I am fairly new to the bass scene. Been fishing for 45 years. Mostly a saltwater guy from San Diego. I saw you tying the SD Jam knot and I was surprised! I have been using this knot for a long time but have never seen anybody use it in fresh water except me. Very cool! I wanted to add a few things from my knowledge base for all to try. One thing is that if you are targeting large fish or in heavy structure and know you will be pulling hard you can tie this knot with the line doubled through the eye. Similar to the way you would start the palomar. Loop on one side with both tags on the other side then execute the SD Jam. Its a super strong version of the Jam. Also when fishing with live bait like I do in the ocean sometimes or want extra action from your artificial, you do not have to cinch the knot down all the way. You can leave it a bit loose to allow the hook more action and then when you set the hook on a fish it will close down for you. Its a fun trick. I hope this helps. PS. I love all you boys are doing for the sport. I have greatly benefited from your videos! TY and keep up the good work!!! Paul Giacalone
I've learned more in a month of watching your videos than I have in 28 years of fishing. You guys are very clear on "WHY" you do things, and that helps it click for me. Thanks for all the info and effort that goes on behind the scenes.
Another GREAT and helpful tip from TB. Matt, you're way of explaining things is second to none. Keep up the great work, you're really making a significant contribution to the sport.
Thanks for getting me to try the blood knot Matt. The blood knot was actually the first leader knot I ever learned. When I recently got into using braid I used the Albero that is supposedly superior. I found that sometimes when using very light line the braid would cut through my mono or fluoro when the knot was stressed. Not a problem with the blood knot.
last year I started tying the FJ knot, but the blood knot is much easier for me too tie.Good enough for you guys good enough for me. Thanks again.If you haven't seen them, you probably have, check out Mike Gilbert s videos.You guys are still the best!!
Honestly one of the strongest knots I've used to tie lines together but I find it a little more complicated when tying on leaders on the fly. One of those knots you can't rush
I've been using the FG for while but was never found a great way to finish it that I was 100% satisfied with, I'm going to give this a go for a bit and see how it goes.
What I like about the blood knot is that your tag ends are on the side of the knot, which eliminates a tag end catching on micro guides when casting or retrieving. I am going to give it a try. Thanks for sharing.
Matt, another great video, your blood knot instruction was spot on. The one problem I have is breaking off at the hook when using the palomar knot with flourocarbon. I never have a break at the hook with mono or braid, just flouro.
Fluoro is easy to burn when cinching it down. Consider tying a San Diego Jam instead OR be really careful that the line looks right in the 1/16th of an inch above the palomar.
I think one of the reasons people avoid tying the Blood Knot is because it requires more hand dexterity to tie. Its a little tricky with small diameter monofilament lines. This is one of the first knots I learned how to tie when I was a kid. It's a very strong reliable knot when tied correctly.when tested it was just as strong as the Double Uni Jam knot. The Blood knot feeds through the line guides smoothly and unlike other knots you can trim the tags ends flush with the knot.
Finally just tied the blood knot efficiently. and am gonna put it to the test today! They say the FG is the smallest and the strongest. but I gotta say.. this knot looks way smaller and seems just as strong. Will find out today
Thanks for the video. Man you have to try the FG knot for braid to flouro. Pull it super tight before cutting tags and it will hold very, very securely. Extremely thin for smaller guides.
I have been using the San Diego jam knot for the past 2 years and I tie it different though, I make the raps around the line then go through the loop where your pinky finger was. Haven’t had any issues yet. May be called something else I don’t know. Like the advanced knots though. That’s pretty cool.
great video matt! i've been using the blood knot since i first saw your original video and love it! so far i have had zero break off/knot failures with 6 loops each with 10 lb power pro to 8 lb fluorocarbon. but i'll keep the increased amount of loops in mind!
***** Thanks for the great feedback! Definitely give the increased loops a try. I know you aren't having problems now but I'd love to hear what you think of the slightly larger knot.
tried out the slightly larger knot. makes a slight bit more noise going through the guides but it fishes the same. i caught a 5.87 lb smallmouth from a lake / upper portion of a dammed off river which has the strongest smallmouth i've ever encountered. the 2 lbers there fought like 4+ everywhere else. the 6 loops on each held up to a 3-4 minute drag screaming fight so i have all the confidence in the world in it. but the increase loops can still serve as added confidence/assurance :)
Great video. Question I use a uni knot for everything and all line types. Smaller diameter I use more wraps. I’ve never had a issue but do you see anything wrong with what I’m doing? Thanks
Great video. One of the best I’ve seen. Suggest one improvement though - A black background when tying might help improve visibility on some knots. That said, your movements were very still visible compared to most other videos. We’ll done.
