Vhawk must have hooked a passing boat or a submarine ; )

Triple surgeons knot; have use it on everything from Trout to Tarpon and have never had a break at the splice

you can find it under the heading of: easiest knots on earth to tie

Some good thoughts here, guys. Thanks for the inputs.
A few points to ponder:

Reeling knots in past the top guide might be OK for spinning gear and pulling plugs, but for bait casting reels I'm afraid the potential for backlashes would be great, no?

I've never had issues with tying directly from main line to leader and used to do it regularly using bloodknots without many problems. But that was mono to mono. I bust off a lot of gear and taking excessive time tying new leaders on when a quick trilene knot to a swivel takes care of it doesn't seem practical. (I believe Mooch covers that aspect in #6)

The "Bolo" affect is a great observation, Mooch.

IMO...the clinch knot (improved or not) is neither quicker and definitely not stronger than the trilene knot. (I only wrap the line 3 times, not the recommended 5 or 6, as I find it has less tendency to bind on itself.)

I did ignore the need to use backing, where a splice is definitely necessary, but the strength there is no issue.

I agree that using hi viz and/or fishing ultra clear low water makes long leaders desirable (necessary?). Thanks again.

Going down to the Res. on Friday to work over some Cook Creek brats. I'm going to go with that blood knot on my float/jig rod and see what happens(30 lb PP to 10 lb Izor) Got the new waterproof Pentax Optio WPi today so I should be able to get some good fish porn for you all to look at when I recover....C/22

Hey Chrome who do you recommend I talk to on the res about Cook? I'm looking at options for next week. I've got a boatload of kids I gotta put into steel or I can't come home. Normally I wouldn't mind but you'd understand if you met the KIDS.
PM me if you want. Thanks.

I don't ever really chime in here, but I actually have something to add here. More of like "my way"

I love the blood knot and rely on it almost ALL of the time while steelheading. Down on the Rogue I did alot of the bug n' bubble. You know, the cracker way to fish a set of weighted nymphs indicator style (before I got my a$$ in gear and picked up a bug rod)! I used 20 lb power pro high vis, blood knotted to eight feet 10lb floro, the rubber band adjustable bubble goes right at the blood knot. Straight to a weighted stone pattern. The floro sinks and I'm able to mend away with the braided main.
I fish the same 8-10ft top shot of mono for drift, and spinner fishing. I like the little bit of shock absorbtion it offers, as well as the better abrasion resistance when bouncing spinners or roe. All the while you get the better feel of the braid.
Blood knots are the rule, at least for me. I've only seen one part ONCE. That was on a super monster spinner take, and I'll chalk it up to a chitty knot.
I DO like to throw in a half hitch on the braid to keep it from slipping though. And I always make sure the knot is up to par. Even if your about to pull your hair out because you fubar'd three in a row...do it again!

MH

Got spooled twice in the same day in 99 fishing Kings with my daughter (early run) on the Samish River.

Hey Chrome/22

I put that very same camera on my B-day wish list. Looking forward to seeing some pics from it and maybe even some feedback about how you like it. Great thread BTW.

Regards,
Rafterman

Trip got canceled, guess the creek is devoid of fish....That sucks I'm ready to rip some lips!!