I use the Palomar Knot most of the time on my fishing charters when connecting line to terminal tackle, and there’s a reason for that—it simply doesn’t fail, it’s quick to learn, easy to tie under pressure, and incredibly strong, often retaining up to 95% of your fishing line’s original strength.

Unlike other knots that slip with braid or weaken with heavy fluorocarbon, the Palomar works with every line type—mono, fluoro, and braid—and performs in both fresh and salt water. Whether you’re casting inshore, jigging offshore, or fishing from the surf, this is the knot that gives you confidence when that trophy fish hits.

Why Every Angler Needs to Know This Knot

The Palomar isn’t just another fishing knot—it’s the knot that keeps more fish on the line than almost any other. Because the line is doubled through the eye and cinches evenly, it preserves up to 95% of your line’s strength. That can be the difference between landing your personal best and watching it swim away.

Quick Stats

Strength retention: 85–95% of line strength
Learning time: ~5 minutes to master
Tying time: ~15–20 seconds
Works with: mono, fluorocarbon, braid
Applications: hooks, jigheads, lures with split rings, swivels, snaps

How Strong Is the Palomar? (vs Other Popular Knots)

The numbers don’t lie—the Palomar consistently outperforms other terminal knots in head-to-head comparisons. See the below table below for more info:

Knot Type	Strength Retention	Best Use
Palomar Knot	85–95%	Maximum strength, all-around terminal knot
Improved Clinch Knot	75–80%	Quick ties, light tackle setups
Uni Knot	80–85%	Versatile, good with heavier leader
Loop Knot	75–85%	Max lure action, topwaters/twitch baits

When to Use the Palomar (Situation-Based)

Perfect For

Direct-to-hook connections (jigs, circle hooks, live bait rigs)
Braid to terminal tackle (grips slick braid exceptionally well)
High-pressure scenarios (surf, jetties, heavy cover/structure)
Fast re-ties in wind, rain, or low light
Anytime maximum knot strength matters most

Skip It When

A lure needs maximum freedom of action and has no split ring (use a loop knot)
Oversized lures or bulky hardware won’t fit back through the loop during tying
You’re using extremely stiff, heavy leader that’s tough to double cleanly

How to Tie the Palomar Knot (Step-by-Step)

The 5-Step Method

As shown in the video above...

Double and Thread — Double 6–8 inches of line and pass the loop through the hook/lure eye.
Tie the Overhand — Make a loose overhand knot with the doubled line; keep the loop large.
Pass Through — Thread your hook or lure completely through that big loop.
Wet and Tighten — Wet thoroughly. Pull standing line and tag end evenly; let it seat smoothly (don’t jerk).
Trim and Test — Trim the tag to ⅛–¼″ (leave longer with braid). Give it a firm test pull.

Pro Tips That Prevent Failures

Always wet before tightening—friction weakens fluorocarbon.
Seat gradually—let the knot find position under steady pressure.
Keep doubled lines parallel—avoid crossing or twisting.
Leave longer tags with braid—slick line benefits from extra insurance.
Check hook orientation—the point should face away from the standing line.

Common Palomar Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Dry tightening → Always wet the knot.
Jerking it tight → Use smooth, steady pressure.
Crossing the doubled line → Keep lines parallel.
Trimming too short → Leave ⅛″ minimum; more with braid.
Forcing bulky lures through the loop → Use a different knot if it won’t fit.

Palomar Knot Versus Other Knot Options

Palomar vs. Loop Knot

Choose Palomar when strength is the priority. Choose a Loop Knot when the lure needs maximum freedom for movement and action.

Palomar vs. Uni Knot

Choose Palomar for braid and maximum terminal strength. Choose a Uni Knot when tying to heavy/stiff leader or when you need a more general-purpose knot.

Palomar vs. Improved Clinch

Choose Palomar almost always—it’s stronger and more braid-friendly. Choose a Clinch Knot only for ultralight mono when speed matters most. If you're inclined to tie a Clinch Knot, at least tie an Improved Clinch Knot for additional strength and durability.

Line Type Performance Guide

Honestly, I use the Palomar Knot regardless of the line type, but the Palomar's performance by line type is listed below for reference:

Monofilament

Performance: Excellent. Tips: Standard technique works perfectly. Strength retention: ~85–90%.

Fluorocarbon

Performance: Excellent (with care). Tips: Lubricate generously and tighten slowly. Strength retention: ~85–95%.

Braided Line

Performance: Outstanding. Tips: Leave a longer tag. Strength retention: ~90–95%.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Palomar Knot so strong?

Doubling the line through the eye distributes stress evenly, and the overhand loop locks securely. More contact area equals more holding power and less slippage.

Is the Palomar Knot good for beginners?

Yes, it’s one of the easiest strong knots to learn, making it perfect for beginners.

Can I use the Palomar Knot with any hook size?

Yes—from tiny hooks to large circle hooks. The only limitation is whether your lure or hardware can pass back through the loop during tying.

Does the Palomar Knot work in saltwater?

Absolutely. It’s a top choice in surf, jetties, and any heavy-load saltwater scenario. It’s equally dependable in freshwater.

What if my lure is too big for the loop in a Palomar Knot?

Use a different knot (e.g., Uni or Snell) or tie to a split ring/snap if available instead of forcing the lure body through.

How do I know if I tied the Palomar Knot correctly?

The knot should look clean and symmetrical, with two parallel lines through the eye and no crossed wraps. The hook should hang straight.

Should I double-knot my Palomar Knot for big fish?

No. A properly tied Palomar Knot is already at maximum strength; adding extra complexity creates failure points.

Why do so many Fishing Guides, Charter Captains, and Fishing Pros prefer the Palomar Knot?

The Palomar Knot is repeatable, quick, and nearly foolproof under pressure. When you’re re-tying in lousy conditions or fighting fish near structure, it holds.

Final Word

Master this one knot and you’ve solved 95% of your terminal tackle connections. No more wondering if your knot will hold—with the Palomar, you fish with confidence.

If you want a personal, hands-on demo of the Palomar Knot, as well as other aspects of nearshore and inshore fishing, then book me for a fishing charter in Ocean Isle Beach, NC.

Tight Lines,
Captain Harvey Wall
Salty Dawg Fishing Charters

September 28, 2025