How should I finish an FG knot so it won’t slip?

You do not need to give up on the FG knot 😄 — but if the finish is coming undone, it usually means the tag end finish wasn’t locked down enough, or the wraps weren’t snugged properly before trimming.

Best ways to finish an FG knot

1. Half hitches first, then a Rizzuto-style lock if desired

   • The classic FG finish is a series of half hitches around the leader, then one or two more around the main line.
   • A true locking overhand/Rizzuto finish is often added after the hitch sequence to keep the knot from creeping.
   • If you don’t want a full Rizzuto, you can still use 5–7 tight half hitches, alternating sides, and pull them down hard before trimming.

2. Add a final locking hitch on the main line

   • After your FG wraps are seated, do 2–3 half hitches on the leader.
   • Then do 1–2 half hitches around both lines or around the main line only, cinched very firmly.
   • This gives the finish a little more insurance without changing the knot style much.

3. Leave a slightly longer tag on the leader

   • Don’t trim the fluorocarbon tag too close right away.
   • Leave a short stub, finish the knot, then trim carefully after it has been fully tightened.
   • A too-short tag can pop loose if the finish slips while you’re loading the knot.

Why your finish likely failed

• The half hitches weren’t seated hard enough
• The knot was not fully tensioned before trimming
• The leader tag was trimmed too close
• The line combo was slippery and needed more locking wraps

Should you switch to a Double Uni?

If you’re fishing heavier leader-to-braid setups, the double uni is absolutely fine and much easier to tie reliably. It’s bulkier, though, so:

• Better for guides that can handle the bulk
• Great for fast tying on the water
• Not as sleek as an FG, especially on spinning tackle with long leaders

My practical recommendation

• If you want the slimmest, strongest connection: keep using the FG, but finish it with tight alternating half hitches + a locking hitch, and test it hard before fishing.
• If you want simplicity and speed: switch to the double uni and call it good.

A good middle-ground is: FG knot for distance/casting, double uni for convenience. Tie a few at home, wet them, and put real pressure on them before trimming. That’s where the truth lives 🎣

If you want, I can give you a step-by-step FG finishing sequence that avoids the Rizzuto knot but still locks securely.