Braid knots

[BigBad64]

I was surf-spinning at Gunnamatta yesterday (donuts) and kept getting little knots in the braid (20lb), not far below where it joined the leader.

(See circled in picture)

Managed to get them out each time with some time-consuming and finicky unpicking, but was wondering why it was happening?

Real PITA - be nice to prevent repeat occurrences.

I went from Gunnamatta to Mount Martha and then Frankston and didn't have any more knots while casting there for some reason.

[I did read the thread started by Wolly Bugger titled "Line twist equal knots in braid" from 2015 - TBH I didn't understand some of the advice there so decided to start a new thread]

[ducky]

That's a wind knot mate. If you run a shorter leader that's outside of the guides whilst casting you won't get them nearly as often.

On other more subtle forms of fishing I find an fg knot and having the leader knot around 1 rod length so it's between the reel and stripper guide when casting means I get fewer issues with casting.

[BigBad64]

Cheers for that.

Was running about a rod length of leader with the fg knot where you suggested.

If I run a short leader that has the knot outside of the guides when casting, I think I'll have trouble getting casting distance? I imagine the leader would have to be at least 60-70cm, and I'm using a 9' Catana.

I'm finding that I need the lure wound up fairly close to the top of the rod to cast effectively. Probably just need more practice.

[CarlG]

Cheers for that.

Was running about a rod length of leader with the fg knot where you suggested.

If I run a short leader that has the knot outside of the guides when casting, I think I'll have trouble getting casting distance? I imagine the leader would have to be at least 60-70cm, and I'm using a 9' Catana.

I'm finding that I need the lure wound up fairly close to the top of the rod to cast effectively. Probably just need more practice.

You'll cast further if anything, truth is, you won't notice any difference. 600mm is plenty long enough, as Ducky said, keep the knot outside the end eye.

[ducky]

My technique probably leaves a lot to be desired compared to some of the dedicated landbased fishos here but Id probably have the slug 1m or so from the tip when casting. I find if im chasing cast length over accuracy I end up with the lure a long way from the tip

[BigBad64]

Thanks boys - much appreciated.

I'll go with the 60cm leader and keep the knot outside the guides and see how I go.

[Basti]

I'm using half to 2/3 of the rod length of drop (length from rod tip to lure) if I'm casting long. Knot outside the guides

[DougieK]

Hey mate.

I find sometimes when my line isn't spooled tight enough this happens, or often when i close my bail arm after casting there's a little loop over the top of the spool that sometimes catches on things.

About casting, I was fortunate enough to spend a few days with Jeremy Schrader earlier in the year, here are some vids talking about improving my own technique and also what an incredible beast he is.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbGrezsiUtQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78aMn3jpyRw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJBQpC9omcU

[greggo]

Another thing that can cause wind knots is cheap braid. Some cheap braids go fluffy after a while, and is a known cause for knotting.

[purple5ive]

make sure if your leader knot is outside the guides, that you be carefull while casting with your finger on the braid.
can turn nasty very quickly if your not carefull.
wear a thimble or something similar until you get the hang of it