The Battle of the Beginner Knots: Palomar vs Clinch

In the battle of the beginner knots, the Palomar edges out the clinch knot, breaking at 91.36 percent against the clinch knot at 89 percent. These are the two knots most of us learned the very first time we went fishing, so I put them head to head and broke them to see which one actually holds better. On this How 2 Tuesday I walk you through tying each one, the lubrication step that protects your knot strength, and the final test numbers. This is an audio episode, so listen along as I tie and test.

Listen now: press play in the player above and follow along.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is stronger, the Palomar or the clinch knot?

In my test the Palomar won, breaking at 91.36 percent versus 89 percent for the clinch knot. That is only about a two and a third percent difference, so both are solid beginner knots, but the Palomar's doubled-line construction gave it the measurable edge. When you are hooked to the fish of a lifetime, that small margin can matter, which is why I tested them instead of guessing.

How do you tie a clinch knot?

Pass the line through the eye of the hook, switch hands to keep the loop open, then wrap the tag end five times around the standing line. Take that tag end back through the loop you formed, hold onto it for a second as you pull it tight, and cinch it down. That is the clinch knot, and in my test it broke at 89 percent.

How do you tie a Palomar knot?

Double the line over and pass the loop through the eye of the hook, then tie a basic overhand knot with the doubled line. Pass that loop over the hook or lure, then pull the doubled line tight so it cinches down right in front of the knot. Lubricate it before you cinch for maximum strength. In my test the Palomar broke at 91.36 percent, making it the winner.

Should you lubricate a knot before tightening it?

Yes. I lubricate the knot before I cinch it down for maximum knot strength. Wetting the knot reduces the friction and heat that can weaken the line as it draws tight, so it seats cleanly and holds closer to its tested breaking strength. It is a small habit that applies to the Palomar, the clinch, and most other fishing knots.

Where can I find Tom Rowland's knot strength data?

On the Tom Rowland Podcast we have broken and tested every knot I can think of, and I put all of those results into a knot guide you can download for free at tomrowlandpodcast.com. It shows you the breaking strength of each knot so you can see which ones are strongest for different jobs instead of guessing.

The Two Knots You Probably Learned First

The clinch knot and the Palomar are the knots most of us tied the first time we ever went fishing, which is exactly why I wanted to put them head to head. They are simple, they are everywhere, and most anglers never actually know which one holds better, so I tied both, broke both, and got the numbers. Press play in the player above to hear me tie each one step by step.

How to Tie and Compare the Beginner Knots

1. Tie the clinch knot. Pass the line through the eye, switch hands to keep the loop open, wrap the tag end five times around the standing line, then run it back through the loop and cinch it down.
2. Tie the Palomar knot. Double the line over and pass the loop through the eye, tie a basic overhand knot, then pass the loop over the hook or lure and pull the doubled line tight.
3. Lubricate before you cinch. Wet the knot before you draw it tight, which protects the line from friction and heat and helps it hold near its tested strength.
4. Cinch down cleanly. Pull each knot tight in a smooth, controlled motion so it seats properly in front of the eye without a sloppy wrap.
5. Compare the results. Test or reference the breaking strengths, where the Palomar holds 91.36 percent and the clinch 89 percent, and pick the knot that fits your situation.

The Step Most Anglers Skip

The detail that quietly decides how strong your knot really is happens right before you cinch it: lubrication. Wetting the knot keeps friction and heat from weakening the line as it draws tight, so it seats clean and holds close to its tested number. It applies to both of these knots and most others you will tie. I point out exactly when I do it in the player above.

Final Thoughts From Me

The Palomar takes this beginner-knot battle at 91.36 percent to 89 percent, but the bigger point is that both are good knots when you tie them right and lubricate before you cinch.

We have broken and tested every knot I can think of, and I put all of those results into a free knot guide at tomrowlandpodcast.com so you can see which knot is strongest for the job in front of you. Press play in the player above.

People & Topics Mentioned

Palomar knot · clinch knot · beginner fishing knots · knot strength testing · lubricating knots · knot guide · terminal tackle · How 2 Tuesday · Tom Rowland Podcast

More How 2 Tuesday Tutorials

How 2 Tuesday is my weekly series where I break down one fishing skill at a time, from knots and casting to gear, tactics, and the habits that make you a better angler. Watch and listen to every How 2 Tuesday episode from Tom Rowland.

About Me

I'm Tom Rowland, a professional fishing guide based in the Florida Keys and host of the Tom Rowland Podcast. Through years on the water I have broken and tested every fishing knot I can think of to learn which ones hold best, and I compiled that data into a free knot guide at tomrowlandpodcast.com. On the How 2 Tuesday series I break down one practical skill at a time in short, focused episodes you can use right away.