Ok, out of everyone I follow on UA-cam I would expect to get the best answer from you guys about why I should switch to braid (or pretty much any fishing question I may have). I've fished for 30+ yrs and have only used mono. The main issue I'm having is along the lines of "a chain is only as strong as it's weakest link". With straight mono or fluoro, a bad knot would be the only weak link. I hear everyone say to use braid with a leader and not straight braid. My thinking is if I'm using 30lb braid connected to 14lb mono, I now have the potential for 3 weak links 1.the connection knot 2.the 14lb mono and 3.the line-to-lure knot. Even with perfect knots, my line is only "as good" or "as strong" as the 14lb mono....So why not just use 14lb mono? Also...With all of the hype around braid, I mainly hear negatives. "You need a leader because braid is easy for the fish to see..", "The connection knot will weaken from banging the the guides...", "You need to change all of your hooks so they don't bend out...", "You have to fight the fish differently because the lack of stretch makes it easier to lose fish...", "You need to be careful tying knots because the braid will slip..." If it's as good as the hype...Why does it seem so bad?
Hey Doug: just to chime in with a personal response to your old question to Matt, I absolutely love 15lb to 15lb braid to fluoro for bass/pike fishing on my spinning reels. I get the best features of braid: tangle free, memory free (twists become irrelevant), get much longer casting distance, better sensitivity on those long casts AND the best features of a fluorocarbon leader: superior rock/teeth abrasion toughness, as well as invisibility for stealth.
When it comes to finesse fishing pay close attention to the info at 5:22 was out fishing earlier today and had a bad leader knot slip due to rushing rather than taking my time to tie the knot. Had a fish suck down a drop shot TRD and after fighting the fish for a while my knot slipped when I applied too much pressure on the fish. Knew it was the leader knot when I reeled the line in the end of the braided line was coiled/curly letting me know it was my knot
I mostly use the uni knot. what are your thoughts on that knot? I also use it to connect other line to my main line like a lead or backing for the reel.
Quick question. How does your modified San Diego jam knot compare to the double San Diego jam knot?? I tend to use the double San Diego jam knot when tying on my hollow belly frogs but with braid sometimes it's hard to tell if you've tied a good knot or not
Matt, know you did this video a while back, so I hope you see this post. I think I have the blood knot down, but I am noticing after tightening the knot down, that there are some "inconsistencies" in the floro next to the knot (feels like possible burn spots or bends in the floro) and I am wondering if that is typical when tying any knot or if there is a way that I can get there to be less "movement" in the floro when cinching down the knot?? I am going 11 wraps with my 15lb braid and 7 wraps with 8 lb Floro. Thank you for the time and response. Sincerely, Nick
Would 30# 832 to 12# Maxima fall under the light line wraps? I just want to make sure that I'm doing the right amount of wraps on my blood knot. 9/9 or 11/7 turns? Thanks!
Not sure if its been brought up but there is a method with a toothpick to tie a blood knot that is so simple its silly! Just basically lay toothpick over the x of the two lines and then spin the toothpick with your fingers and insert the tag ends in the holes saved by the toothpick! Wow
Nice video,thanks for all your tips they have helped me a lot .How long do you usually make your leaders when you use braid with a mono or fluro leader?
Ifnotforgrace316 You're welcome! The length of leader completely varies on the visibility and circumstance. That said, 6-8 feet is a pretty good "standard". I go as short as 4' (murky water flipping) and as long as 30'+ (suspended fish in crystal clear water)
Thanks for this awsome video I was wondering what brand u recommend for braid and for fluro carbon or monofilament for leaders. And have u had success up in lake Mendocino.
We sure have, its a great lake. We shot a whole series there last year that you can still find on here. In the video description of each video you'll find links to the exact line/gear that we use.
I like the profile of the blood knot, looks very low profile. I use the albright for leaders because it hasn't failed me, but the ticking on the line guides bothers me a bit. I'm going to check this one out, you do make it look too easy. How often do you re tie your leaders, if every?
I'm having knots break joining braid and floro for swim baits (baits I'm casting with) had the S waver come off multiple times. I use the blood knot it ties like in your vid. I've tried 12# 15# 50# and I use it on a gloomis and I've looked over the guides for damage. Suggestions? It's causing me to lose confidence in using braid for the application and I like the versatility on the water, change leader for technique and I don't need extra rods.
thanks!! So this knot is perfectly fine to reel all the way through the guides? No problems with backlashes or pulling the inside out of the guide loops?
Matt! I love you man! You're my hero! Man I am trying to tie 65lb braid to 12lb floro.. I have tried a million times but it keeps slipping when sinching. Are the diameters too dissimilar?
