really is not most important
I tend to show beginners this knot when they are starting out, as it does the job fairly well. Kids also find it really easy to learn as they are still learning the finer skills of their own hands. Tag ends are also a frustration never looks neat enough and painful for lure fisherman.
@@toitfishing yeah surgeons knot ain't my fave but it's good in a pinch, I prefer to tie the FG cause you can tie a 15-20 leader without it affecting your castability much if any especially on lighter line. I love how thin it is it looks like something that was made in a factory cause it almost looks like you just glued the lines together it's so damn thin.
Morning Jason, this was the 1st episode in the line to line category I have done a few more episodes, I normally put the episode number in the title. Like this on Episode 10. The strongest line to line knot I have tested up to now is the slim beauty knot. I have not tested the FG knot yet so I am unsure how strong it is. Tightlines
Hey Jason, a few others have recommended this, I am also itching at getting it tested and seeing how it holds up in Fluoro and Mono in various line categories. Also just bare in mind a lot of testing out there only compares the knot strength to what it sais on the packaging line strength. I batch test all the original line thicknesses also and use this as the 100% line strength. Unless you have the right equipment testing line strength is really difficult. Thanks for getting in touch, take care.
I recommend if you're doing a braid to fluorocarbon or monofilament connection with the surgeon's knot you do at least 6 wraps minimum since braid tends to need more wraps than fluorocarbon or monofilament due to its more slippery nature.
Brilliant videos! so much work has gone into this. Thank you. You have to do the FG knot. I love how strong, slim, and surprisingly easy once practiced it is to tie.
Thx Original SK, kind words, appreciate it. Yes the FG is on my to do list. Looking at the Albright next, looking forward to this one, I have tied this knot for years and years, but when I put it on the tensile tester, everything went out the window. Can’t wait to let you guys know what I found out, especially when used with braid. And yes the Surgeons knot is great, if the bite is hot and you need a quick fix, this is the knot of choice for me.Tightlines and thx for the support.
Thanks for all the info! This must have taken loads of time. Much appreciated
Hey Kevin, yes it normally takes 5-6 days for testing, script, filming, editing etc. I do enjoy it but it is hard sometimes to find the time.
Your knot testing videos are top-notch, amazing high res close-up photos and videos of it slipping really are like nothing I've seen before. You have really set the bar at a new level for knot testing. I do think it's more about fluorocarbon's density rather than its "abrasion resistance" that prevents the braid from cutting it as fast as the mono. Will you be doing the FG knot?
Hi Peter
Thank you for your kind words Peter. And yes I will be doing the FG knot at some point. And yes the Density of the fluorocarbon is also another good reason for of why it prevents this cutting in. Another reason also is you will notice under good light and zoomed right in on the line mono is a lot more pitted and has more nicks and abrasions than fluoro, this plays a part also. This may be partly due to the different compositions of the raw material behave in the extrusion process.
Take care and glad you enjoyed the content.
Tightlines.
@@toitfishing very interesting, so mono has microscopic frays/imperfections than fluorocarbon when it comes fresh out of the extrusion process? Thanks for your response!
@@PeterRanieriII if you take a look at my website you will see what I mean there are a lot photos in there of close ups of knots, when they make monofilament one of the issues is water vapour, you can actually get microscopic air pockets where moisture in the mix expands and these leave minute small pockets or bubbles in plastic. It’s actually found in a lot of plastic extruded components.
Like the bloopers ;)
Thx Jim, yes it’s a reminder to me also that I am definitely not perfect and make mistakes every now and then. It’s also creates a way for me to add a little extra laugh as knot tying is not always the most fun thing to watch, now I am gonna have to watch this episode again and see what was the blooper. Tight lines and thx for the support.
in your opinion which is the best way to connect braid to braid
the double uni knot vs the blood knot braid to braid which one would you choose
Morning Jevon. Well that’s a tough question especially because I have not tested braid to braid. So yes definitely opinion based. The strongest knot line to line I have tested braid to Fluoro/Mono is Slim beauty, in the WSFK episode of that I showed the overwrapped Clinch knot with double braid on the braid side of the knot. So I would tie a Blood Knot with double braid but using the overwrapped technique shown in Slim Beauty WSFK, this will then have 2 lines coming out back of each end to protect braid. Not even sure I have seen that tied before but forcing the braid to be over wrapped on double line will be really strong.
