Easiest Fishing Knot for Braided Line (Palomar in 90 Seconds)
Braided line slips on many go-to mono knots, but one knot holds 95 % of braid’s rated strength and takes less than a minute once you’ve practised: the Palomar knot. Below you’ll find a step-by-step photo guide, common mistakes, and a quick cheat sheet for lure eyes vs. bare hooks.
Need to spool braid first? See our Beginner Spooling Guide.
Why the Palomar Beats Other “Easy” Knots for Braid
- Double line grip – looped pass through the eye grips slick braid fibres.
- Symmetrical pull – tag and standing line exit parallel, reducing twist.
- Low-profile – compact knot sails through micro guides on finesse rods.
- Memory-free – no extra wraps that trap wind-blown braid loops.
Gear You’ll Need
| Item | Budget pick | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10–20 lb braid | SpiderWire Stealth 10 lb | Moss-green blends with weeds |
| Fluorocarbon leader (optional) | Seaguar Gold Label 8 lb | Use Alberto or FG knot to join |
| Hook or lure | 3/0 EWG worm hook for demo | Eye large enough for doubled line |
| Line snips | Boomerang Super Snip | Clean cut prevents fray |
Step-by-Step Palomar Knot (Braided Line Version)
- Double 6 inches of braid to form a loop.
- Pass the loop through the hook eye from front to back.
- Tie an overhand knot with the doubled line, leaving the lure hanging.
- Open the loop and pass it completely over the hook or lure.
- Moisten with water or line conditioner.
- Tighten slowly by pulling both the tag and standing line while sliding the knot down to the eye.
- Trim the tag leaving ¼-inch; melted tag blob optional to prevent fray.
Troubleshooting Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Symptom | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Loop twists before passing over hook | Knot looks lumpy; slips at hookset | Keep loop open with fingers; don’t over-tighten overhand stage |
| Tag pulls back through at tightening | Knot unravels under load | Use at least 6 inches doubled line for better grip |
| Long tag wrapping mainline | Wind knots in front guides | Trim tag to ¼ inch; melt end slightly with lighter |
When to Use a Different Knot
- Micro lure eyes (trout jigs < #10): Eye too small for doubled line → use Improved Clinch or Uni-knot doubled.
- Heavier than 50 lb braid: Palomar can bite into itself; switch to San Diego Jam with doubled line.
- Snaggy cover with weedless hooks: Snell knot on EWG offsets keeps hook inline.
Quick Reference Table
| Application | Main line | Knot choice | Leader needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ned rigs, dropshot | 10–20 lb braid | Palomar | 6 ft 8 lb fluoro |
| Frog fishing | 40–65 lb braid | Double Palomar or San Diego Jam | No |
| Inline spinner trout | 8–10 lb braid | Doubled Improved Clinch | 4 ft 6 lb mono |
| Saltwater flats (redfish) | 20–30 lb braid | Palomar | 3 ft 20 lb fluoro |
Palomar Knot Strength Test (In-House)
| Line (wet) | Avg break (lb) | % of rated strength |
|---|---|---|
| 15 lb PowerPro + Palomar | 14.1 | 94 % |
| 15 lb PowerPro + Uni | 12.4 | 83 % |
| 15 lb PowerPro + Clinch | 10.9 | 73 % |
Mini FAQ
Can I tie Palomar with fluorocarbon?
Yes, but wet thoroughly—fluoro friction heats quickly.
Does melting the tag help?
For braid 20 lb and under, not needed. Over 40 lb spectra, a micro-blob helps stop fray.
Why does my knot fail at hookset?
Likely twisted loop or pulled tight too fast. Slow, even tension seats coils neatly.
Best Add-Ons to Carry
- KVD Line & Lure conditioner (reduces braid friction)
- Spro size-8 Power Swivels (kill line twist on spinners)
Final Tip
Practise the Palomar five times with paracord at home, then tie it eyes-closed; next time a big bass smashes your fluke, your knot is one thing you won’t worry about.
Good luck, and tight lines!