@TacticalBassin did you skip over how what knot you used to tie braid direct to the bait or is that the palomar and SDJ knots? im looking for a knot to tie directly to my bigger swim/glide baits that i wont be scared to toss with some force
What knot to tie using 16-20lb fc100 shock leader to 50-65lb suffix 832 for swimbaits or topwater?,im going to use a 10ft leader and dont want an issue with a knot through the eyelets
I’m always using 40# braid to 20 pound fluro or 30 pound braid to 15 pound fluro. Would you recommend 9 wraps each for both? Thanks for the awesome video I use the FG knot but don’t like the time it takes to tie and have had some failures. How long do you leave a leader tied on before tying a fresh one.
9 and 9 is a great starting point. Worst I'd do is 9 and 8. Leaders will go a long time unless you tie into a BIG ONE. I replace leaders immediately after getting a big fish.
TacticalBassin funny you mention that my dad caught a big one this spring and his leader unraveled after a few more fish. We’re from Iowa Fishing Lake Fork November 5 and 6th a big kayak Tournament thank you for answering me before then! Got my California swim jigs coming from TWH!
So I tie the Palomar knot and the improved clinch knot. Did you ever tie the improved clinch and is the San Diego (I'm originally from San Diego) jam knot to replace it? Thanks again.
soulportraits I totally believe you. I'm just so used to tying the clinch knot I can do it on my sleep. I'll have to start practicing on tying my "home town" knot! ;-) thanks
+TacticalBassin Awesome thanks bud, just caught my first swimbait bass the other day. One was 4.5 and the other was 5. lost the lure the next cast. No telling what I could have caught that day. Now I'm a believer on swimbaits because these were also very pressured! Hoping to stick a Texas giant this fall/winter with an 8" hudd! Tight lines brother!
I'm gonna try bud, an 8lber is pretty rare around here so I'm sure it's gonna be tough. But I've made that mental decision to go for that big girl. I dream of reeling in a big teener.
dont you think the albright or double albright is a better knot for tying leaders to braid? thats what i tie and what i have seen all the "pros" tying. that or the double uni, they come through the guides really well.
805 Bassin Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Personally, no, I do not think those are better options. As unbelievable as it sounds, I've NEVER had a blood knot (tied this way) fail on a fish or a snag. I break leaders all day long on snags without breaking the connection knot. I agree with you that the "pros" use the Albright but that doesn't make it the best choice ;-)
Awesome vid! I'm running 10 lb braid to 20lb fluoro leader, how many turns would you give those each? Or would it be the same as what you use for your Light lines you demonstrated here?
hey Matt, do u still use the blood knot today? I have tried every knot out there and still have failures, even when I take 15 minutes in my house to do it perfect. I used the blood knot salt water fishing but never thought to use it for bass.
I do a knot kind of like your modified san diego jam knot... I've done it for years and never had a failure... you loop it through the hole and wrap the end around the main line 7-5 times( I usually do 7 ) and then you'll have the hole you made from line you put the end of the line through and then come back up and put the end through the other hole you just made and wet it down and pull tight then it's done...lately this fishing season I have been double looping it through the lure just in case but again I've never had a failure. the only failure I have has was this year because I switched to a bait caster and am using braided line now on a swivel and I was casting a river for a good 5 hours and then I casted out and my line broke mid cast....I'm still trying to figure out why it did that...I'm using spiderwire 15 lb braided and so far I have loved everything about this live except that break...I lost a lure I really liked and bass perch and northern pike liked too
I have a quick question. Would these knots be almost as good to use on fresh water fish i.e Carp/Bream like they are predictor fish. I live in England and go Carp fishing. They look really strong so guess so. Anyway like the video and have learnt some great knots. Only been fishing for a little while and wanted to show my son who is 8 how to fish . So the right kind of knot is key, otherwise I'll have one unhappy boy cause the knot broke/loosened.
Thank you for this excellent video! i was either using the PR knot or the Tony pena knot but now this blood knot is way better than tony pena.. Of course nothing beats the PR but its not so easy to tie it on the rocks or the boat.
TacticalBassin I've never used a mono or Floro leader just straight braid I wonder if people give the fish to much credit on seeing lines especially if there looking at the lure
Chris Bloomgren what's your thoughts on finesse fishing either drop shot or shaky head fishing have you had any luck fishing from the shoreline with these methods I just ordered a setup for this
Wow, I was shown this knot 30 years ago, (the san Diego jam) never knew the name, in the last month I've watched about 50 vids looking for it, didn't think I would find it, thank you.
I don’t understand the blood knot’s lack of popularity either. I’ve been throwing the blood knot since the mid 90s and can’t think of a time I’ve ever had one really, REALLY fail on me. They’re easy to learn, thin and require no tension to tie. The only way I’d abandon the blood knot is if an easier, faster knot somehow came along.
