Palomar Knot
A strong, simple knot for attaching line to a hook, lure, or swivel, and the standard recommendation for braid.
- Type
- Fishing Knots
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Good for
- Fishing
What it is for
- Tying braid, monofilament, or fluorocarbon to a hook or lure
- A reliable first fishing knot for all line types
How to tie it
- Double about six inches of line and pass the loop through the hook or lure eye.
- Tie a simple overhand knot with the doubled line, letting the hook hang loose below. Do not tighten it yet.
- Pass the loop over the whole hook or lure.
- Moisten the knot, then pull both the tail and the standing line to tighten it.
- Trim the tail.
There are no diagrams on this page yet. Tie it along with the steps using a short piece of cord, and compare your result with a photograph or an instructor before you rely on it.
Tips
- Make sure the loop goes fully over the hook or lure, not just part of it.
- Moisten the knot before pulling it tight.
When not to trust it
- It can be awkward with large lures or trebles, because the loop has to pass over the whole lure.
- Keep fingers away from hook points when you pass the loop over.
Often confused with
- Improved clinch knot: not ideal for braid.
Field notes
The Palomar is easy to tie and strong on every line type, which is why it is a good default for beginners.
Related guides
This page explains how to tie an everyday knot. It is not training for climbing, rappelling, tree stand fall protection, or rescue. If a failure could injure someone, learn from a qualified instructor and use equipment rated for the job.