How to Make A Wind On Leader | Strongest Connection Knot

How to make a Wind On Leader
(Wind On Jig used in the video is available here- www.blueseasfab.com/product-c... )
Captain Ali Hussainy, demonstrates how to tie the best connection knot for big game fish. This is called the Wind On technique. Best connection knot for heavy leader line. From 80 - 400+ pound test, this is the knot to use when fishing for big game bluefin, yellowfin, sailfish, grouper, marlin, and wahoo.
Wind on leaders are a great tool in the offshore angler's tackle arsenal. The theory is to have a heavier mono or fluorocarbon leader that threads into the inside of a hollow-woven braided line or Dacron. Using some specific rigging needles and a little practice, you can follow these steps to build your own wind on leaders for tuna, marlin and more.
Ali States; "I like to build all of my own leaders for our fishing. It's just a confidence thing for me when the chips are down," said Ali. "I will thread the desired size Seaguar fluorocarbon leader into their Threadlock hollow braid of a size that just fits inside. I feed about 18″ of the fluoro into the braid using a splicing needle. That is after I have used a latch needle to create a loop in the opposite end of my piece of hollow braid."
Rigging Materials:
Fluorocarbon Leader Line : seaguar.com/saltwater/fluoroc...
Threadlock hollow braid : seaguar.com/saltwater/braid/t...
Threading Needles: www.dahoproducts.com/Work.html
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Starring:
Ali Hussainy @bdoali
bdoali?hl=en
Produced/filmed/edited by:
Rodney Marquez @rodneymarquez
/ rodneymarquez
Website:
www.localknowledge.tv/
Social:
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For All Media Inquiries:
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[@LocalKnowledge]

We got a lot of requests on what connection know we use on the show. So this video is for you guys . Please let us know if this was easy to follow Happy Holidays :) - BD & LK Staff

[@seaweedmike]

And then what do you tie the wind on onto/how?

[@LocalKnowledge]

We will have a new video soon covering this!

[@minibar7165]

@@seaweedmike attach the braid to the reel, a uni-knot will work ...

[@WatchMeEDC]

Where did you get the line tension bench? Please please please share?

[@medsquadfortnite7562]

@@WatchMeEDC - if you find one pls share I’m looking for one too

[@johnhollis3419]

Please KEEP these preparation demonstration videos coming. They are great to SAVE under a KZbin tab with your own description label. Thank you otra vez.

[@LocalKnowledge]

Thank you John! We appreciate your support and feedback ! Stay tuned for more

[@JJMassar]

I agree!

[@chrismorrison5834]

That’s the best explanation of wind on leader rig I have ever seen, thank you!

[@LocalKnowledge]

Glad it helped.

[@TheReiserrob]

Awesome and simple! Ordered all the stuff to try this myself.

[@LocalKnowledge]

RAd! Best of luck.

[@martywinter7399]

Great, very easy to follow.

[@LocalKnowledge]

Thank you for the feedback! We will keep pushing for more videos like these

[@roger9453]

Great show, Ali!

[@LocalKnowledge]

Thank you Roger. Let us know what other informative videos you would like us to make

[@davidlovesgolf]

Great explanation, thanks!

[@LocalKnowledge]

You're welcome!

[@poppabear9279]

Sir, you explained this better than a pro. I truly appreciate it. I have a bunch of premade seagar floro wind-on leaders, but for the price they charge for them, I’ve just been keeping them for a rainy day. I’m going to make my own, thanks to this awesome video and save the expensive ones for when I need a quick changeout during a fishing tournament or when some noobs on the deck get them wrapped up and mangle my lines again like what happened last weekend fishing Mahi 55 miles out in sloppy seas. I always preach to everyone how to set my lines, teaching them the spread, but apparently people don’t listen and next thing you know you’ve got a raging mess on deck, 3 lines tangled and you just lost $200 on leaders and floro top shot. So, time to make my own for rapid deck changes thanks to noobs blindly setting lines incorrect in choppy seas. So, time to mass produce my own wind-ons in different sizes for rapid deck change depending on if we are catching Mahi or blackfin or YFT or whatever that day. Going to do 40-50 lbs and 100lb class to handle it all now. Floro increases your catch 1000 percent, and proved this last couple weekends that using visible line, instantly kills your fishing odds bigtime.