Matt with the light line blood knot on spinning rod setups do you T-shot or at least make sure your knot starts on the spool ? A lot of times my Alberto will make a lot of noise going through my guides.
how well does that leader knot go through the guides because I'm having trouble with my heavier lines and the knot turns out ugly and dose not go through guide well at all
Please help! I tie a good blood knot, it holds, but eventually it comes undone. No trend that I've noticed...sometimes it happens after 20 casts and sometimes happens after catching a few fish after multiple sessions. Happens on multiple setups. I don't know what I'm doing wrong!? I want to continue using braid to leader but I'm really tired of losing baits!
The knots through the guides are vulnerable. Double true if you are using one rod continuously fishing cover/structure. The line you pull over the wraps and through the gap of the knot before cinching down is begging to get banged around and beat up from cover/ structure and the guides and level wind. Micro guides just make it worse. If you are fishing from the shore pulling lure and catch uphill through structure it's really dicey. First person who invents a thin indestructible butt splice for braid to leader will be very rich. Use a short leader in rocks and it's just a different peril because the braid will disintegrate when the fish puts pressure on a rock. This is true about any brand. For those of use who can't justify or stomach expensive floro in these treacherous conditions , going up in rod strength and using copolymer (with a short floro leader if you must) is a good way to go. The point is match things up with a good balance for reduced breakoffs and hookset, visibility , hook, rod, line. Plenty of ways to get there....Source,.....I learned the hard way.
Yeah, this is an older video. I know. I like the blood knot also. For a knot directly to the bait, using braid that is coated, such as spider EZ, I use a modified trilene knot. So far it has held up without fail. Great video.
I am fairly new to the bass scene. Been fishing for 45 years. Mostly a saltwater guy from San Diego. I saw you tying the SD Jam knot and I was surprised! I have been using this knot for a long time but have never seen anybody use it in fresh water except me. Very cool! I wanted to add a few things from my knowledge base for all to try. One thing is that if you are targeting large fish or in heavy structure and know you will be pulling hard you can tie this knot with the line doubled through the eye. Similar to the way you would start the palomar. Loop on one side with both tags on the other side then execute the SD Jam. Its a super strong version of the Jam. Also when fishing with live bait like I do in the ocean sometimes or want extra action from your artificial, you do not have to cinch the knot down all the way. You can leave it a bit loose to allow the hook more action and then when you set the hook on a fish it will close down for you. Its a fun trick. I hope this helps. PS. I love all you boys are doing for the sport. I have greatly benefited from your videos! TY and keep up the good work!!! Paul Giacalone
I've learned more in a month of watching your videos than I have in 28 years of fishing. You guys are very clear on "WHY" you do things, and that helps it click for me. Thanks for all the info and effort that goes on behind the scenes.
We're glad to hear it Kyle!
Sat down and learned the blood knot today. No expert but definitely going to be trying it out. Great video, and very educational.
Thanks guys for all your videos. I am transitioning from fly fishing for years to spinning and this information is excellent.
Another GREAT and helpful tip from TB. Matt, you're way of explaining things is second to none. Keep up the great work, you're really making a significant contribution to the sport.
BasementShopGuy Thank you! I really appreciate you taking the time to let me know. We'll keep going as long as there is more to share :-)
Thanks for the tips. I just bought braid for the first time and needed some more knots to use on braid. You make it easy to understand.
Thanks for getting me to try the blood knot Matt. The blood knot was actually the first leader knot I ever learned. When I recently got into using braid I used the Albero that is supposedly superior. I found that sometimes when using very light line the braid would cut through my mono or fluoro when the knot was stressed. Not a problem with the blood knot.
last year I started tying the FJ knot, but the blood knot is much easier for me too tie.Good enough for you guys good enough for me. Thanks again.If you haven't seen them, you probably have, check out Mike Gilbert s videos.You guys are still the best!!
We've seen them :-) Mike is a good guy with a background in video editing.
Been using the uni knot for all my braid connections, so far works well.
I'm still using the double uni for my braid to leader! I have had good success with it.
Honestly one of the strongest knots I've used to tie lines together but I find it a little more complicated when tying on leaders on the fly. One of those knots you can't rush
It's good for lighter gear. When you start going up, you'll for sure notice it hitting the guides. It becomes too thick
I've always used blood knot for joining lines but not as many turns, I'll surely add the extra turns for added security. Thanks for the tip!!
Tried tying blood knot seems fairly easy to tie and super strong looking forward to trying it out .Thank you again great tips, keep up the hard work
Thanks Ed!
Hey, great video man!
Thank you for saying GamaKatsu how it's spelled, and not GamaGatsu.
That just totally made the video awesome.
Tied my first leader thanks to this video. Blood knot was by far the easiest to try and complete.
Awesome!
Just started with braid. I will try these knots! Thank you.
Love this video.. probably my favorite knot video, very good quality. A great job of explaining each knot. Thank you Matt!
