I use a uni to unit knot and do not experience that.I trim the tag ends super close. I use 20lb power pro and 8# mono. I do not have that exact rod though and wonder if it has a really small tip eye? You might consider changing just the tip if it does. I like using a three or four foot leader or so starting out . If it gets down to 2ft or so I change it. I want to be able to throw the knot through the guides myself. I keep experimenting to see if my catch rate is affected by direct tieing and for me it is...I have to use leader or I do not catch as many, but that is just me. I know there are people who say that fish and wildlife had to change the regs for them because they were catchin so many tying directly to the lure. Course if somethings to easy for me somethings wrong I know cause I was born with the gift of a hard way to go LOL.