Knot Wars

[roadwarrior]

I like playing with a variety of knots. For most single hooks I tie a Palomar Knot;

Pitzen (Duncan or 16-20) for treble hooks; Blood for similar diameter lines and

Alberto's knot for leaders. I'm intrigued by the Snell Knot, but I rarely use straight

shank hooks.

What I have concluded is that regardless of the scientific strength testing, every

knot works just fine for freshwater fishing if it is properly tied. Fish Chris has

made this point on several posts. He says he is not very good at tying knots, but

very good at determining whether he has a good knot ...or not! His point and

mine is this: If it ain't perfect, it ain't good enough.

So, I suggest testing a few knots to determine which you find easiest and quickest to

tie. The knot you choose is not nearly as important as your skill at perfecting the result.

Not just functional, but pretty, too!

[A-Jay]

I would tend to agree with that.

But would add that fluorocarbon seems to be a different beast when it comes to knots.

Tie a bad one or the "wrong" one and you and your lure (and fish) will be parting ways.

I believe a Palomar is strong but tying it is a pain especially at night.

I have gone to a double line 3 or 4 twist improved clinch knot almost exclusively.

Does well on split rings and hooks and still provides the double line strength at the contact point which I like.

And is a bit easier for the old blind guys like me to tie.

Passing a couple of trebles through that loop when tying a Palomar rarely happens smoothly.

A-Jay

[SirSnookalot]

What I have concluded is that regardless of the scientific strength testing, every

knot works just fine for freshwater fishing if it is properly tied.

Without one iota of doubt IMO this is true, and the same rule applies for saltwater. I use nothing but clinch, improved clinch, alberto and loop for 100% of my fishing.

[Goose52]

I agree totally. While knot testing over the years has shown that certain knots have an "X" percent advantage over others for certain applications, the advantage usually amounts to a small percentage value. I try to set my drag properly, make sure I don't have nicks in my line, tie my knot of choice correctly and wet the line when pulling the knot tight, and re-tie often. So, I don't try to chase the latest and greatest knot, and have been using an improved clinch since my Dad taught it to me over 50 years ago. I will occasionally tie a palomar while rigging tackle at home, but on the water, I always use the improved clinch. Like others have said above, it's also my "easiest" to tie solution - given my aging eyesight and stiff fingers...

[LgMouthGambler]

I only use the regular clinch knot, and have never had a knot failure yet. Palomar for braid only.

[Bluebasser86]

I tie a Palomar for most of my fishing but have also started tying a San Diego Jam with fluoro. When tied properly one seems to be just as good as the other.

[kickerfish1]

I haves had zero issues with a modified clinch knot for floro, mono, and braid. For attaching the main line to the backing of a reel I use the Alberto. The best knot is whatever the angler can tie well and in any conditions (low light, rain, etc..). There are so many good knots out there, just pick one and work on getting it as perfect as you can.

[flyfisher]

Like the guy who taught me rock climbing said....."a not neat knot need not be tied". Now granted these were life and death situations where a knot failure would have you cratering from some high places but the thought is the same.

All knots need to be properly tied and dressed and it will increase their ability to hold. I go with three knots basically. Palomar, improved clinch and for leaders I have been using the seaguar knot here lately and it has done well.

[shootermcbob]

Don't know the name of it, but I use this knot for both flourocarbon and mono. It is very easy to tie as well.

[MrSwimJig]

Don't know the name of it, but I use this knot for both flourocarbon and mono. It is very easy to tie as well.

Thanks for posting that video. I have been looking for that video for a while.

[shootermcbob]

You're welcome.

[Siebert Outdoors]

I would tend to agree with that.

But would add that fluorocarbon seems to be a different beast when it comes to knots.

Tie a bad one or the "wrong" one and you and your lure (and fish) will be parting ways.

I believe a Palomar is strong but tying it is a pain especially at night.

I have gone to a double line 3 or 4 twist improved clinch knot almost exclusively.

Does well on split rings and hooks and still provides the double line strength at the contact point which I like.

And is a bit easier for the old blind guys like me to tie.

Passing a couple of trebles through that loop when tying a Palomar rarely happens smoothly.

A-Jay

Same here. Once in awhile or with braid I tie a polamar knot. Otherwise its exactly as A-Jay has stated.

[Brian Needham]

not knocking shaw, but that close up of the knot didnt look that pretty.

I have always used the improved clinch, easy for me to tie and one I can make pretty stacked coils with.

[TrippyJai]

Palomar knot for also everything and a San Diego Jam with fluoro.

I also use this other knot which I cannot find the name for. I saw it on a Japanese fishing show and this guy was swapping baits very quickly and I was interested in learning. It's something similiar to the San Diege Jam knot like a modified version, but easier to tie. It works the same way as well and is very strong. Bascially, if you can pull the tag end of the line and the knot slides up the main line, you've done it right just like the San Diego Jam.

[roadwarrior]

This is my recommendation:

http://www.orlandooutfitters.com/knots/knot.asp?id=12

[Brian Needham]

RW, that knot just looks "wadded" to me.......I know its not but it just looks weird cinched down.

do you use this knot often?

[Mike L]

Palomar braid only,

SD Jam everything else.

Mike

[LgMouthGambler]

looks like a good knot

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

I use through eye twice 6-7turn uni knot per PowerPro manual. I went to this from the nano knot (double palomer) on Nanofil and knot strength improved over 30%.

[SirSnookalot]

RW, that knot just looks "wadded" to me.......I know its not but it just looks weird cinched down.

do you use this knot often?

That knot did not look uniform and neat in any way. Not doubting the success some have had with it, pretty sure I would not gamble with it.

[roadwarrior]

This is how it is suppose to look: http://www.netknots....ots/pitzen-knot

Some of the videos gloss over the fact that the loops when you tighten the knot must seat evenly and not jump over one another.THIS IS THE KEY TO THIS KNOT. I like to finesse it into itself like a Chinese finger trap as I tighten to ensure it seats right.

[Bankbeater]

I think that a lot of times we get into the mindset of that's good enough, or we get in a hurry and don't tie the knot correctly in the first place. For me, if I don't feel comfortable with the knot I cut it and retie again.