How to tie a shock leader to your main line

A shock leader takes the strain of powerful casts and helps protect the main line from abrasion. The compact FG knot is a useful option for joining braided main line to a mono or fluorocarbon leader.

Leave enough tag end on the leader. Keep the braid under light, steady tension—for example, hold it between your fingers or tension it a short distance away.

Lay the leader alongside the taut braid. Wrap the braid alternately over and under the leader, building neat crossed coils. Start with about 8–11 pairs of wraps; thin braid or a slick leader may need more.

Keep the wraps close without stacking them into a bulky lump. Gently snug them while maintaining tension on both lines.

1. Tie several tight half hitches with the braid around both ends to lock the wraps.
2. Pull the connection tight gradually and firmly. A little water can reduce friction while tightening.
3. Trim the leader tag close to the wraps without nicking the braid. Finish with a few more locking half hitches.
4. Pull both lines firmly to check for slipping. Run the knot through the rod guides; a bulky knot can catch.

The number of wraps depends on line diameter and material. Tie a test knot and check it under load. For a very thick leader, or if the knot catches in the guides, choose another compatible connection.