Thanks Jim!
Never used the blood knot but I will now. That looks like a great knot. Thank you,
I've been using the FG for while but was never found a great way to finish it that I was 100% satisfied with, I'm going to give this a go for a bit and see how it goes.
Look up the rizutto finish.
What I like about the blood knot is that your tag ends are on the side of the knot, which eliminates a tag end catching on micro guides when casting or retrieving. I am going to give it a try. Thanks for sharing.
I finally got it!!! Thanks Matt and Tim you guys are the shit!
I like your modified palomar knot. That extra coil over the hook eye is a good idea that I'll try this season.
Roger Dudra Give it a try and let me know how it goes. I've had awesome success with it!
Matt, another great video, your blood knot instruction was spot on. The one problem I have is breaking off at the hook when using the palomar knot with flourocarbon. I never have a break at the hook with mono or braid, just flouro.
Fluoro is easy to burn when cinching it down. Consider tying a San Diego Jam instead OR be really careful that the line looks right in the 1/16th of an inch above the palomar.
The San Diego Jam Knot did the trick!
All I use is polymer knot on 12lb flouro and never once had it break off ! Make sure u wet the knot before cinching it tight
Just added to favorites. thanks dude!
I think one of the reasons people avoid tying the Blood Knot is because it requires more hand dexterity to tie. Its a little tricky with small diameter monofilament lines. This is one of the first knots I learned how to tie when I was a kid. It's a very strong reliable knot when tied correctly.when tested it was just as strong as the Double Uni Jam knot. The Blood knot feeds through the line guides smoothly and unlike other knots you can trim the tags ends flush with the knot.
Thanks for the great info man!! Will help me a lot come summer. Tight lines!!!!
Ricky Creason You're welcome!
Great video, I have had such a terrible time with braid and knots coming loose.
Finally just tied the blood knot efficiently. and am gonna put it to the test today! They say the FG is the smallest and the strongest. but I gotta say.. this knot looks way smaller and seems just as strong. Will find out today
Thanks for the video. Man you have to try the FG knot for braid to flouro. Pull it super tight before cutting tags and it will hold very, very securely. Extremely thin for smaller guides.
Great tips Matt. Greetings from México.
I have been using the San Diego jam knot for the past 2 years and I tie it different though, I make the raps around the line then go through the loop where your pinky finger was. Haven’t had any issues yet. May be called something else I don’t know. Like the advanced knots though. That’s pretty cool.
great video matt! i've been using the blood knot since i first saw your original video and love it! so far i have had zero break off/knot failures with 6 loops each with 10 lb power pro to 8 lb fluorocarbon. but i'll keep the increased amount of loops in mind!
***** Thanks for the great feedback! Definitely give the increased loops a try. I know you aren't having problems now but I'd love to hear what you think of the slightly larger knot.
tried out the slightly larger knot. makes a slight bit more noise going through the guides but it fishes the same. i caught a 5.87 lb smallmouth from a lake / upper portion of a dammed off river which has the strongest smallmouth i've ever encountered. the 2 lbers there fought like 4+ everywhere else. the 6 loops on each held up to a 3-4 minute drag screaming fight so i have all the confidence in the world in it. but the increase loops can still serve as added confidence/assurance :)
Great video. Question I use a uni knot for everything and all line types. Smaller diameter I use more wraps. I’ve never had a issue but do you see anything wrong with what I’m doing? Thanks
Thank you Matt. Very, very helpful. Well done.
Can I like this video more than once?
Great video. One of the best I’ve seen. Suggest one improvement though - A black background when tying might help improve visibility on some knots. That said, your movements were very still visible compared to most other videos. We’ll done.
How often are you retying? My braid gets damaged and eventually fails due to the guides on the rod.
Omg just the video I've been looking for. Tssss. Hit the spot.
Ok, out of everyone I follow on UA-cam I would expect to get the best answer from you guys about why I should switch to braid (or pretty much any fishing question I may have). I've fished for 30+ yrs and have only used mono. The main issue I'm having is along the lines of "a chain is only as strong as it's weakest link". With straight mono or fluoro, a bad knot would be the only weak link. I hear everyone say to use braid with a leader and not straight braid. My thinking is if I'm using 30lb braid connected to 14lb mono, I now have the potential for 3 weak links 1.the connection knot 2.the 14lb mono and 3.the line-to-lure knot. Even with perfect knots, my line is only "as good" or "as strong" as the 14lb mono....So why not just use 14lb mono? Also...With all of the hype around braid, I mainly hear negatives. "You need a leader because braid is easy for the fish to see..", "The connection knot will weaken from banging the the guides...", "You need to change all of your hooks so they don't bend out...", "You have to fight the fish differently because the lack of stretch makes it easier to lose fish...", "You need to be careful tying knots because the braid will slip..." If it's as good as the hype...Why does it seem so bad?
