Palomar Knot
The Palomar is what saves you when you're throwing braid at heavy cover. Independent fishing line breaking-strength tests put it consistently above the clinch and uni for braid, which is why every bass tournament knot guide leads with it.
Tying it
1. Double 6 inches of line and pass the loop through the eye.
2. Tie a loose overhand knot in the doubled line, leaving the eye dangling in the loop.
3. Pass the entire lure through the loop.
4. Wet. Pull the standing line and tag end together until the knot snugs against the eye.
5. Trim the tag close.
Strengths
- Tested to 80 to 95 percent of line breaking strength on common braids.
- Symmetric pull on both sides of the knot, so it doesn't twist on retrieve.
- Works on fluoro and mono too.
Drawbacks
- The lure passes through the loop, which is awkward on a treble-hook crankbait. Some anglers tie the knot first, then thread the bait onto a split ring.
- Not a loop knot, so it kills action on jerkbaits. Use a non-slip loop for those.
Tip for braid
On braid 30 lb and up, double the wraps on the overhand to prevent the loop from cinching down asymmetrically. Wet aggressively; dry braid burns through itself when pulled tight.