How to Tie a Palomar Knot

Hi, my name is Isaac Hill. I am an angler, and I use lots of knots and lures when I’m on the water. The knot I use the most is the palomar knot so, today I will be teaching you how to tie the knot in a few simple steps. The palomar knot is a quite simple knot and is also the strongest knot to tie because it tightens when pulled on. This knot is great for small jigs or just a hook. After learning this knot, it will quickly become your favorite knot to tie because of the little time it takes to tie and the strength of the knot.

For this knot you will need 6–20-pound test fishing line and a lure. Generally, only use 6–20-pound line because of the diameter and coarseness of the line. Line over 20 pounds will make this knot hard to cinch. The lure you use will need to have an eyelet such as a tungsten or lead jig or just a simple hook. This knot is not ideal for tying big lures on because it wastes to much line.

Start by running the line through the eyelet. Make sure the eyelet is clear of any burs or paint that could damage the line. Damaged eyelets could cause abrasions to the line resulting in losing fish.

Next, loop the line back through the eyelet so that you have a loop and doubled up line in the eyelet. Basically, the line is just double up so that the line can tighten down on it self-making it tighter when pressure is applied. It is important to leave plenty of a loop so that the lure you are tying can fit through the loop.

Now make an overhand knot with the loop and the main line. This is the heart of the knot. Making sure the overhand knot is not caught up on anything but the eyelet loosely tighten the line down. Do not over tighten this step.

After making an overhand knot feed the lure back through the loop. Wet the knot to ensure the knot is going to slide on its self and all parts are tight. Either wet the knot in the water or with your mouth.

Finally cinch the knot tight. Make sure the knot is seated properly. Trim the tag line leaving about a 1/8 inch of line.

This is a full run through of tying the Palomar Knot.