[@LocalKnowledge]

Thanks for the kind words. Once you get the process down, it's really relaxing. Crack a cold one and make up some leaders that you know are 100%. It's always satisfying when you catch your biggest fish on your own gear. Enjoy.

[@nathankluz5166]

Love this Video! Very clear information and an amazing connection.

[@LocalKnowledge]

Thanks Nathan! Please subscribe if you haven't already!

[@brucecronin6396]

Nice !! Thanks, Ali

[@LocalKnowledge]

Any time!

[@reynieljaybartolome5889]

Wow nice really gives ideas thanks.

[@LocalKnowledge]

Get Busy!

[@christophermirabal4596]

Wow that was awesome !

[@LocalKnowledge]

Glad you liked it!

[@erniemathews5085]

Practice has helped make lovely leaders, no lumps and cinched down tight. Other anglers love the technique, everyone says thank you. I have a pointed pick of hardwood that I use to open the braid, the needles are a little blunt.

[@LocalKnowledge]

Love hearing this. Pretty satisfying to catch a big fish on a leader you made yourself.

[@minibar7165]

Just came across your video, perfect timing. I bought two AVET 50W reels, and on order, 130 lb Jerry Brown Hollow Core braid and 100 lb Berkley ProSpec Chrome mono, should be a good combo. I already have the various size DaHo needles ...

[@LocalKnowledge]

Good stuff!

[@erniemathews5085]

Love the way you use the braid to serve the braid. Smart stuff- and I see why one of mine failed: fortunately, testing at home.

[@LocalKnowledge]

Only way to go in our opinion!

[@naturalmystics-kd9vt]

You are one of favorite youtube good teacher i hope you catch some biggest fish in the oceans

[@LocalKnowledge]

Thank you. We'll keep trying until we do!

[@crowman5936]

Clear and concise. Keep them coming. Thanks.

[@LocalKnowledge]

Thank you sir. More inbound for 2020.

[@JeffSmith-eq3kc]

Was on a long range trip last month. I mainly fish offshore east coast but I do one 8 day trip every year out of San Diego. Highly recommend it. We're getting rigged up and I see a guy take a wind on out of a commercial package. He goes to connect it and I asked him how they finish them as there was no serve or knot at all. I figured just glue but he looks at it, says holy s***, and it turns out they'd just forgotten the serve. If anyone needs a reason to make their own wind ons there you go. I won't mention the brand but popular company and there was literally nothing holding the splice in place. If they can forget the entire serve process, who knows what else goes on while they're making them. It's crazy inefficient in terms of cost to buy them as well but I trust my own obsessive mind any day over someone bored out of their skull making wind ons all day.

[@LocalKnowledge]

Aaaaaand this is why we make our own. Confidence is priceless.

[@JeffSmith-eq3kc]

​@@LocalKnowledgeabsolutely. This gentleman spent probably $8k on the trip if you include travel and everything. He was one poorly made, $25 wind on leader away from likely losing the fish he came all the way across the country to catch. The wind on quite literally had nothing stopping it from slipping out and bad things happen on big fish. I don't want to say the company because I think they're usually pretty good but it was a major manufacturer that let this wind on get to the shelves of a store. I just don't trust anyone but myself for this.

[@markjo78]

Cool video as always...making these is fun and satisfying when you catch fish on ones you made yourself. A cheaper way to do this instead of the daho reverse latch needle is use some thin guage fishing wire. cut a piece about 3 feet and fold it 180 degrees but don't pinch it off too tight...leave the tip rounded and blunt but bent enough to be slightly thicker then the braid. the rounded tip will pass inside the braid very easily. then you pas the free end thru the loop and pull it out. Shout out to Johhny's SportFishing in Pasadena for the tip cheaper then a 20 dollar needle....and cheaper to replace it if you lose or break the reverse latch needle

[@LocalKnowledge]

Absolutely correct! We keep a little coil of wire on the boat just in case. I still feel the needle is a bit quicker and easier and the $20 isn't much when you're saving so much making your own topshots. Ali

[@Drundel]

Cool video. The finish looks like a rizzuto finish on FG knots. Maybe a next video, show how you attach the leader to your main line?

