Kory T. asks:
Hey Joel, hope all of your preparations for this years ice fishing season are going smoothly, I’ve been watching your new and some older videos lately to touch up on my game!
What is your go to knot from your fluorocarbon leader to your hook/lure?
Thanks for the question Kory, though I wish I could boil it down to one single knot. My go-to line is Sufix Invisiline Ice - here are my go-to knots:
The first is the improved clinch and is built for speed and spoons. I tie this knot when I’m in a hurry, as I can do it more quickly than any other on account of sheer practice and familiarity. I also tie it when I’ve already got a great deal of “play” or action in my offering. For jigging spoons, this usually is the ticket as there’s multiple split rings and other movement that gives the bait action. My knot doesn’t need to add to that.
Next is the loop knot. I tie this one directly to panfish jigs primarily. It’s a bit more time consuming for me at least, especially with smaller diameter lines, but its paid dividends on certain days against other line ties. It’s also something I’ve seen across the ice belt with guides and other professionals. I fished with a guide out of the Mosquito Lagoon area in Florida a few winters ago who used this loop knot exclusively for everything. Jigs, topwater baits, you name it, that’s all he used, and he felt very strongly about how many more fish it helps him catch. Learn and add to your repertoire!
Joel