as for the hook, make a loop with the same figure 8 knot, pass end through the eye of the hook, bring the hook up through the loop & pass over the line on the right, then up through the loop & pass over the line on the left & back up through the loop, this will braid the line over the shank of your hook.....eliminating the way the hook bites on the loop .

hope this helps,

Muzz