what is the reason for the tag end pulling through?

Ken,

It's called knot slippage and it's not a good thing while fighting fish.

Yup, I was putting far more pressure on these knots than you'll ever do with a rod.

Keta,
Thanks for tha Feb 29th post with the "ODD" results. You have confirmed something I was hesitant to post about because of descrepencies in my own testing results. I have defenitely noticed that any given knot will produce different knot testing results with different line manufactures and with different line wts. within the same manufacture. I have not tested mono above 50 lb but have noticed with lower line wts a definite preference for a San Diego over a Centuri your test with the 40 lb was confirming what I had expierenced. While your testing for over 100lb show the Centuri superior. There seem to be endless variables conplicating the best knot selection.


If anyone out there is looking for a good mono to hook knot, here is one to consider.
One knot that has proven time and again for mono line 30lb and under to be one of the very best I have tested is the Trilene knot. (Using both Big Game and Izor XXX) More than half the time the line breaks, the knot staying intact. But as with all knots, tying it is critical.
It needs to be tied "EXACTLY" as show here: But use 6-7 wraps.

http://fish4fun.com/TrileneKnot.htm

It is critical that the double line going through the hook eye remain parallel , not crossed when tightened down. If the line is crossed always re-tie it. And it is important to pull hard on the knot as it will elongate and strech out and needs to be pushed down with your thumb nail towerds the hook eye while it is being streched. Be careful not to pull the hook into your thumb. It is not pleasant. I attached the hook to a ring that is on a lainard I ware around my neck that holds a flat diamond hook file to do tightening down. And do not crop the tag end too close, leave at least a sixteenth of an inch.

Would strongly encourage everyone to try and do some knot testing on their own, it's a real eye opener.

Walt

Being novice at this sport, I am learning that knots can be line specific. We use the San Diego for all line poundage, but maybe there might be a better way to go with 50 & 60lb line.

I've used the improved clinch knot for many years but i do use the palomar. I've never had one break unless i got into to big a hurry and screwed it up.

Ken, I am a true NEWBIE to all of this stuff but I have learned to tie the San Diego quickly and correctly and it is my knot of choice. I tried others but this one works so well, I really don't need another.

When you tie it, it is important to have the hook "hooked" to something secure so that as you cinch down the hook you can pull on it evenly. Also, don't fail to lubricate the knot (spit!). My first couple of attempts failed because I wasn't securing the hook so Jordan on the Excel showed me and now I can profess to being a San Diego pro-staffer! Jordan also said to use the double San Diego when tying on iron. This is a big knot but when the lure is zipping through the water, the fish will never see it.

Thanks to all of you who have put in time to answer my question. I also have become a believer in the San Diego knot myself. I recently went on a 1.5 day trip aboard the Vagabond and caught some albies using the San Diego.

Outhouse,

When you say double San Diego do you mean just passing through the eye twice like the trilene knot?

I don't know if I can describe it correctly, but you double the line and then tie the knot like a normal san diego. I think I only use 3 turns. Does this make sense?