Palomar Knot
Palomar Knot
The world's most popular fishing knot. Nearly 100% line strength, works on all line types including braid. The Palomar's looped-line design distributes stress perfectly and is nearly impossible to tie incorrectly.
Video by Sportfishing Report on YouTube
About the Palomar Knot
The Palomar Knot is widely regarded as the strongest and most reliable terminal knot in fishing. Its unique design — where a loop of doubled line passes over the entire hook — distributes load evenly and eliminates the weak points that other knots create at the eye.
It works equally well on monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided line, making it the go-to choice when you need maximum strength and versatility. The Palomar is the #1 most searched fishing knot online for good reason — it delivers every time.
Best Used For
Ideal applications
- ✓ All hooks (all sizes)
- ✓ Lures and hard baits
- ✓ Swivels and snap swivels
- ✓ Drop shot rigs
- ✓ Braided line connections
Not ideal for
- ✗ Very large lures where loop won't pass over
- ✗ Tying in extremely cramped spaces
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these 5 steps to tie the Palomar Knot. Watch the video above while following along.
Step 1: Double the line
Pass 6 inches of line through the hook eye, then double back through the eye again. You should have a loop of doubled line on one side and two strands running back.
Step 2: Tie an overhand knot
Take the doubled line and tie a simple overhand knot, leaving the hook dangling in the loop. Do not tighten yet — keep it loose and large.
Step 3: Pass the loop over the hook
Open the loop wide and pass it completely over the hook, swivel, or lure. This is the key step that gives the Palomar its unmatched strength.
Step 4: Wet and pull tight
Wet the knot thoroughly. Hold the hook and pull both tag end and standing line simultaneously to tighten the overhand knot up against the eye.
Step 5: Trim the tag end
Once fully tightened, trim the tag end to about 1/8 inch. The finished knot should seat neatly against the hook eye.
Pro Tips
- Always wet the knot before pulling tight
- Pass the loop over the entire lure, not just the hook
- Make sure doubled line does not twist
- Pull both tag end and standing line simultaneously
Common Mistakes
- Not doubling enough line — need at least 6 inches
- Twisting the doubled line at the eye
- Not passing loop completely over the entire lure
- Pulling only one strand to tighten