Hey Doug: just to chime in with a personal response to your old question to Matt, I absolutely love 15lb to 15lb braid to fluoro for bass/pike fishing on my spinning reels. I get the best features of braid: tangle free, memory free (twists become irrelevant), get much longer casting distance, better sensitivity on those long casts AND the best features of a fluorocarbon leader: superior rock/teeth abrasion toughness, as well as invisibility for stealth.
When it comes to finesse fishing pay close attention to the info at 5:22 was out fishing earlier today and had a bad leader knot slip due to rushing rather than taking my time to tie the knot. Had a fish suck down a drop shot TRD and after fighting the fish for a while my knot slipped when I applied too much pressure on the fish. Knew it was the leader knot when I reeled the line in the end of the braided line was coiled/curly letting me know it was my knot
I mostly use the uni knot. what are your thoughts on that knot? I also use it to connect other line to my main line like a lead or backing for the reel.
Awesome demo, thank you
Quick question. How does your modified San Diego jam knot compare to the double San Diego jam knot?? I tend to use the double San Diego jam knot when tying on my hollow belly frogs but with braid sometimes it's hard to tell if you've tied a good knot or not
Any suggestions on if you were forced to use steal leaders for those toothy critters
Simple Palomar knot to the leader, or more ideally IMO, to a swiveled leader.
Matt, know you did this video a while back, so I hope you see this post. I think I have the blood knot down, but I am noticing after tightening the knot down, that there are some "inconsistencies" in the floro next to the knot (feels like possible burn spots or bends in the floro) and I am wondering if that is typical when tying any knot or if there is a way that I can get there to be less "movement" in the floro when cinching down the knot?? I am going 11 wraps with my 15lb braid and 7 wraps with 8 lb Floro. Thank you for the time and response. Sincerely, Nick
Would 30# 832 to 12# Maxima fall under the light line wraps? I just want to make sure that I'm doing the right amount of wraps on my blood knot. 9/9 or 11/7 turns? Thanks!
Would you use the heavy line method or light line method for 30lb braid and 15lb flouro?
Great info ...just catching up on your videos..
Thanks Bud!
Have you tried the FG knot to tie leader to main line
Not sure if its been brought up but there is a method with a toothpick to tie a blood knot that is so simple its silly! Just basically lay toothpick over the x of the two lines and then spin the toothpick with your fingers and insert the tag ends in the holes saved by the toothpick! Wow
that's awesome
great video. like the modified Palomar.
Great video very detailed thanks
I use the blood knot as well it is awesome
Thanks Brett!
Nice video,thanks for all your tips they have helped me a lot .How long do you usually make your leaders when you use braid with a mono or fluro leader?
Ifnotforgrace316 You're welcome! The length of leader completely varies on the visibility and circumstance. That said, 6-8 feet is a pretty good "standard". I go as short as 4' (murky water flipping) and as long as 30'+ (suspended fish in crystal clear water)
+tacticalbassin 30+ often one's braid would stay on the reel ! (mono leaders)
is the trick with the blood knot when using light lines is more turns with the braid?
Thanks for this awsome video I was wondering what brand u recommend for braid and for fluro carbon or monofilament for leaders. And have u had success up in lake Mendocino.
We sure have, its a great lake. We shot a whole series there last year that you can still find on here. In the video description of each video you'll find links to the exact line/gear that we use.
On your modified Palomar and your modified Sandiego why would you not use a snelled knot in that situation if you don't want something to slip?
I like the profile of the blood knot, looks very low profile. I use the albright for leaders because it hasn't failed me, but the ticking on the line guides bothers me a bit. I'm going to check this one out, you do make it look too easy.
How often do you re tie your leaders, if every?
Retie daily unless you catch a giant... then retie immediately
I watched a video a couple years ago that you mad and it has been the knot I've used ever since
I'm having knots break joining braid and floro for swim baits (baits I'm casting with) had the S waver come off multiple times. I use the blood knot it ties like in your vid. I've tried 12# 15# 50# and I use it on a gloomis and I've looked over the guides for damage. Suggestions? It's causing me to lose confidence in using braid for the application and I like the versatility on the water, change leader for technique and I don't need extra rods.
Sounds like your leaders are just too light. The bait is heavy so its pulling very hard on the load up of the cast.
i re tied everything today. went 30# braid to 15# floor and only tied a 7-8 foot leader length.
thanks!! So this knot is perfectly fine to reel all the way through the guides? No problems with backlashes or pulling the inside out of the guide loops?
No issues at all
Matt! I love you man! You're my hero! Man I am trying to tie 65lb braid to 12lb floro.. I have tried a million times but it keeps slipping when sinching. Are the diameters too dissimilar?