Obviously got Hollow core braid you can splice both ends with Mono.
Take care and let me know how you get on?
@@toitfishing ok would you consider doing a strength test between the different knots for braid on braid
@@toitfishing on all of the research that I have done I can only find the blood knot and the double uni knot as braid to braid it's not a well-spoken topic on RUclips I would really appreciate your help with this
Hi Jevon
I might just do this sooner rather than later, it might be worth testing the surgeons knot also, all doubled up all 3 in one episode.
I think you are right there are a lot deep drop jig anglers, swordfish guys who need this knowledge. Am I okay to mention you in the video? Maybe show your questions?
Tightlines
Hi Warren. Does adding a small drop of superglue on a knot add to its strength? Seems logical, but with knots nothing should be deemed to be logical.☝🏻I have bee doing it for years and still dont have a proven answer...
Loving the nickname BigG, funny enough I am currently working on this it will be the same layout and format as the “Knot Lube” video. There are a few things to consider when adding glues to knots, let’s hope I can cover these, including testing also. I know a few people who do this and you are not the 1st for requesting this, hence I have prioritised this content for my subscribers. Thank you for your time and input. Tightlines and Merry Christmas.
Hey BigG I am dropping this video on Sunday, thx for the prompt and getting me to bump this idea up my to do list. Appreciate the request and comment. Have a great weekend and let’s hope I get to answer some of your initial questions. Tightlines.
Current bluefin bte is goin off in San Diego. 30-200 pound fish. Been twice so far and will go another 3 to 4 times this year. Already lost 2. Knot failure on 1, "tuna teeth" on 40 pound cost me another.
Hi Harry, I would look at using either of the two options below. The first option is more complicated and my preferred.
First Option : Line to line connection, "Actual GT Knot" then into the "Toit Knot" as Terminal Knot.
Second Option : Line to line connection, "Slim Beauty" then then into the "Toit Knot" as Terminal Knot.
I would watch the How too video in conjunction with the WSFK episode for those 3 knots.
Tightlines and let me know how you get on. I have definitely got that trip on my radar looks so much fun and living on board with a bunch of fisherman/woman for a few days trading stories sounds ace.
MONO to MONO knots ONLY. (Knots with braid mainline and mono leader are well covered at over 100% tensile using an FG or PR ... but mono-2-mono has no consistent corresponding 100% or better mainline to leader knot, until now) ......
I have performed well over 200 mono-2-mono mainline-2-leader knot tests and the ONLY clear winner has been the six turn surgeon knot (6XS knot). Using 18lb or 25b Sakuma Nite Crystal and 17lb or 25lb Sufix Seige, married to 50lb Sufix Superior or 50lb Gardner or 80lb Gardner, the mainline always broke *outside* the six turn surgeon knot and always over 100% of the mainline's rated tensile strength. The mono used is of highest quality - soft and reasonably limp. If other mono brands/types are used, specifically if they are harder and stiffer, they must be tested to insure a similar performance of a 6XS (six turn surgeon) knot.
All knots were hand tied, no pulling sticks or pliers used, no mainlines were crossed over themselves, and a digital force gauge captured the breaking strength. The key is 6 overhand turns, any less number of turns would yield some tied knots breaking inside the knot and at less than then mainline rated tensile strength. Once the knot has been started to be drawn together, it must be wet lubricated. A typical 6XS tying protocol has all lines initially pulled together, then the leader tag and its line are pulled, then the main tag and its line are pulled, then just the mainline and leader line are pulled tight and the tag ends clipped off close to the knot.
The issues with all mono-2-mono surgeon knots are .... their completed knot diameter will be a larger diameter as compared to other popular mono-2-mono knots, and the need to drag 35' of shock leader 6 times through a knot required for hefty surf cast fishing tackle.
For the most part, one will need to test casting a 6 turn surgeon knot to see if it will work well enuf and no to little lost casting distance is observed.
