Are you interested in learning how to tie a Palomar Knot? This knot is quick to tie, incredibly strong, and holds up to abuse. It works great for mono and fluorocarbon, but it shines mostly with braid. However, depending on the type of braided fishing line you’re using, you might want to increase the number of overhand knots to prevent slippage. With a bit of practice, you’ll have this knot seating perfectly above the hook eye and ready for the biggest fish.
Palomar Knot Tying Steps
Time needed: 1 minute
- Make a bend in the line
Double about 8 to 12 inches of line to make a loop and make it go through the hook eye, swivel, or the lure you are using. If the eye is small, pass the tag end of the line through it again from the other direction making sure there are about 6 inches of the doubled line outside the eye of the hook.
- Tie an overhand knot
Tie a loose overhand knot making sure that the hook is hanging from the bottom.
- Pass the hook through
Hold the knot you just made between your forefinger and your thumb and then pass the loop over the hook and slide it above the eye.
- Cinch and cut the tag end
Pull the standing and the tag end in opposite directions. Use scissors or a clipper to cut the tag end off and close the knot.
Palomar Knot Infographic
Tips
- Make sure that all parts of the Palomar knot cinch up when the lure or the hook is passed through the loop, or it may fall apart.
- If the loop goes up against the bottom of the lure or hook eye, the simple knot will fail.
- The Palomar knot is perfect if you are using the ElaZtech bait with a Ned Rig.
- The Palomar knot can work so long as the item that is passed through the loop is small enough to pass through at least twice.
- When using braid, you can tie this knot directly to the main line if you’re fishing in heavy structure (you now have one of the best fishing knots securing your hookup)
4 Commons Mistakes When Tying The Palomar Knot
- Creasing the line. Instead, put your tag in through the eye and come back.
- Crossing over the line. Instead, make sure it looks like this.
- Cinching too early. Instead, use your finger to pull the knot above the hook eye.
- Bottom loop flip. Instead, use your finger and thumb to pop the loop over.
Moisten, cinch down and clip your tag end. Leave some tag end for slippage protection.
Advantages
- With enough practice, you can tie this simple fishing knot in the dark, even if your fingers are cold.
- The Palomar fishing knot can be used to attach lead core lines to swivels.
- This simple fishing knot strength is near 100% of the original strength of the line.
- This strong knot is almost impossible to unravel once it is tied. This is why it is considered to be one of the most reliable fishing knots any angler can use.
Disadvantages
- Tying the knot while passing the fly or hook through the loop can be challenging at first since these require a larger loop. In other words, practice tying the Palomar knot before heading out, or you will spend more time trying it and less time fishing.
- The Palomar knot is not ideal for hair rigs. You should use a knotless knot for that.
Uses
- Anglers popularly use the Palomar knot for securing a fishing line to a lure, swivel, or hook eye. You can even use it for tying your lure to your main line, especially when bass fishing.
- This knot works well for line lines.
Alternatives
- Double Palomar knot – Also known as the improved Palomar knot, this variation can be created if you use a double rather than a single overhand knot. This is one of the best fishing knots for braid.
- Trilene knot – As far as fishing knots go, this one is almost as strong as the Palomar knot. It is typically used to join a monofilament fishing line or fluoro line to fishing hooks, swivels, snaps, and lures.
- Uni knot – This fishing knot is perfect for terminal and monofilament tackle connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Palomar knot is good for braided lines because of its strength and ease of tying when using a double or triple overhand knot to prevent slippage.
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