Re: knots
 

I do exactly the same as you Lard for many years......

Re: knots
 

For me a knot needs to be two things, strong and easy to tie.

I use a palomar about 80 percent of the time. I switch to the clinch knot if it's a large lure where getting the palomar loop around becomes a chore. I also use the clinch when night fishing because I can literally tie it with my eyes closed. Also when it's cold and my fingers aren't functioning well.

For leader to braid I use an albright knot and from leader to fly line, a nail knot.