[@LocalKnowledge]

Coming up soon! Thanks for the feedback.

[@corefishing4858]

Good video

[@LocalKnowledge]

Glad you enjoyed

[@TheBrand83]

Rizzuto finish.

[@LocalKnowledge]

Works as well. Go with whatever finish you're most familiar with.

[@jimmascaro2456]

Ok thats it dammit Im subscribing!

[@LocalKnowledge]

What took you so long? Thanks for the support, tell your friends!

[@TheJwhollis]

Alright Ali,, I made my first 80# hollow-core braid to 80 lb fluorocarbon leader wind-on. Used your technique to the T in the method I followed. If you had watched me I'm sure you would have used the one I made tonight. THANKS......

[@LocalKnowledge]

Stoked! I like to make a dozen or so once I sit down to do it. After one or two I just fly through them. Glad it worked for ya! Ali

[@TheJwhollis]

Ali, I've made: 200 lb braid - 200lb mono wind on leader. 100 lb braid - 80 lb fluoro wind on leader. 50 lb braid - 50 lb mono wind on leader. 40 lb braid - 40 lb fluoro wind on leader. 30 lb braid - 30 lb fluoro wind on leader. They all came out perfect the way you demonstrated on your video. Will attempt a 20 lb braid - 20 lb fluoro wind on leader soon. NEED that DIY video on that "line clamp" that you'll be putting out soon. Want to finish them up correctly. Give me the name of that glue you recommended. Noticed several other You Tubers referencing you on that choice of glue. THANKS AGAIN for getting me squared away with building "wind-on" leaders. PRAYING for full on fishing in San Diego by August.

[@TheJwhollis]

Got my 20lb fluoro to my 20lb braid wind-on leader made this evening. Proved I can make my own wind-on's from 200lb down to 20 lb.. Yabo - dabo - doo!!! Will build enough to store/carry in a Calcutta binder My travel arsenal is finally starting to really come together. Need to work with you and that guy from "Quick-Rigs" on my terminal tackle. Strongly considering an Accurate Tx-600x(6.1) (Tern star drag). You have any opinions on this model reel.

[@LocalKnowledge]

@@TheJwhollis Right on! Love hearing this! Stand by for windon jigs. We've heard tons of requests for it.

[@dannyshepard9293]

Hey Ali, I'm down in Brazil, thinking about trying this if I can get the needles here ..? Question: after making this, how do you go about tying it onto your mainline? Tie your braid or mono directly to the loop? Thanks!

[@adammcgeorge3538]

I like the hitch Finnish and will give it a try, I hate the serve part. Thanks for sharing

[@LocalKnowledge]

It works great and is a lot faster than serving. Let us know what you think.

[@adammcgeorge3538]

@@LocalKnowledge tried it and like it a lot. I need to make a clamp jig to hold the leader under tension. Thanks for sharing!

[@oregonhomeinspections3692]

Great vid! So do you like the white over the blue Seagar? Seems like white might have better visibility but would get dirtier quicker. Other question, do you step down the mono/fluro to a small line weight from there or make a whole new Wind On leader specific to your different applications?TIA

[@LocalKnowledge]

I use both colors but most of the stuff is white. Think of how much seagrass is floating in the ocean. I don't think the color really matters. We typically leave a wind on for the entire season. If we do have to change we will cut loop on the windon site close to the loop to loop connection and just pull it out. We usually only use wind ons over 80# and they don't need to be changed much.

[@MOBNosti15]

Love the channel. Heard you in Sea Bros and you’re super knowledgeable. Just one question and please forgive me if it’s dumb but is there a reason you use the loops for the wind on and cats paw rather than just running your flouro straight into the main line with a serve if you’re running hollow anyway?

[@LocalKnowledge]

Thanks for the kind words. That's just so we can easily change out leaders. That's it.

