Anyone use a Palomar knot for bigger flies (or gear lures)?

[Josh]

So, I've used the Improved Clinch knot for literally everything I've ever fished with since I learned it. dries, streamers, poppers, crankbaits, senkos, etc. But I see the palomar knot come up a lot in the bass fishing world and some amount in the fly fishing world for streamer or salt fishing.

Anyone use the Palomar for anything? Or is it just not as useful in fly fishing?

 

[Evan B]

I use it quite a bit for tying braid to terminal tackle since I want that as strong as possible (I'd rather the leader break). Haven't really used it on flies since there's usually a few inches of tag end you have to cut off and if I'm retying and changing flies that can become a problem.

 

[Stonedfish]

Good knot. Use it a ton for gear fishing with jigs.
SF

 

[Josh]

Haven't really used it on flies since there's usually a few inches of tag end you have to cut off and if I'm retying and changing flies that can become a problem.

That seems to be an annoying drawback for fly fishing as far as the Palomar since I hate tying tippet on streamside and will do most anything to avoid it.

 

[Northern]

I mostly use an improved clinch, but sometimes use a palomar for small, heavy lures like jigs, that are easy to pass thru the loop, and (like Evan said) I'm not concerned about using up leader. I feel like the constant jigging action/ bottom bouncing of a jig places stress on the knot-to-eye contact, so the doubled line thru the eye is more secure. Other stuff is only stressed when you hook something - fish or snags.
For streamers & poppers I prefer a nonslip loop so that they have more natural movement on a pause.

 

[Cliff]

I've never used it while fly fishing but I used to use it a lot for gear fishing. I think it's a great knot, and super easy.

 

[Creatch’r]

If you want to try something new learn the Davy or double Davy. Great easy knot

 

[HauntedByWaters]

This knot is THE braid knot to terminal tackle because the knot has no slipppage.

This knot is not common in fly fishing because it uses a lot of material to tie so your leaders really get used up fast.

 

[Zak]

I have been using the nonslip mono knot a lot to give flies free movement at the end of the line. Simple to tie:

Non-Slip Mono Knot

The Non-Slip Mono makes a very strong fixed loop in the end of the fishing line. Because the loop doesn't grip the lure, it makes a flexible attachment and allows a more natural action.

www.animatedknots.com

I also use the Davy knot quite a bit, especially for small flies. It uses very little tippet.

 

[ThomasM]

Same as the above. The Palomar was the first knot my dad taught me as a kid fishing the Gulf of Mexico. I still use it a lot for conventional tackle. Almost never fly fishing.

 

[mems]

I use it all the time. Two wraps around the eye, no pig tails. Bonefish to Marlin.

 

[Slimy Deck]

I use the Palomar knot a lot, generally for heavier fly tackle, mono or fluoro, where I want the fly in direct line with my rod/line/leader. For example, crease flies perform better, for me, when they aren't swiveling at rest. And, like Mems mentions, the knot has two wraps around the eye which seems to hold the fly in line better than a single wrap clinch knot. For swimming flies, I use a loop knot.

 

[Chucker]

Use it all the time, especially for braid. I go twice through the overhand knot for braid, only once for mono.

 

[HauntedByWaters]

Use it all the time, especially for braid. I go twice through the overhand knot for braid, only once for mono.

I’m not trying to be smug but I really think once through is all you need. Have you had this knot slip with once through? I think that is impossible?

 

[Dave G]

I had been an improved clinch but lost too many flies, when a guide showed me the Eugene Bend. It's now my go-to. I've never lost a fly from knot failure and this wastes less tippet.

 

[clarkman]

I'm a clinch and nonslip loop kind of guy. I can tie both with my eyes closed and very well. Then again, I never use braid

 

[Zak]

I had been an improved clinch but lost too many flies, when a guide showed me the Eugene Bend. It's now my go-to. I've never lost a fly from knot failure and this wastes less tippet.

Thanks, I learned something new today!

 

[Divad]

Ill play with palomar more, but I love double davey/davey and Orvis knots for non loop applications.

 

[Chucker]

I’m not trying to be smug but I really think once through is all you need. Have you had this knot slip with once through? I think that is impossible?

With brand new 50 pound braid I have managed to pull hard enough that the knot slips. Twice through might be overkill, but why not?

 

[Coach Potter]

I use the Palomar knot anytime I can when fly fishing...usually bigger flies. It’s tough to take the line through the eye of a small hook for a second time. When bass fishing it’s all I have ever used.