The Braid-Mono Hybrid Fishing Line: How To Tie A Braid To A Mono
It’s hard to decide when to use a braided line and a monofilament line. What if I tell you that you can catch a fish with one, powerful braid-mono hybrid line? Do you know how to tie a braid to a mono? Well, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll teach you how in a short while.
Pro anglers agree that braids are best used for bottom fishing whereas monofilaments are best for shallow, clear waters.
Also, it’s difficult to discern when you’ll need a good stretch from a braid and when you have to use a mono for to protect your rod from bending too much.
To aggravate the situation further, you have to consider the strength of the knot because it’s a major determinant of catching a fish. Monos hold knots better whereas braids are quite hard to knot.
Also, you have to contemplate on the area you want to cover. Is it spacious like open water? Or is it small like a lake? Do you know the particular area where you want to fish or are you just taking your chances by casting anywhere?
With the small diameter of a braid, it cuts through water easily and expands the fishing zone. Monos, on the other hand, are ideal for short-range fishing.
You know what? You can simultaneously fish with the both of them? Yes, by tying the braided line to a monofilament line. The thing is, it’ll be a struggle to tie the two lines together if it’s your first time. Tying a braid to a mono is completely different from tying a lure.
It's quite tricky but don’t despair ‘cause we got your back mate!
Two Ways to Tie A Braid To A Mono
There are two ways of tying a braid to a mono - by a double Uni knot or a J-knot.
The Double Uni Knot
This particular knot can be used for attaching a lure to the line, braiding two lines together (such as a braid and a mono or two monos), and for hooking up the line to the casting reel.
This knot will help you achieve a secure connection between your braid and mono. True anglers should know how to tie this knot because it's multipurpose - not just for attaching two lines, but for other things that need knotting as well.
Below’s an overview of the procedure and a look at what your double Uni knot should look like.
Photo from netknots.com
Let’s start with a single Uni knot first.
Step 1.
Start with the braided or mono line (whatever you want to be the leader) and form a loop several inches away from the end of the line. Leave around 7” allowance at the end.
Step 2.
Get the free end and double it around to form a circle and leave at least 4-5” of for a tag line. Using your middle fingers, stretch the opposite sides of the loop then wind the tag line around the loop tightly for 4-5 turns.
Step 3.
Hold the tag and pull it tightly towards the left. Approximate how big or small you want the loop to be then pull the other side of the line up to your desired loop size. Again, take the tag line and pull it to tighten the knot. Remember, the tighter you pull the tag, the more secure your loop knot is.
Step 4.
Remove the excess tagline with pliers.
Step 5.
Moving on to do a double Uni knot, get the second line (either braid or mono, the one you haven’t used as the leader) and lay it parallel to the first knotted line. You can start at any point of the line.
Step 6.
Get the free end of the second line and roll it under the first line just like what we did in Step 2. Repeat Steps 2-3.
Step 7.
Now that you have your first Uni knot using the second line, do the knot again using the first line right beside the first knot made by the second line. Again, repeat steps 2-3. Remember to allow 3-4 inches of space from the first knot of the second line when securing the first line’s knot.
Step 8.
Lay the entire line on the table and pinch the ends of the two lines. Pull the ends opposite each other, so the knots will jam together and snug tightly around the line. Trim the excess line of the second line.
There you have your double Uni knot!
Tune in below for a step-by-step instructional video.
The J-knot
The J-knot is a combination of a Uni knot and a clinch. The mono leader will be tied using a Uni knot while the braided line makes a clinched knot right beside the Uni knot.
Why use this knot instead of a double Uni, you ask? The advantage of tying your braid to a mono through a J-knot is the ramp you can get from the J-knot which prevents the knots from getting caught up in the guides. Hence, you'll get a smoother glide than a double Uni.
Either way, both knots work like magic!
Below’s what your J-knot should look like next to your Uni Knot.
Photo from netknots.com
Step 1.
Join the two lines together and tie a Uni knot (follow steps 2-3 of the Double Uni Knot Procedure) using the mono line.
Step 2.
After doing the Uni knot, proceed to make the clinch. Take the braided line beside the Uni knot and lift the line using the tip of your index finger. Leave the space made by your finger and wind the rest of the line in 7-8 turns over the mono line.
Step 3.
After winding the braided line, pick the untwisted end and tread it through the hole your finger made beside the Uni knot and right back through the braided line.
Step 4.
Pull the free and opposite ends (the braid beside the Knot) of the braided line to straighten the clinch down firmly and to move the clinch adjacent to the knot.
Voila! Now you have your J-knot. I especially like this knot because the clinch provides a “ramp” so if the knot slides inside the guide, it won’t get caught up.
Try the J-knot now by following the steps above or the video below.
Final Thoughts
If you can’t choose between you braid or your mono line the next thing you go fishing, just tie them together and compare the results with using either a mono or a braid. Do a little practice with the tying and you’re ready to go.
Make a strong fishing line by tying your braid to a mono
Hey there! Have you tried tying a braid to a mono in a different way? What is it? Teach us master! Share your way the comment section below.
Did we help you tie your braid to a mono with our procedures? If so, let’s help others too by sharing this article. Cheers!