[@tombevins4118]

I've been making a bunch of wind on's for this season using your technique, I have a couple questions. First, what's the smallest #test that you use for a wind on; at what point do you just tie on a short piece of flouro, what knot do you like best? Second, following this video the loop takes up about 1.5ft of the leader. What's the shortest you think I can make that (for 80# HC)? Can I shorten it up to 8in when finished? Reason I'm asking is with an 8ft rod, if I want a 5ft. leader I'm getting the splice into the tip . Thanks for the great content! -tbev

[@LocalKnowledge]

We use windons for 80# leaders and above typically. Anything under 80# we use a uni to uni knot or similar. You can make the loop as small as you want but you want at least 18" of leader shoved inside the braid for a good grip. I prefer 2-3' just to play it safe.

[@TheJwhollis]

Ali, Please sir, Hurry up with those videos on building the "line clamp" box and the "wind on jigs". If OK with you and your friend that built your "line clamp" many years and years ago get me in contact with him if possible. :-))) THANKS !!!' #1 Fan from N.E. Florida John Hollis

[@LocalKnowledge]

haha. I've been working on this. I'll have something for you in the coming weeks...

[@PeakeFishing]

What is the name of that line tension tool you use for serving? And where can I buy it? Tried googling for something similar and couldn’t find anything. It looks incredibly useful.

[@LocalKnowledge]

Google Beiter Serving Tool. A buddy gave it to me a few years back and it's the best ever.

[@medsquadfortnite7562]

Good video .., is that a custom rigging board you have for holding the line in tension..or something available out there?

[@LocalKnowledge]

It's called a wind on jig. You can get one here: www.blueseasfab.com/product/wind-on-leader-jig/

[@anisenkrill6179]

You can make a serving jig in a doorway with studded bolts, fender washers, rubber washers, split lock washers, and wing nuts at eye level. Also, no need for the latch needle. When you get sick of wrecking shit in reverse, just use your regular looped needle with another loop of that "cheap braid" or serving thread to pull it through the first time, cut the loop, and just pretend you opened the latch. Don't need the latch or loop for the second pass either. Excellent video on how to make yer own wind-ons.

[@LocalKnowledge]

I think I'll stick with the windon jig. :) I guess that would work.

[@anisenkrill6179]

@@LocalKnowledge Yea, I would too. If I had one...

[@michaelbruno1486]

Ali could you please recommend a good offshore tackle box suitable for a 3-5 day trip. Looking at skb 7100 Thanks for the great content

[@LocalKnowledge]

I don't use a lot of tackle boxes fishing from private boats. When I do, I prefer a tackle bag. This allows me to grab my plano boxes right off the boat or from my tackle center and toss in my yeti bottle, jacket and whatever else. The new Plano Z series stuff is really nice.

[@michaelbruno1486]

@@LocalKnowledge thanks for always responding. Happy holidays

[@EatsOnTheStreets]

I love these tips except that it makes me to to tackle shops more often... lol

[@LocalKnowledge]

Go spend some money with your favorite shop. They would sure appreciate it right now.

[@patrickpatterson5290]

Captain, Did you ever get to make the video on how to build the wind on leader jig? Thank You!

[@LocalKnowledge]

No video but if you contact www.blueseasfab.com they will be happy to sell you one.

[@AndTodaysProjectIs]

Just so that I understand the purpose of a wind-on leader (first timer here)... So my Penn 50 is going to have about 1000 yards of 130lb 16 strand hollow core. Then I am going to insert about 150 yards of 100 LB mono as topshot. So then these "wind-on leaders" are next in line before the lure? Or is this meant to be my 1000 yards of hollow core directly attached to this wind-on leader? Sorry for my rookie confusion on hollow core.

[@LocalKnowledge]

A wind on leader will replace the 150 yards of mono as your leader. You'll put a loop in the end of your braid, then make a catspaw connection (see our other video) to your 30' or so wind on leader. This will give you a 100% connection with no knots to fail. Hope this is clear now.

[@AndTodaysProjectIs]

@@LocalKnowledge okay so I think I was under a big misunderstanding from a KZbin fishing seminar on big game fish.sorry about my ignorance but I have just never fished for this class of fish before and I'm using every minute of covid-19 that I can to increase my understanding of how not to lose them. I was trying to set up all of my reels so that I had as much 130lb backing as I could and the seminar said a 150' hundred pound mono leader inserted into the hollow core would create the perfect wahoo set up. I was thinking I needed the 150 lb mono for the stretch factor. After reading your follow-on comment about a thirty-foot liter or so...I think I'm now realizing that the reason the seminar said 150 feet is because you will inevitably break off and or be bitten off of that mono a few times slowly shortening the mono to the point where you need to rebuild. Therefore, the wind on leader you are teaching here just gives a different option allowing for a much shorter, and more importantly much easier to change out for a higher or lower strength mono leader as needed for the particular fishing situation correct?

