How to Tie the Perfect FG Knot

Yes, We’re Electricians. We Also Fish.

The Sunshine Coast is one of the best fishing destinations in the country, and if you think the team here spends every weekend inside wiring switchboards — you’re wrong. Between bream sessions at the Maroochy, chasing flathead on the flats, and the occasional GT trip offshore, a solid braid-to-leader connection is non-negotiable.

The FG knot is the one. Slim profile, high strength, and once you’ve got the muscle memory it takes about two minutes. Here’s how we tie it.

What Is the FG Knot?

The FG knot is a method of connecting braided line to a fluorocarbon or monofilament leader. Unlike the Albright or the PR knot, the FG wraps the braid around the leader rather than through a loop, which creates an incredibly slim join that passes through rod guides without catching. Knot strength tests consistently put it at 95–100% of the braid’s rated strength when tied correctly.

It’s the go-to connection for bream, bass, flathead, mangrove jack, and just about anything else you’re targeting on the Sunshine Coast and surrounds.

What You Need

• Your braided main line (already spooled)
• Your fluorocarbon or monofilament leader (1–2 metres is plenty to work with)
• Your teeth or a friend’s help to keep tension on the leader
• Scissors or nail clippers to trim tag ends
• Good light — seriously, tie this somewhere you can see what you’re doing

Step-by-Step: Tying the FG Knot

Step 1 — Tension the Leader

Hold your leader under tension. The classic method is to grip the end of the leader between your teeth and hold the spool end with your non-dominant hand, keeping the leader taut and straight. Some people loop it around their foot or use a rod holder. Whatever works — the key is that the leader doesn’t move while you’re wrapping.

Step 2 — Start the Wraps

Lay your braid over the top of the leader at roughly 90 degrees. Now bring the braid under the leader and back over the top from the other side, forming an X over the leader. That’s one wrap. The braid should alternate sides with each pass — over from the left, under, over from the right, under. Keep the wraps tight and pushed up close together toward the tag end of the leader.

Step 3 — Build 15–20 Wraps

Repeat the alternating X wraps, packing them tightly together along the leader. Aim for 15 to 20 complete wraps — more wraps equals more surface area equals more holding power. Don’t let the wraps loosen or separate. Keep that leader tension on the whole time.

Step 4 — Lock the Wraps with Half Hitches

Once you have your wraps in place, lock them down. Pass the braid around both the leader and the braid wraps together in a half hitch, then do a second half hitch in the opposite direction. Pull each one firm but not so hard you crush the leader. This is what stops the wraps from unravelling.

Step 5 — Half Hitches on the Braid Only

Now do 4–6 half hitches using the braid around the main braid only — not around the leader. These lock the knot off cleanly. Each hitch should sit snug against the previous one. Pull firm after each one.

Step 6 — Finish and Trim

Some people add a final half hitch or two going the other direction as extra insurance. Once you’re satisfied, wet the knot, give the braid and leader a firm pull in opposite directions to seat everything, and trim both tag ends as close as you can get. A clean trim is the difference between a knot that slides through your guides and one that catches at the worst possible moment.

Common Mistakes

• Losing tension on the leader mid-wrap — the whole knot relies on the leader being under tension while you build the wraps. If it goes slack, the wraps won’t sit properly.
• Loose or uneven wraps — wraps that aren’t packed tightly together leave gaps and reduce the knot’s surface hold. Pack them in.
• Skipping the locking half hitches — the wraps alone won’t hold under load without being locked. Don’t skip Step 4.
• Not wetting before seating — dry braid cinching down on fluorocarbon generates heat. Wet it first.
• Trimming too long — a long tag end on braid will catch in your guides and kill your cast. Trim it close.

How Long Does It Take to Learn?

The first few times are frustrating. Tie it at home, on the couch, with good light, before you ever try it on the water at 5am in the dark. Once you’ve done it twenty times you’ll have it. Once you’ve done it a hundred times you won’t even think about it.

Like most things worth knowing — electrical or otherwise — the skill is in the repetition.

One Last Thing

We’re based in Palmwoods and we fish the Sunshine Coast and hinterland waterways regularly. If you ever want a local recommendation on where the flathead are sitting or need a licensed electrician to wire up your shed, workshop, or boat shed — give Joel a call on 0418 416 481. We’re good at both.