01What is an FG Note?
FG Note is a braided line knot derived from the names of two people, 'F' and 'G', and unlike traditional Oliveight or Double Uni, the knot itself is not thick and maintains a very thin slim profile. The core principle is that the braided line (PE) is friction‑locked to the leader surface (Chinese finger trap), and because no direct bend is created at the knot area, the tensile strength of the braid is almost fully preserved.
Because of this structural characteristic, the FG Note minimizes the 'knot volume' when passing through the guide (leader guide), significantly reducing guide trouble during casting. In actual tests the knot length is about half a finger joint (≈2 cm), which is over 70% slimmer compared with conventional knots that reach 5–7 cm.
In terms of bond strength, the FG Note approaches 95–100% of the line’s original strength. In knot‑comparison experiments conducted by AFTCO and Salt Strong, the FG Note recorded 20–30% higher bond strength than traditional knots such as Double Uni, Oliveight, or Alberto. This is because the friction lock is distributed evenly along the line, lowering the risk of rupture under sudden shock.
02How to connect a direct shock leader with an FG Note
A direct shock leader usually refers to a thick carbon or steel leader in the 120–250 lb range. When connecting a thin braided line (10–50 lb) using an FG Note, the number of turns (twists) is the key variable. Around 16 turns is the optimal point for strength and slim profile; exceeding 20 turns actually increases knot volume and causes guide trouble.
For example, for a 6‑go (≈30 lb) yellowtail amberjack braid, use three sets up and down; for 8–10 go (≈40–50 lb) use four sets; for a heavy 12‑go (≈250 lb) braid use five sets. Each set follows the sequence ‘braid → leader → braid → leader’ crossing and performs exactly 16 turns. At this point the knot must be held and pulled with the fingers so that the friction lock works maximally.
The FG Note is most stable in the 10–50 lb range, and with very thin lines under 10 lb the friction may be insufficient and the knot can slip. Conversely, with very thick braids over 80 lb the friction area becomes large and the knot may untie easily. Therefore, when targeting medium to large species on Korean coasts such as Korean rockfish jigging, red seabream casting, or yellowtail amberjack casting, the standard practice is to connect a 10–50 lb braid with a thick shock leader using an FG Note.
03Practical application tips and cautions
In practice, after completing the knot you must go through a ‘Proof’ process. Proof means holding the knot and applying a load of about 5–10 kg for 10–15 seconds while pulling the line, to verify that the friction lock has formed sufficiently. If the knot slips slightly during this step, the number of turns is likely insufficient or the knot is asymmetrical.
Also, immediately after forming the knot, thoroughly wet the line; this reduces the difference between the elastic modulus of PE braid (24–30 ton, Msi≈0.9 GPa) and carbon leader (36 ton, Msi≈1.1 GPa), strengthening the friction lock. The easiest way to wet the line is to briefly dip it in a water container or spray seawater directly on site.
Finally, when storing the knot avoid direct sunlight and high temperatures, and keep it in a dry place free of moisture and dust. PE braid can lose strength rapidly at high temperatures, so avoid hot environments such as the interior of a car in summer.
- Excessive turns– If more than 20 turns, knot volume increases and it catches on the guide.
- If you do not proof the knot immediately after tying, the friction lock may not form fully.
- If the PE braid is not wetted and its elastic modulus drops, bond strength decreases.
FAQFrequently asked questions
- Q1. How much weight can an FG Note handle? A1. It is most stable when connecting a 10–50 lb braid with a 120–250 lb shock leader; with braids over 80 lb the friction may be insufficient and it can slip.
- Q2. Why is 16 turns the optimal number? A2. Sixteen turns is optimal because it provides sufficient friction lock while minimizing knot volume; exceeding 20 turns makes the knot thicker and causes guide trouble.
- Q3. Why is proof needed after tying? A3. Proof verifies that the knot can bear actual load and confirms that the friction lock has formed sufficiently to achieve 95–100% bond strength.