Palomar Knot
fishing knot
Tackle testers who run controlled break-strength trials on fishing knots consistently rank the palomar knot among the strongest connections available, and the reason is structural rather than mysterious: unlike most hook knots, which cinch a single strand of line around itself, the palomar keeps the line doubled all the way through the knot, so any load on the hook is shared across two strands simultaneously rather than concentrated on one.
Tying it starts by folding several inches of line into a doubled loop and passing that loop - not a single strand - through the hook's eye, tying a loose overhand knot in the doubled line, and then passing the hook itself back through the loop before cinching everything down. That doubled-loop step is what makes the knot both strong and, for some tackle, impractical: a hook or lure with a very small or oddly shaped eye may not let a doubled loop of line through at all, in which case a single-strand knot like the improved clinch becomes the only realistic option.
With braided line specifically - which is more prone to slipping within a single-strand knot's wraps than monofilament is - the palomar's doubled construction is particularly well regarded, and it's often the default recommendation anywhere braid meets a hook or swivel with an eye large enough to accommodate the loop.
Ice anglers and those fishing with very small jigs or flies have developed workarounds specifically for the palomar's eye-size limitation, sometimes tying a smaller supporting loop knot instead and reserving the palomar for larger hooks, swivels, and lures where the doubled loop passes through easily - a practical trade-off most anglers learn to make instinctively once they've tried forcing a doubled loop through an eye that's simply too small for it.
How to tie the Palomar Knot
Double about 15cm of line and pass the folded loop through the hook's eye.
Strength & security
Approx. strength retained: 90-95% (often tested strongest for braid)
Because the line runs doubled through the entire knot rather than as a single strand, the load is shared across two strands at once - a structural reason many independent tackle tests rank it among the very strongest hook knots, especially with braided line.
Cautions: It requires passing a full loop of doubled line through the hook's eye, which becomes impractical or impossible with very small eyes, tiny flies, or lures with a closed or oddly shaped eye.
Alternatives
- Improved Clinch Knot
Doesn't need a doubled loop passed through the eye, making it the practical choice for very small hook eyes or lures where the palomar's loop simply won't fit.
- Uni Knot
More versatile for tying to swivels or joining lines as well as hooks, though generally tested slightly weaker than a well-tied palomar.
FAQ
Do independent tackle tests actually back up the palomar's reputation for strength?
Yes - it's one of the more consistently top-ranked hook knots across published break-strength trials, particularly with braided line, though the exact numbers vary somewhat between individual tests depending on the specific line and hook used.
Can I use the palomar knot on any hook?
Only if the hook's eye is large enough to pass a doubled loop of line through - very small eyes or certain lure designs may not allow it, in which case a single-strand knot like the improved clinch is the practical choice.
What do anglers use instead of a palomar knot on tiny hooks?
A single-strand knot such as the improved clinch or uni knot, since a doubled loop of line often can't physically pass through a very small hook eye the way the palomar knot requires.
Does the palomar knot work with fluorocarbon line?
Yes, though fluorocarbon is stiffer and less forgiving than mono, so the doubled loop needs to be dressed carefully and lubricated well before cinching - a rushed pull on stiff fluorocarbon is more likely to crease or weaken the line right at the knot than the same rushed pull would be on softer monofilament.
Is the palomar knot good for saltwater fishing?
Yes - its strength and simplicity make it a favorite in saltwater as well as freshwater fishing, provided the hook or lure's eye is large enough to accept the doubled loop the knot requires.
Does the palomar knot need a longer doubled loop for bigger hooks?
A bit - larger hooks need enough doubled line to comfortably pass the loop over the point and barb without the overhand knot slipping loose first, so most anglers double a slightly longer stretch of line when tying onto bigger saltwater hooks.