Easiest FG Knot Guide 2025: (FG Knot Tutorial)

Have you ever struggled with tying braid to a leader? I know I have. The FG knot used to seem like some kind of magic trick, juggling spools, wrapping lines, and trying to keep everything tight. It felt impossible, especially when out on the water. I’m letting you in on the easiest way I’ve found to tie a super strong and clean knot in this FG knot tutorial. Say goodbye to dropped lines and frustration, even when you’re out on your kayak.

The FG Knot Problem: Too Hard?

Let’s be real, a lot of anglers find the FG knot intimidating. The traditional method feels like you need five hands! You’re trying to keep both ends of the braid tight, hold the leader material, manage the knot, and wrap the line all at the same time. It becomes even more difficult when you start using lighter lines and more flexible rods, which are common in Bait Finesse System (BFS) fishing.

I remember the old way, trying to hold the lines in my mouth to keep tension. It works, but it’s tough to do on a stream and almost impossible on a kayak. Especially when you’re working with those super fine lines we use in Bait Finesse fishing. That’s why I made this FG knot tutorial to show the easy way to tie the FG knot.

The Solution: The Daiichi Seiko Knot Assist

The game-changer for me has been the Daiichi Seiko Knot Assist. It’s a tool that simplifies tying the FG knot and helps create a strong, reliable connection every time.

Why This Tool Matters

This tool is fantastic because it basically acts as extra hands. It holds the lines in place and maintains the tension you need to create a perfect knot. With the Daiichi Seiko Knot Assist, you can focus on making clean, consistent wraps without fighting to keep everything tight.

Where to buy the tool

You can find the Daiichi Seiko Knot Assist here: Daiichi Seiko Knot Assist.

Step-by-Step FG Knot Tutorial with the Knot Assist

Here’s how I use the Daiichi Seiko Knot Assist to tie an FG knot that I can rely on.

Preparations

Get your main line (braid), leader material (usually Fluorocarbon), a pair of line cutters / scissors, and your FG Knot Assist tool ready.

Watch the video above for clearer visuals.

Step 1: Securing the Main Line (Braid)

1. Open the Knot Assist tool.
2. Start at one end and wrap the braid around the tool, then click it shut.
3. Wrap it around the other end, making sure it’s nice and tight, and click that side shut too.

Step 2: Attaching the Leader (Fluorocarbon/Mono)

1. Take your leader line and pass it through the center of the braid, leaving a good bit of the leader extending past the braid.

Step 3: Wrapping the Leader Around the Braid

1. Start wrapping the leader line around the braid right in the center, alternating from left to right.
2. Use your finger to hold the wraps in place as you go.
3. With Bait Finesse lines, I usually aim for around 34 wraps. Since we’re using heavier lines for the demo, I’ll use fewer wraps to avoid a bulky knot. 14-20 wraps (7 to 10 per side) is often sufficient for standard lines over 12 pound test.
4. After each two wraps, I like to pull everything tight again.

Step 4: Creating the First Half Hitch

1. Bring the leader line around to the left side, the same side you started on.
2. Pass the tag end of the leader line back through the loop to make a half hitch.
3. Pull the tag end to tighten the knot. The knot is now locked in place.

Step 5: Securing the Half Hitch

1. Open the Knot Assist tool slightly to give you some room to tighten the knot.
2. Make sure the tag end of the leader is pointing down and the main leader line is pointing up.

Step 6: Adding Half Hitches with the Braid

1. Now, take the tag end of the braid and start making half hitches over and under the leader line.
2. I like to lay the tool down on a flat surface to make this part easier.

Step 7: Wetting and Tightening the Knot

1. Moisten the knot with a little saliva.
2. Pull the lines tight to cinch the knot down nice and secure.

Step 8: Trimming the Tag Ends

1. Trim the tag ends of both the braid and the leader line as close as you can to the knot.
2. Be careful not to cut the main lines!

Why the Original Daiichi Seiko Knot Assist is Worth It (And How to Spot Fakes)

Okay, so here’s the deal. In this FG Knot Tutorial, I recommend the Daiichi Sekio Knot Assist 2.0. I’m not sure what happened in the 1.0 version. Lol.

The Daiichi Seiko Knot Assist can cost anywhere from $33 to $42 on Amazon, depending on where you buy it. But there are some knockoff versions out there that are cheaper. I’ve bought both, and trust me, there’s a difference.

The Risk of Knockoffs

I’ve learned the hard way that not all Knot Assists are created equal. I’ve had both the real deal and some of the cheaper knockoffs, and the difference in quality is noticeable.

Reasons to Choose the Original

Here’s why I think it’s worth spending a bit more on the real Daiichi Seiko:

• Material: The original is made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic. The knockoffs use cheaper materials.
• Switch Quality: The switches on the original move more smoothly and hold the line better.
• Spring Mechanism: The spring-loaded mechanism in the original maintains consistent tension as you tighten the knot.

How to Identify Fakes

Here are a couple of ways to spot a fake:

• The original Daiichi Seiko uses stickers, while the knockoffs have laser-engraved arrows.
• The carbon fiber versions usually have embossed arrows.
• If the price seems too good to be true, it’s probably a knockoff.

Benefits of a Well-Tied FG Knot (Especially for Bait Finesse)

A well-tied FG knot is a game-changer, especially if you’re into BFS. This is the knot that keeps me from losing fish and lures.

Strength and Reliability

The FG knot is incredibly strong when tied correctly. I have never had a fish break off at the FG knot!

Smoothness Through Guides

The FG knot’s slim profile means it glides through your rod guides without catching. I barely notice it when I’m casting and retrieving.

Prevents Break-Offs

Using a properly tied FG knot will greatly reduce break-offs, especially when using light lines.

Personal Anecdote

Just last week, I was trout fishing and got snagged. With my 8 lb braid and 6 lb fluorocarbon, I was able to pull the snag free to the point where I bent the hooks out, and I saved my spinner! I tied it exactly as I covered in this FG knot tutorial.

Bonus: Braided Line Guide

If you’re curious about braided line, check out my Braided Fishing Line Guide for more information. I’ll show you why braid is a great choice for fishing and which brands I trust.

Call to Action

Have you tried this method for tying an FG knot? Do you know of an even easier way? Let me know in the comments. I’m always looking for new tips and tricks to make fishing easier.