Pena Knot
 

I have a couple questions regarding this knot for connecting 65lb spectra to 30-40lb flouro.

Should I use an overhand knot like this on the flouro... or use a uni knot?:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3063/...c2bba4328f.jpg
http://http://farm4.static.flickr.co...c2bba4328f.jpg


Do you guys tie this last potion of the knot (the tag end of spectra)?:
http://www.gulffishing.com/images/rnr041.jpg
http://http://www.gulffishing.com/images/rnr041.jpg

I tie it just like the first one, using an overhand knot. I've never had that connection fail, even fishing the light line for tuna. It stays real compact too.

I suppose a uni would be stronger, and that steps 7-9 on the second link would all improve the knot, but again, I'm just going off what has worked for me.

I use the Tona Pena knot.. it works really well. I have had a few times where the braid has cut into the mono before though. Sometimes its good to use a 100+ pound barrel swivel instead, depending on the type of fishing your doing.

I use a double overhand knot to start the connection between the mono/flouro and the spectra. But the single overhand should work fine on mono lines under 40-50#. The double is recommended for heavy line.

I also tie it off with the uni knot on the back end. It doesn't really add anything to the strength of the knot. It's just to make it come back in over your guides more easily.

Pena Knot
 

I have always used a small 50# or better rated swivel attached to the spectra with a Uni knot. My leader is attached to the swivel with an improved cinch knot. The swivel is small enough to get through the guides and does not seem to inhibit casting.

This is just the way I have always done it and I have no clue if it is the best way. Is it better to just tie the mono to the Spectra?

Bob

If you use a uni knot in the mono it's a Bob Sands knot. With an overhand knot it's a Tony Pena knot.