[@bendarbyjones172]

Hi mate, love the video and im trying to make some wind ons. I have a 230 lb 16 strand hollowcore which i can insert 250 lb mono into fairly easily. However, i cant get the loop in the braid. My latch needle goes in fine but i cant get the braid to go inside of itself to form the loop. Any tips on this issue or have you heard of poor quality braid that this loop can be an issue in? Cheers, Ben, tasmania

[@LocalKnowledge]

Hmmmm. Are you sure it's braid and not dacron? They can look similar and dacron doesn't like to go inside itself like braid. We use threadlock 200# for 200# leaders without a problem. That said, all leader material can vary greatly in diameter. Sorry we can't be of more help!

[@bendarbyjones172]

@@LocalKnowledge it says it is spliceable hollowcore, but it feels very plasticy compared to other hollow braid i have. Doesn’t mention it being dacron tho. ?

[@TheJwhollis]

Ali, please sir, hurry up with those videos on the "Line clamp" tool box and the "wind-on jigs". If ok with your friend that built you the line clamping box years and years ago get me in contact with him. Thanks!!!, #1 Fan from N.E. Florida :-))

[@LocalKnowledge]

Keep an eye on our social in the next week or two. They are done.

[@tugboatftw537]

Hey ali, when you went to serve your live, what is that piece of equipment you used to keep your line under constant tension called, did you make it or is there a place to buy it?

[@LocalKnowledge]

It's called a wind on Jig. I've been working with a local company to produce these for you guys since no one seems to make them any more. You can make one yourself or buy the new one coming out soon for about $100. Stay tuned.

[@rickmartinez4586]

Local Knowledge Fishing Show would love to buy a jig. What’s your eta on those?

[@WillyMcCoyBBQ]

Hey Ali would you make a wind-on in the 20# to 30# or go straight tie to the braid?

[@LocalKnowledge]

We usually start using windons after knots get bulky. Usually 80# Leader and up only.

[@WillyMcCoyBBQ]

@@LocalKnowledge Lost a couple of fish in the bigger flavor last year on 30# wind-on's. Thanks man

[@johnhollis3419]

The line clamping device you used in this video, was it store bought or custom built. Would like to get one or build one similar. Thanks...

[@LocalKnowledge]

Someone gave us a couple of them many, many years ago. It's just startboard and a couple long thumb screws. Should be really easy to make.

[@louierosado2201]

@@LocalKnowledge I would like to build this line vice. Can you please tell me what the blue part the line sits on is? Can't tell if it's metal or plastic. Thank you.

[@LocalKnowledge]

@@louierosado2201 Sorry. Just saw this. the blue things are rubber pads. A scrap piece of seadek would work awesome as well.

[@chandakale1961]

Great video but why make 2 separate loops connect when you can slice a mono or fluorocarbon about 9 ft or so? Thanks.

[@LocalKnowledge]

This allows us to change out leaders quickly on the water.

[@REAL_MPSS]

I am setting up a light weight reel. will those needles fit in a 30# braid? Thanks for the video.

[@LocalKnowledge]

You would need the "light" splicing needles. We never splice under 80#. While it will work, you go through so much leader in the smaller sizes you will be resplicing a lot.

[@REAL_MPSS]

@@LocalKnowledge thanks.

[@northcountypremierproperty1766]

How many catspaws do you use when you attach it to the bimini? Was having a hard time getting multiple catspaws to cinch down evenly. Is a single ok?

[@LocalKnowledge]

We like 2 or three. One is probably fine but generally guys want 2 or 3. The trick to cinching them evenly is pulling evenly from ABOVE the loops on both sides. If you pull on one leg or the other you'll never get them even.

[@fishwhistle9612]

@@LocalKnowledge Thanks!

[@blakefuruike3879]

Where did you get a vise like that? Can’t seem to find one anywhere

[@LocalKnowledge]

www.BlueSeasFab.com makes them. ONline store coming soon.

