Which knot is best?
Sep 7, 2019 14:10:44 #
15 years ago I was taught how to fish by a sponsored bass fisherman who used to come by my neighborhood pond several nights a week, and he told me the palomar knot is the best knot out there. I picked up fly fishing this summer, and all the instructional videos I’ve seen lately have used the clinch (which I like) or improved clinch knot (which I have lost multiple fish using).
I recently tested each knot directly against each other and the palomar far outperformed in my small experiment (the line snapped before this knot broke). The clinch took second, and improved clinch was last place.
I will say that the palomar takes longer and is more difficult to tie.
Has anyone had a similar experience? What other knots do you anglers use?
--
by treponeme
I recently tested each knot directly against each other and the palomar far outperformed in my small experiment (the line snapped before this knot broke). The clinch took second, and improved clinch was last place.
I will say that the palomar takes longer and is more difficult to tie.
Has anyone had a similar experience? What other knots do you anglers use?
--
by treponeme
Sep 7, 2019 14:10:48 #
Pretty much only use the improved clinch and double surgeon's knot with an occasional perfection loop.
--
by SpenLion
--
by SpenLion
Sep 7, 2019 14:10:52 #
Improved clinch and nonslip loop pretty much all I use. I would suggest if your improved clinch are failing you are doing something wrong, Ive practically never had one fail on a fish, but I always test before using. Are you lubricating with saliva before cinching?
--
by ChuckFeathers
--
by ChuckFeathers
Sep 7, 2019 14:10:56 #
Sep 7, 2019 14:11:01 #
Sep 7, 2019 14:11:04 #
I use a regular clinch because I almost never fish above 5x tippet. Regular clinch knot has a breaking strength of right around 5lbs (same as the tippet). So anything stronger is essentially overkill
--
by Tossingflies
--
by Tossingflies
Sep 7, 2019 14:11:08 #
If your double clinch is letting go, something isn't right. I've used that to tie on flies and spinning lures for over a decade and maybe had 10 flies/ lures let go, because I tied quickly and screwed up. That being said, if you're having issues, I'd learn a surgeon's loop. Little different, but it should break before it slips https://www.101knots.com/surgeons-loop.html
--
by DreamsD351GN
--
by DreamsD351GN
Sep 7, 2019 19:33:49 #
GlennMc928
Loc: Tualatin OR
The Palomar knot is what I use for all my fishing from catfish to strippers sturgeon to deep salt water.
Sep 8, 2019 06:32:17 #
I have been using the San Diego Jam knot for over 40 years and have never had a problem with it.
25 years ago or so I went on a multi-day tuna trip out of San Diego. The skipper gave a short briefing on some of the details for our trip. In this briefing he mentioned that there were 2 knots recommended for big (over 100 lbs.) tuna. One was the Bimini twist and the other was the San Diego Jam knot as both of these knots are noted for their strength.
25 years ago or so I went on a multi-day tuna trip out of San Diego. The skipper gave a short briefing on some of the details for our trip. In this briefing he mentioned that there were 2 knots recommended for big (over 100 lbs.) tuna. One was the Bimini twist and the other was the San Diego Jam knot as both of these knots are noted for their strength.
Sep 8, 2019 08:42:27 #
FixorFish
Loc: SW Oregon
I use the improved clinch. Tried to recall if I have ever lost a fish due to the knot...... can't.
Sep 8, 2019 10:48:55 #
kelly1960
Loc: Grayling Michigan
I like the uni-knot system. You can tie loop knots, line to line, and it is easy to tie once you learn it. It is similar to the clinch knot in looks and the way the line is wrapped around it. I also like the palomar knot but mine doesn't look right so I don't use it much. The clinch knot is good. I also have had problems with the improved clench knot. I have looked at all kinds of descriptions to tie it but have never had good knots that hold. I am trying to learn the dropper loop. It seems to be a good knot for a lot of uses. after it is tied right you can cut the line and use it to tie a leader to or another lure. Those are some of the knots I use and I recommend you find a half dozen knots and learn to tie them with your eyes closed. You will be much happier then trying to learn every knot that someone recommends. Thank you for your time. Kelly
Sep 8, 2019 10:56:00 #
I too had the San Diego Jam knot recommended to me by a guide. I’ve been using it since then and I love it. It’s easy to tie and hasn’t failed me yet.
Sep 8, 2019 11:05:30 #
ShortorderCook62
Loc: Grand Junction, Colorado
I usually use the improved clinch knot for most applications. Lately I've had line slippage when I tie mono or flurocarbon to braid. Tried uni knots but not very good at it as I've lost my leader several times (usually on snags but also on fish). The double surgeons knot is great for that but tricky to tie.
Sep 8, 2019 11:05:55 #
Single uni and double uni knot are my favorite for tying mono leader to braid, and a single for tying quickly to hook or lead head jig or swim bait.
Sep 8, 2019 11:09:37 #
ShortorderCook62
Loc: Grand Junction, Colorado
Thanks for the tip. Now need to practice tying knots.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.