The Palomar Knot is used to join line to a hook, swivel or lure.  It is often the knot of choice when using the new braid style lines, and the International Game Fish Association regards it as the strongest fishing knot known.  It’s very popular among fishermen and is easy to master.  It’s also a knot that you can tie in the darkness of night with a little practice.  Tying the knot only takes a few steps.  With a few minutes of practice, and you should be able to master it.  Here is the step by step procedure on how:

1. Double the line to form a loop, and insert it through the eye of the fishing hook.  Make sure that the inserted loop is big enough for the fishing hook to pass through.

Step #1
Photo by: Author

2. Let go of the fishing hook and it should be hanging loose for now.  Then tie a very simple and straight to the point overhand knot.  But don’t tighten the overhand knot, and don’t twist the lines while doing so.

Step #2
Photo by: Author

3. Slide the tag end loop over the hook, and pull it towards the eye - making sure that it is inserted all the way through.

Step #3
Photo by: Author

4. Lubricate the knot before tightening it, then pull the tag end of the line and make sure that it’s tight.  Make sure that you pull the tag end and not the line end.  If you pull the line end, it might bunch up the knot and render in less effective.  Done correctly, there should be excess line on the tag end, so just trim that off.

Step #4
Photo by: Author

Now, give it a few tugs to make sure it’s tight and doesn’t slip, and check to see if there are any twisted or bunched up lines.  If done correctly, it should be tightened down neatly, and ready to fish.  The secret is the double loop.  It provides the line with cushion and doubles the knot, as well.  Practicing it two or three times should allow you to master it.