[@ProAnglerBob]

What is the clamping jig called? Cant find it by Google searching

[@LocalKnowledge]

Wind on Jig. Check out www.BlueSeasFab.com

[@brianchastain6831]

Where did you get the fishing line vice to hold it under tension? Brand and vendor??

[@LocalKnowledge]

contact Blueseasfab.com . They make the vice and it should be available online soon.

[@hayscib03]

what rigging floss strength do you use?

[@LocalKnowledge]

I use 30# braid instead of floss these days. It cinches down tighter and is much smaller in diameter.

[@TiddyFreckle]

How long do you normally use one before you feel like you have to put on a new one?

[@LocalKnowledge]

We usually get a full season out of one leader. We are fishing tuna mostly and they don't tend to chafe the line. Just check your wind on before you put it out each time. If it looks/feels new, run it.

[@ryandennis1920]

Ali, where do you get the vise at? Did you have someone make it special?

[@LocalKnowledge]

That vice is really, really old. Our friends at Blue Seas Fabrication are making them and should be for sale soon.

[@ryandennis1920]

@@LocalKnowledge will be purchasing on for sure. Thanks for the update on that. Will be in Cudjoe in month can't wait.

[@leonardlucioscordeirokusdr5119]

Fantastic, this kind of knot is better than FG knot? What advantages to do this?

[@LocalKnowledge]

FG is stronger but takes much longer to tie. This is a great general connection for anything under 80#s.

[@tn6504]

how many 1/2 hitches do you do ?

[@LocalKnowledge]

A bunch. Maybe 20 or 25.

[@TheJwhollis]

Sorry to bug you so much on this one video posting, but....."Where did you get that bench tool for the line vice" or would you PLEASE have a video on showing what materials and how it was built. Thanks !!! (the one you're using seems ideal)

[@LocalKnowledge]

It was a gift from a friend years and years ago. We've had so many requests on this, we'll do a video showing how to make your own soon.

[@xhammerhead22x]

Where can I get that rigging vise?

[@LocalKnowledge]

Blueseasfab.com will begin selling them soon.

[@oregonhomeinspections3692]

Where did you get that line vise?

[@LocalKnowledge]

www.blueseasfab.com makes them

[@TK-4200]

How about 200 hollow core and 150 fluorocarbon...is that a safe pair?

[@LocalKnowledge]

Depends on the brands. Some flouro is thinner than others. Just make sure it's snug fit and make a good serve and you'll be ok.

[@Wildmannsaltwateradventures]

Where can we get the line vise

[@LocalKnowledge]

www.BlueSeasFab.com

[@rawson74]

Where can I find the vise??? Ore are least the name of it..

[@LocalKnowledge]

It's really old and was a gift. It's just starboard with some thumb screws. IF you google "Wind on Jig" you'll find a few different easy ones to make or buy.

[@jcabi142]

Where can I purchase a vise clamp like tht

[@LocalKnowledge]

Call the guys at www.blueseasfab.com and they will sell you one.

[@jcabi142]

Mahalo brother

[@dannyshepard9293]

Link to Daho needles isn't working?

[@LocalKnowledge]

dahoproducts.com/

[@Mwondoloski]

My brain does not allow me to remember all that on the boat.

[@LocalKnowledge]

This is something you want to do at home with a cold beer.

[@GG-cl3yl]

What is the name of the tool, you tension the line in?

[@LocalKnowledge]

It's called a wind on jig. I'm working with a local company to produce and sell them since we've had so many inquiries and no one is making them. I'll keep you guys posted here and on Social. You can also google the term and there are instructions to make your own. Good luck. Ali

[@GG-cl3yl]

@@LocalKnowledge Thanks. If that happens, post to youtube!

[@charlierou]

@@LocalKnowledge Hello..When you find a supplier and/or you may sell wind-on lig as video, please let me know. tks. in advance

[@pjfite]

mono to fluro?

[@LocalKnowledge]

Totally different technique. Google the Seaguar knot. The easiest way to connect mono to floro in our opinion.

[@anthonykobak3742]

So now what happens at the other end

[@LocalKnowledge]

You tie a hook or crimp a swivel on to it.