The standard Palomar Knot is hard to beat. However, if you’re looking to add a bit more security to your knot, then we recommend the following.
Palomar Knot Strength Analysis
The folks over at Salt Strong did a great analysis of the differences between the Palomar, the double, and the improved double.
Depending on the material of the fishing line, you’ll see differences in breaking strengths.
Monofilament
It was recommended that you stick with the traditional Palomar Knot when using monofilament. This is due to its high friction properties that don’t require more overhand knots than the single.
Braid
Since braid is slippery, the double added a little bit of extra friction (with the second overhand knot) which kept the knot from slipping. However, if you wanted an even stronger knot, it was recommended to add an extra wrap in the eye of the hook. They called this the improved double.
Fluorocarbon line
They didn’t test fluorocarbon, but we’ve used a traditional Palomar knot successfully and many occasions.
One side note, when talking with a knot expert, he mentioned that adding more wraps to the hook eye was beneficial for any knot. It allowed for a better distribution of load. He said you can go up to 6 wraps, however, I find that 2-3 work well.
How To Tie A Double Palomar Knot
When tying a Palomar knot, double, or improved, it’s all the same basic motions.
The first step is feeding your tag end through the eye of the hook. Then feed that same tag end back through for the hook eye. If you want, you can fold the fishing line over itself if you can fit it in one go.
If you want to make an improved double then make one more pass around the hook eye so you have four total lines touching the metal.
Tie an Overhand Knot
Now you’ll make a simple overhand knot if you want to make a traditional Palomar knot. If you want to make a double (or improved double) then make two overhand knots. Simple huh?
Tie the Palomar Knot (Same for Double and Improved)
Next, you’ll want to put the hook or lure through the loop in the line.
Now the tricky part. You’re going to want to make sure the knot sits properly on the top of the hook eye. If you don’t, it won’t be a strong knot.
Moisten the area of the fishing line that moves and slowly pull it tight. It might take some practice to get all the areas to move and not leave any slack.
Cut the tag end and you’re ready to fish.
How To Tie An Improved Double Palomar Knot
The Improved version is just an extra wrap around the hook eye.
The reason you do this is to add more friction for braided fishing line as well as reduce the load of the line tension on the hook.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The advantages of this fishing knot are simple:
- Starting with the traditional Palomar knot, you have a robust knot that’s easy to tie and super strong.
- With slight modifications, you can make improvements for both braid and mono.
- The disadvantage is that it can be challenging to get the hook or lure through the loop prior to finishing the knot depending on its size.
- It can also be challenging to get the fishing knot to seat properly. That’s why when you tie Palomar knots or an improved Palomar knot, I always recommend taking your time.
Add This To Your Library of Fishing Knots
These three options are popular fishing knots that are worth adding to your library of fishing knots.
Palomar knots fail when not tied properly. That’s why if you don’t think you’ve done it well, cut and re-tie. I’ve had the traditional slip on me with a braided line so when using braided lines, opt for the improved or at least the double.
If you learn this one, a few other knots to round out your library would be the improved clinch knot, snell, and a spider hitch or dropper loop knot.