Fishing Knot Fail: Why I Lost Two Fish Using a Mono Leader

We hit Memorial Park Pond in Wadsworth, Ohio for a quick evening fishing trip.

It was just a couple hours — 7:30 to 9:30pm — but a lot happened in that short time. My kids caught fish. I lost two. And I learned that fishing knots matter a whole lot more than I thought.

What I Was Trying: Mono Leader on Braid

I’d read that braid line can spook fish in clear water, and using a mono leader helps reduce visibility. So I decided to test it out.

I was targeting bass with my baitcaster and tried two different baits:

A Texas-rigged black and blue flake worm

A 3/8 oz jig in the same color

To connect the mono leader to my braid, I used a blood knot, and on the hook, I tied an improved clinch knot.

The Knots That Failed Me

My first cast with the Texas rig got hit almost instantly, but the fish took my worm and hook with it. The improved clinch knot had slipped.

Frustrated but still hopeful, I tied on my jig. Got another bite… and lost the whole leader. The blood knot failed this time.

Meanwhile, my daughter Angel was catching catfish using a Carolina rig with nightcrawlers, and my son Teddy was pulling in bluegill after bluegill using a bobber and red worms.

I didn’t land a single fish.

Chaos, Catfish, and Slime

Teddy couldn't resist poking one of Angel’s catfish and wiped the slime on her shirt. She was not amused.

Then, just to round things out, I accidentally cast my jig right into a group of geese. They exploded into the air like I owed them rent.

I managed to grab an 8-second video of Angel’s catfish and a couple of photos, but most of the night was spent trying to figure out what went wrong.

Angel holding her first catfish and Teddy trying to feel it.

Angel holding another catfish that she caught.

What I'll Try Next (And What You Should Avoid)

The mono leader definitely seemed to help. I got more bites than usual. But losing both fish to knot failure was frustrating.

I used a blood knot to connect braid to mono and an improved clinch knot on the hook. Clearly, something wasn’t right — either with my technique or knot choice.

If you’ve had similar issues, you’re not alone. I’m going to test out other braid-to-mono knots like the double uni and FG knot to see if they hold better.

What About You?

Got a go-to knot for braid to mono? Had a fishing knot slip on you?

Drop a comment or message me on social. I’m all ears — and clearly need the help.

Fishing trips like this are a mix of wins, fails, and lessons. This one had all three, plus some unexpected laughs and a slime-covered shirt.