That is total BS. If you do it the second way, you will not have time for fishing left. I have done it the first way for years and it has NEVER fallen. You have more chances that your leader, main line, or hook knot break than FG knot.
65lbs and above is usually the diameter braid needed to prevent it from cutting or severely damaging it self in the event of a backlash, while casting heavy lures like swimbaits or surface iron's with a conventional reel. When you can successfully get 65lbs braid to bight into 20lbs fluorocarbon without failure or slipping, Only Then you have mastered the FG knot.
Version 2 was better but the half hitches did not cover the tag end. That is what the hitches are for so that the tag doesn't catch in the guides. Take a little more time and you've got it nailed. Careful using a lighter to burn the braid....if the flame hits the other wraps the knot can fail. Otherwise good video. I like the finger triangle work and will practice that. Thank you.
i`v been using the 2nd method for years now and never failed me, however i do it a bit different, when you finish braiding the first step and you do the 1st half hitch dont tighten it hard before you pull from both end and allow the braid to engrave into the leader the you pull the knot and continue half hitches, also the last step after you cut the leader i personally prefer to do the fisrt couple of half hitches wrapped around the leader tip as well then around the braid this will allow smoother passing through the guides and much stronger lock.
Way over kill on the second knot. Biggest problem with FG knot is improper cinching due to lack of lubrication or not keeping knot well organized and tight while starting.
FG 2 version takes to long to tie when the fish are biting in my opinion. I think 12-15 wraps is all that is needed. Otherwise not all wraps cinch down and the knot is too long and cumbersome over the guides. 4 half hitches is all it takes max after the wraps, plus a rossuto finish.
I'm not reading all the comments so maybe a repeat, both are the same strength because it's the initial wraps the make the knot. No1 all day for me, it's easier and just works! Never fails. The only improvement would be to try it to a tapered leader end, I've tried but it mostly slip during tightening. Done both methods heaps of and it's Not is the go. I use the Australian method for the wraps. Also always where a decent pair of gloves when bedding this knot, when it changes color is when it's tight, this allows you to also know how many wraps are in excess of what is required which is different for the braid and leader combinations that you use, any more than two un bedded wraps and your going to far. Good luck, learn it the Australian way and finish it however you want.
I have found that the triangle created with the braid is easiest to make a great knot. By keeping it smaller, so you can use your fingers on the triangle hand also. The wider the triangle the further your fingers are apart.