@TacticalBassin did you skip over how what knot you used to tie braid direct to the bait or is that the palomar and SDJ knots? im looking for a knot to tie directly to my bigger swim/glide baits that i wont be scared to toss with some force
For that application, use the San Diego Jam every time.
Is there a reason you went through the front of they eye on the Palomar, and through the back on the SDJ knot?
Not at all, sorry for any confusion that might have caused!
What knot to tie using 16-20lb fc100 shock leader to 50-65lb suffix 832 for swimbaits or topwater?,im going to use a 10ft leader and dont want an issue with a knot through the eyelets
Fg knot for all braid to leader connections. It's easy, fast, and very thin. Even on 100 braid to 100 mono slips through my guides.
@@killing_time_charters thank you!
@@batirsatu search for salt strongs fg knot video. It's the best video I've seen to explain the knot.
@@killing_time_charters will do!
I’m always using 40# braid to 20 pound fluro or 30 pound braid to 15 pound fluro. Would you recommend 9 wraps each for both? Thanks for the awesome video I use the FG knot but don’t like the time it takes to tie and have had some failures. How long do you leave a leader tied on before tying a fresh one.
9 and 9 is a great starting point. Worst I'd do is 9 and 8. Leaders will go a long time unless you tie into a BIG ONE. I replace leaders immediately after getting a big fish.
TacticalBassin funny you mention that my dad caught a big one this spring and his leader unraveled after a few more fish. We’re from Iowa Fishing Lake Fork November 5 and 6th a big kayak Tournament thank you for answering me before then! Got my California swim jigs coming from TWH!
Cool TW shirt I haven't seen before
Coulda sworn I commented here before. Thanks for the blood knot confidence builder. People are pushing the FG. I like the Blood better
So I tie the Palomar knot and the improved clinch knot. Did you ever tie the improved clinch and is the San Diego (I'm originally from San Diego) jam knot to replace it? Thanks again.
The San Diego Jam is wayyyyy stronger than the improved clinch.
soulportraits I totally believe you. I'm just so used to tying the clinch knot I can do it on my sleep. I'll have to start practicing on tying my "home town" knot! ;-) thanks
Hey Matt I was just going to make sure that you use the blood knot on your leaders whils throwing big huddlestons. Don't want that knot to fail!
Yes, I sure do. 9 loops on each end and you'll be good!
+TacticalBassin Awesome thanks bud, just caught my first swimbait bass the other day. One was 4.5 and the other was 5. lost the lure the next cast. No telling what I could have caught that day. Now I'm a believer on swimbaits because these were also very pressured! Hoping to stick a Texas giant this fall/winter with an 8" hudd! Tight lines brother!
Nice! Keep pressing forward and you'll be catching GIANTS in no time!
I'm gonna try bud, an 8lber is pretty rare around here so I'm sure it's gonna be tough. But I've made that mental decision to go for that big girl. I dream of reeling in a big teener.
great video thanks for that info
Wow I'll Try these knots
dont you think the albright or double albright is a better knot for tying leaders to braid? thats what i tie and what i have seen all the "pros" tying. that or the double uni, they come through the guides really well.
805 Bassin Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Personally, no, I do not think those are better options. As unbelievable as it sounds, I've NEVER had a blood knot (tied this way) fail on a fish or a snag. I break leaders all day long on snags without breaking the connection knot. I agree with you that the "pros" use the Albright but that doesn't make it the best choice ;-)
What do you think about a uni knot for braid to bait and a uni to uni for braid to fluoro?
Not a fan, just too many failures. These are the knots we use day in and day out
Good stuff. Thanks man!
Any time
What is your opinion about fireline?
Awesome vid! I'm running 10 lb braid to 20lb fluoro leader, how many turns would you give those each? Or would it be the same as what you use for your Light lines you demonstrated here?
That's actually a really difficult connection. You're probably going 10 loops on the braid and 7-8 on the fluoro.
TacticalBassin appreciate the info and reply. Gonna give it a shot. Thanks.
hey Matt, do u still use the blood knot today? I have tried every knot out there and still have failures, even when I take 15 minutes in my house to do it perfect. I used the blood knot salt water fishing but never thought to use it for bass.
Thats the only connection knot I tie. It works great
I do a knot kind of like your modified san diego jam knot... I've done it for years and never had a failure...
you loop it through the hole and wrap the end around the main line 7-5 times( I usually do 7 ) and then you'll have the hole you made from line you put the end of the line through and then come back up and put the end through the other hole you just made and wet it down and pull tight then it's done...lately this fishing season I have been double looping it through the lure just in case but again I've never had a failure.
the only failure I have has was this year because I switched to a bait caster and am using braided line now on a swivel and I was casting a river for a good 5 hours and then I casted out and my line broke mid cast....I'm still trying to figure out why it did that...I'm using spiderwire 15 lb braided and so far I have loved everything about this live except that break...I lost a lure I really liked and bass perch and northern pike liked too
john conte jconte
Wendy Brown yes?
