Whether we fish with lures or baits, we always use fluorocarbon or nylon leaders (except for carp anglers) for several reasons:
- Fluoroacarbon is "invisible" in water, so its use is discreet.
- So that breakage takes place close to the lure and not in the middle of the braid in the event of snagging.
- Because the braid slips with most of the knots.
However, if you've run out of fluorocarbon in the middle of your fishing trip, or if conditions make it difficult to tie a knot, or if you simply don't have the courage to do it again, it's perfectly possible to connect your braid directly to your lure or hook. Of course, your assembly will be less discreet, but in tinted water this is not particularly problematic.
The trick to making knots that hold is then simply to double your line. Here's an example with the spoon knot.
Step 1
Form a loop with your braid.
Step 2
Pass the loop through the eye of the hook.
Step 3
Hold the hook between your thumb and forefinger at the eye.
Step 4
Twist your loop around the main thread.
Step 5
Repeat the operation 5 times in succession, tightening the turns if possible.
Step 6
Pass the loop through the loop formed at the hook eye.
Step 7
Tighten your knot and trim off any excess thread.
Your knot is now complete and will not slip. This set-up isn't ideal, but it's more than enough to finish off a fishing trip if you've forgotten your fluorocarbon spool at home!