One method of pulled 35' of shock leader through the six overhand loops is relatively easy and can be done at the beach in the roughest of weather and surf conditions. Pre-spool the leader on a stick of 3/4"x5" dowel or PVC tubing - start by taping one end to the stick and wind on all but about 2' of the leader, keep the spooled part from coming off by using a rubber band. I carry four of these "leader sticks" in my surf bag. To tie on a new leader, pull off a few feet of mainline off the reel and slip its end into the rubber band f the leader stick. Mate together and grab both the mainline and leader together, make a 4" loop with them, pass the leader stick in and out of the loop six times. Make the surgeon knot. Easy peasy. :)
Why no mono to fluro, the most common connection used, or is mono to mono essentially the same for all intent and purpose.
Hi Harry, thanks for getting in touch. I did consider doing this category also but it was based purely on cost and time to include another category for testing with all the line weights would add approximately 1-1.5 days of work and the cost of the respective lines also. As you say it would be similar to the mono to mono connection, but not entirely. These WSFK episodes really do take about 5-6 days worth of work to put out and currently RUclips does not promote or push my content so it is hard to justify investing in another category. Hope that makes sense. Take care and thanks for watching.
@@toitfishing Great job and very helpful to us west coast tuna guys. My only fear when fishing tuna are the knots. Gotta get them right everytime and your video certainly helps.
@@1999glock Hey Harry, Definitely, knots are so important. Thank you for the kind words. Tightlines. You should also take a look at the video from Jonny Jigs on the Tuna fishing they were slow pitch jogging which really looked like so much fun. Take Care
Very nice presentation.
We created a new knot that I'm sure you would love to try. Its easier than a uni-knot and just as strong.
Thank you Lake 2 Sea Outdoors, Yes I will gladly add it to my list. Thank you for the kind words also. Appreciate the feedback, If you tag me on Facebook or send me an email with the link to your video I will take a look gladly. I would certainly drop some comments, Like Subscribe etc.
I am looking at the Albright knot next.
Thanks for getting in touch. Tightlines
I use surgeons knot when im in a hurry fishing around saltwater docks and concrete piers and using insanely big leader material 50# + where knot strength really is not most important
Agreed this is one of the quickest knots to tie, when needed
Are you drinking Milo in the opening sequence?
Probably, always got that stuff to hand. Love that stuff.
@@toitfishing Cold, dark, drizzly winter's day at school, and then we came home to rusks and milo. Good memories!
This is such a bulky knot maybe good for shorter leaders.
I tend to show beginners this knot when they are starting out, as it does the job fairly well. Kids also find it really easy to learn as they are still learning the finer skills of their own hands. Tag ends are also a frustration never looks neat enough and painful for lure fisherman.
@@toitfishing yeah surgeons knot ain't my fave but it's good in a pinch, I prefer to tie the FG cause you can tie a 15-20 leader without it affecting your castability much if any especially on lighter line. I love how thin it is it looks like something that was made in a factory cause it almost looks like you just glued the lines together it's so damn thin.
this has got to be one of the most confusing videos i have ever watched on youtube
is yt deleting my comments or what? shadowban is real
Your comment was perfectly fine, not sure what YT are up to sometimes. Appreciate the suppport. Tightlines
To be honest your 1st comment made my day, real encouragement to be honest. Take care Raffael.
this isn’t the strongest knot. the fg is
Morning Jason, this was the 1st episode in the line to line category I have done a few more episodes, I normally put the episode number in the title. Like this on Episode 10. The strongest line to line knot I have tested up to now is the slim beauty knot. I have not tested the FG knot yet so I am unsure how strong it is. Tightlines
@@toitfishing i’ve seen several tests where it broke at way over 100%. i wouid love to see ya test the FG. tight lines
Hey Jason, a few others have recommended this, I am also itching at getting it tested and seeing how it holds up in Fluoro and Mono in various line categories. Also just bare in mind a lot of testing out there only compares the knot strength to what it sais on the packaging line strength. I batch test all the original line thicknesses also and use this as the 100% line strength. Unless you have the right equipment testing line strength is really difficult. Thanks for getting in touch, take care.