Palomar Knot vs Improved Clinch Knot
The Palomar wins for raw strength and braid compatibility. The Improved Clinch is faster to tie and better when you can't pass a doubled loop over a large lure.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Palomar Knot | Improved Clinch Knot | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Strength | 98% | 95% |
| On Monofilament | 95% | 95% |
| On Fluorocarbon | 92% | 93% |
| On Braid | 98% | 75% |
| Tying Time | 30 sec | 20 sec |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Beginner |
| Best For | Universal — strongest knot for braid; excellent on all lines | Mono and fluoro — not recommended for slippery braid |
| Video Tutorial |
Use the Palomar Knot when:
- You're using braided line — the Improved Clinch slips on braid
- You want maximum strength (~100% vs 95%)
- You're tying onto small to medium hooks, lures, or swivels
- You're new to fishing and want a knot that's nearly impossible to tie wrong
Use the Improved Clinch Knot when:
- You're tying onto a very large lure where the doubled Palomar loop won't pass over
- You need to retie rapidly between casts (slightly faster than Palomar)
- You're using monofilament or fluorocarbon (the Clinch's natural strength)
- You're doing high-volume bait fishing where speed matters
The Verdict
If you only learn one terminal knot, make it the Palomar. It works on every line type, is nearly impossible to tie incorrectly, and delivers the strongest connection of any common terminal knot. The Improved Clinch is a worthy backup for the specific situations where the Palomar's doubled loop won't fit over your lure.
Palomar Knot Tutorial
Improved Clinch Knot Tutorial
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The Palomar typically retains ~98-100% of line strength versus 93-95% for the Improved Clinch. The difference is most dramatic on braided line, where the Improved Clinch can slip badly while the Palomar holds firm.
Not recommended. Braided line is too slick for the Improved Clinch's wraps to grip — the knot can slip out under load. Use the Palomar, San Diego Jam, or Berkley Braid Knot instead for braid.
The Improved Clinch is marginally faster (about 20 seconds vs 30 for the Palomar) once you've practiced both. For most anglers the difference is negligible.