For many years I had customers asking me what the best knot is for tying a mono leader to braided line.

The reasons we use mono leaders on gelspun lines is for the ease of tying terminal tackle on mono leader, and it creates “a weak link” for the gelspun to part should you get snagged up, instead of breaking off at your reel and leaving 150mtrs of gelspun lying around the ocean floor. 

The problem being that the braided or gelspun lines cut through the mono lines as soon as there is any movement or slipping.

The knot that I have been using for many years now is one that developed from the old surgeon’s knot that we use on very light leaders.

The beauty of a surgeon’s knot is that you can apply pressure to both lines simultaneously and therefore get the strength in the knot otherwise not achievable by pulling the light line itself.

Firstly let me explain the surgeon’s knot.

Place main line and leader side by side. Then tie an overhand or “granny” knot using both lines together. Then pass the tag ends (both lines together) through one more time before tightening. Lubricate then pull down tight.

This knot is ideal for ultra light lines (such as one kilo) when attaching a stronger leader.

Manufacturers of gelspun line say that you should triple your standard knots when tying braid, to achieve maximum strength.

Well I simply tripled the amount of turns on the surgeon’s knot, passing the tag ends through the loop six times.

Care must be taken at this point to pull down the lines evenly. This is not often easy as one line diameter is larger than the other (with a bit of practise it does get easier).

Once they have been snugged down evenly, you must get a good grip on the lines and pull as hard as the breaking strain will allow, making sure that the knot cannot slip under pressure (be careful not to let the braid cut your hands).

Correctly done you will find this knot unbeatable for line strength!

N.B. This not is for gelspun to mono connections. It is not a strong knot in a mono-to-mono situation.

Here is a Loop Splice I use (very handy for wind on leaders)