2023 NailKnots vs Serves

For those making in-line connections and wind-on leaders, here's an alternative to serves and Sato crimps.

[@moshesmoving]

I’ve been doing something similar for years for saltwater fly fishing: make a braided leader loop and then attach that to the end of a fly line and then use a nail knot on the braid and coat the nail knot with flexible UV activated coating to protect it from nicks that could cause the hollow braid to fail. You’re right that fly guys are familiar with the nail knot but most use it to attach a mono leader to the fly line rather than use it to secure braid to fly line. Good nail knot tool is made by Tie Fast and Loon Outdoors makes a great array of UV cure resins.

[@CharkBaitUSA]

Thank you sir, good info. I've played with the Orvis nail knot tool, too skinny for the heavier lines we more commonly use. My old broken rod tip is a nicer size for my use.

[@JeffSmith-eq3kc]

Been a nail knot guy for quite a while up to 130.

[@jaimefernandez3076]

The advances of braid has made the line capacity increase on the spool and the suspension of the leader material i.e. mono or fluoro to aid in obtaining all sorts of pelagics. Great work Mark.

[@CharkBaitUSA]

Thanks for visiting our channel and hopefully our shop or website, much appreciated. Braid has changed the game.

[@jaimefernandez3076]

@@CharkBaitUSA I purchased some Tady TSP lures from you last year. Thanks for all of your knowledge. You are the Bob Ross of fishing!

[@Trixboomer]

Good stuff right here. Thanks for sharing this technique Mark. I’m almost at the make my own wind ons and this just fuels the fire. I really appreciate your sage advice.

[@milkplease642]

Very helpful video!. Just to check, how many yds of 80lb braid can a Mak15T fill? Website only shows mono line capacity

[@CharkBaitUSA]

I like the 16 more for 80#, holding 600 yds with a 1.3:1 low gear ratio. The 15T provides 600 yds of 60#, going 80 puts here at 450 or so yds. 2:1 low gear ratio for the 15T.

[@desert8285]

Great video as always. What do you think of the FG knot?

[@CharkBaitUSA]

Thanks. My son Sergey uses that knot and likes it. In my case, I don't have so much success, confidence or need to use. I'm more into the hollowcore rigging. The FG depends upon indentations onto the leader material to grip the leader and prevent slippage. For a softer mono that's not a huge issue. But, for leader I'm more commonly using fluorocarbon and that has a harder finish, indentations harder to make and thus for me not nearly as reliable a connection. Again, this is my orientation based upon my own lack of experience using the connection. I don't have a need, I prefer hollowcore inline rigging or wind-ons, so I have not invested time learning the knot or getting better tying. Other folks can have much different take and experience with the connection. Properly tied I think it's just fine, but for a larger fish on the other end I'm insecure. I think an inline connection can be accomplished more quickly, and of course making use of wind-ons is super fast and flexible. My need to learn the FG knot isn't high, I put in my time on the learning curve for inline/w-o connections and they serve me very well. For knots, I'm still a 30 turn bimini to 30 wind reverse albright, and its increasingly rare I go that route for my own gear. I'm all in for in-line.