I have a quick question. Would these knots be almost as good to use on fresh water fish i.e Carp/Bream like they are predictor fish. I live in England and go Carp fishing. They look really strong so guess so. Anyway like the video and have learnt some great knots. Only been fishing for a little while and wanted to show my son who is 8 how to fish . So the right kind of knot is key, otherwise I'll have one unhappy boy cause the knot broke/loosened.
Hi Chris, these will absolutely work for you. Have fun!
Cool, thanks for getting back to me.
Thank you for this excellent video! i was either using the PR knot or the Tony pena knot but now this blood knot is way better than tony pena..
Of course nothing beats the PR but its not so easy to tie it on the rocks or the boat.
How many wraps of each for 20lb braid to 8 pound fluorocarbon using the blood knot?
Whats your average leader length for smaller swimbaits like the swaver 168 and islide 185?
Typically 6-8 feet.
Thanks!
TacticalBassin I've never used a mono or Floro leader just straight braid I wonder if people give the fish to much credit on seeing lines especially if there looking at the lure
Mike Schultz. I've definately seen a difference depending on water clarity and how pressured (smart) the fish are.
Chris Bloomgren what's your thoughts on finesse fishing either drop shot or shaky head fishing have you had any luck fishing from the shoreline with these methods I just ordered a setup for this
great stuff
Wow, I was shown this knot 30 years ago, (the san Diego jam) never knew the name, in the last month I've watched about 50 vids looking for it, didn't think I would find it, thank you.
Awesome, we're happy you found it!
What about 40lb braid and 12lb mono do you go 6 and 4 or something else
I use the jam knot for everything but braid!
Honestly it works well for braid too
i have 15lb power pro slick 8 and i want to tie on a 12lb leader. do i still wrap it the same? the slick 8 is a 2lb diameter. thanks
Go with 10 loops on the braid, 8 on the leader
Is the blood knot stronger than the FG knot
do you reel the leader knot into your reel or do you keep it short enough so it doesn't go in the reel?
Reel it in and out all day long, no issues.
which is stronger the modified San Diego jam or the double Palomar for braid
I've yet to have either fail so its hard to say.
I don’t understand the blood knot’s lack of popularity either. I’ve been throwing the blood knot since the mid 90s and can’t think of a time I’ve ever had one really, REALLY fail on me. They’re easy to learn, thin and require no tension to tie. The only way I’d abandon the blood knot is if an easier, faster knot somehow came along.
Matt with the light line blood knot on spinning rod setups do you T-shot or at least make sure your knot starts on the spool ? A lot of times my Alberto will make a lot of noise going through my guides.
how well does that leader knot go through the guides because I'm having trouble with my heavier lines and the knot turns out ugly and dose not go through guide well at all
It will go through surprisingly well. We're running 80+ lb braid to 30 lb mono in and out of the guides (and the reel) without issue.
Please help! I tie a good blood knot, it holds, but eventually it comes undone. No trend that I've noticed...sometimes it happens after 20 casts and sometimes happens after catching a few fish after multiple sessions. Happens on multiple setups. I don't know what I'm doing wrong!? I want to continue using braid to leader but I'm really tired of losing baits!
The knots through the guides are vulnerable. Double true if you are using one rod continuously fishing cover/structure. The line you pull over the wraps and through the gap of the knot before cinching down is begging to get banged around and beat up from cover/ structure and the guides and level wind. Micro guides just make it worse. If you are fishing from the shore pulling lure and catch uphill through structure it's really dicey. First person who invents a thin indestructible butt splice for braid to leader will be very rich. Use a short leader in rocks and it's just a different peril because the braid will disintegrate when the fish puts pressure on a rock. This is true about any brand.
For those of use who can't justify or stomach expensive floro in these treacherous conditions , going up in rod strength and using copolymer (with a short floro leader if you must) is a good way to go.
The point is match things up with a good balance for reduced breakoffs and hookset, visibility , hook, rod, line. Plenty of ways to get there....Source,.....I learned the hard way.
Great video, thanks much!
On future videos could you tie the knots using a black background my eyes aren’t what they used to be.
Is braid good for swimbaits
Yeah, this is an older video. I know. I like the blood knot also. For a knot directly to the bait, using braid that is coated, such as spider EZ, I use a modified trilene knot. So far it has held up without fail. Great video.
Man I love me that blood knot
What do you cut Braid with?
I haven't had any trouble cutting up to 65 lb test braid with a good sharp knife. Don't know why people need a special tool for the job. 🤷♂️
@@timothythompson2678 Yep yo can. Just easier to cut a close tag with the right tool