The palomar knot just might be the best fishing knot for tying hook to line.
Not only that, but it also excels at tying a fishing line to a lure, snap, or swivel. Many anglers consider it the single best fishing knot to learn.
Although it’s not quite as easy to tie as, say, the fisherman’s knot, the palomar knot is fairly simple and straightforward to learn how to tie.
At any rate, it’s an excellent fishing knot to add to your arsenal whether you primarily fish recreationally or if you’re learning how to fish for when SHTF.
Here’s how to tie the palomar knot with step-by-step instructions.
How to Tie a Palomar Knot
You likely want to learn how to tie the palomar knot for fishing. But, to better illustrate the process, we’ll show how to this this knot using something a little larger in diameter.
Step 1
Take a foot or two of fishing line and form a loop. The loop should be at least a couple of inches long.
Step 2
Pass the loop through the eye of the hook (or, alternatively, the eye of your lure, snap, or swivel).
Step 3
Tie a loose overhand knot with the looped end of the fishing line. Remember to leave the knot loose for now.
Step 4
Now, simply, pass the fishing hook through the looped end (the initial loop, not the loop formed by the overhand knot).
Step 5
Slowly pull the knot tie while allowing the knot to slide down until it rests on the hook. Trim away any excess material (I use fingernail clippers).
Tips on Tying the Palomar Knot
Most importantly, make sure not to kink the fishing line while tying this knot, especially when forming the initial loop that will pass through the eyelet.
Just as important is ensuring that the lines don’t cross while tying the knot. You want to make sure to tie the palomar knot exactly as described above.
Kinking or crossing the fishing line will cause the line to lose much of its strength. In fact, an improperly tied palomar knot is likely to break.
Finally, you should ensure that the knot, the fishing line, and the hook (or other tackle) is lined up in a straight line. You don’t want the knot at the side or bottom of the tackle as this also limits its effectiveness.
Although improperly tying this knot leads to failure, a properly tied palomar knot is extremely strong and is pretty much impossible to “pull out.”
Best Uses for the Palomar Knot
The palomar knot is primarily used for fishing.
As described above, it’s the ideal knot for attaching fishing line to a hook, lure, swivel, etc thanks to its simplicity and strength.
In fact, the palomar knot is widely regarded as one of the strongest and reliable fishing knots, period.
The palomar knot can be used with any type of fishing line, although it works particularly well with braided line.
This is a great knot to learn as a recreational angler. It’s also an important knot to learn for survival fishing as a prepper.
You’ll more than likely end up using this knot on every single fishing trip after learning it.
Pros and Cons of the Palomar Knot
The palomar knot is a fantastic fishing knot for tying hook to line. But, like any knot, it has its pros and cons.
Palomar Knot Advantages
Here are the main benefits of the palomar knot:
- Strong – This is perhaps the strongest fishing knot, especially for tying line to hook.
- Reliable – You can count on the palomar knot to hold to the strength of the fishing line you’re using.
- Versatile – You can use this knot to tie just about any fishing tackle with an eyelet to a length of fishing line. It also works well with all types of line.
Palomar Knot Disadvantages
Here are the main drawbacks of the palomar knot:
- Awkward – This knot can be a little awkward to learn at first since you must double up the fishing line into a loop before passing it through the eyelet.
History of the Palomar Knot
The palomar knot is just one knot in the endless evolution of fishing knots.
Although its exact origins are unknown, the knot dates back to the advent of nylon monofilament fishing line around the end of World War II.
The palomar knot was quickly developed as it worked very well with the thin and slipper monofilament line. It’s since grown into one of the most widely used fishing knots around.
Variations of the Palomar Knot
There aren’t many variations of the palomar knot, aside from the double palomar knot.
Also known as the NanoFil knot because of its popularity when using Berkeley NanoFil fishing line, this variation of the palomar knot is almost exactly the same as the original.
The only difference is that you wrap the looped end of the line through the loop you created twice (step 3 in our step-by-step guide). This basically forming a double overhand knot rather than a single overhand knot.
Because the palomar knot is so strong on its own, there’s not much reason to add in the additional loop, although it can be argued it does add a little extra strength.
You can also tie a triple version of this knot, the triple palomar knot, by adding in yet another extra loop.
Learn to Tie Other Fishing Knots!
The palomar knot is just one of those knots that every angler should know.
It’s strong and reliable, very versatile, and is so easy to tie that you’ll be able to do so with the lights out in no time at all.
That said, there are a ton of other fishing knots worth learning. Start with our detailed list of the 10 best fishing knots for the best.