Geeze why is it when these guys make an instructional video they draw it out to the nth degree.?
15 mins video.....Its only a 35 / 45 sec knot to tie...
Yeah tie i5 like that, using either the reel handle or a loop over your little finger to hold tension...
Quick figure of 8 around the brand, sharp yank and you feel the loop set EACH time...
That is the secret to the FG...
The end 1/2 hitches, as with bimini simply lock the tag end.. nothing to do with the strength of the knot...
lots variations to finish , but concept is 2 fold
low profile as line comes back in thru rod eye, and the tag end doesnt fall out.
I put a 1/2 hitch around the braid.. 3 1/2 hitches , each pulled up as you go.. around braid and trace. 3 x 1/2 hitches around the braid to give a taper .
cut the trace back flush..
Im not a fan of getting heat close to braid /synthetic lines.. heat very quickly kills fine line strength.. and you dont know if it has till you loose that PB fish.
After a lot of use the trace occasionally pulls back out of iys last 1/2 hitch.. quick snip...but doesn't effect the integrity of the knot.. and by that time it or the trace usually past its use by date and ready to be replaced anyway.