Improved Clinch vs. Palomar Knot - Which Is Stronger? | Tom Rowland Podcast Ep. 629

In this How 2 Tuesday episode, Tom Rowland continues his knot wars series by testing two of the most common line-to-lure connections: the improved clinch knot versus the palomar knot. Using Daiwa 20-pound fluorocarbon tied to three-ought Gamakatsu circle hooks and a NexTech force tester, Tom methodically breaks each knot to determine which connection provides maximum strength. The palomar knot achieved 18.8 pounds of breaking strength while the six-turn improved clinch reached 17.34 pounds—a tight race that reveals critical insights for anyone who wants to eliminate the weakest link in their tackle system. Tom makes the case that this one-pound difference could mean the difference between winning a fishing tournament, catching a fish of a lifetime, or watching it break off.

Why Tom Is Testing Line-to-Lure Connections

After establishing the FG knot as the strongest braid-to-fluorocarbon connection in previous knot wars episodes, Tom shifts focus to another critical connection point: how you attach your terminal tackle. The improved clinch—what Tom calls "the fisherman's knot" that grandfathers teach kids—has been the default for generations. But is tradition the same as optimal? Tom acknowledges that many bass fishermen have already switched to the palomar for its reputation as a superior connection. The test setup is methodical: identical 20-pound Daiwa fluorocarbon, identical three-ought Gamakatsu circle hooks, consistent six-turn improved clinch technique, and the NexTech force tester to record breaking strength. Tom even wears sunglasses because when a hook under 18 pounds of pressure suddenly releases, "who knows where it's gonna go." The testing methodology starts at 00:03:04.

The Palomar Knot Test Results

The palomar knot—formed by doubling the line, tying an overhand, going back over the hook, and pulling tight—goes first on the testing rig. Tom wraps the scale around his setup, applies steady pressure, and the fluorocarbon finally gives way. The scale goes flying. The hook goes flying. And when Tom retrieves the NexTech tester to check the maximum force recorded, the number reveals just how close to rated strength this connection actually performs. In Tom's assessment, getting 18.8 pounds of breaking strength on 20-pound test is "pretty good"—but the real question is whether the more traditional improved clinch can match it. The palomar has a reputation among tournament fishermen for a reason, but assumptions need to be tested, not accepted. Watch the palomar break at 00:05:05.

The Improved Clinch Puts Up a Fight

After resetting his testing rig, Tom hooks up the six-turn improved clinch—the same Daiwa 20-pound fluorocarbon, the same three-ought Gamakatsu circle hook, the same steady pulling pressure. The sunglasses go back on. The scale starts climbing. And when the line finally pops, Tom notices something interesting about where the break occurred: "That actually looks like it broke well into the fluorocarbon leader." The NexTech reading shows 17.34 pounds—a respectable showing that's much closer to the palomar than many fishermen might expect. That 1.46-pound gap might seem minimal, but Tom frames it in terms that matter: "That one pound of pressure could mean the difference between winning a fishing tournament, catching a fish of a lifetime, or having it break off." The improved clinch isn't weak—it's just not quite as strong as its competitor. The improved clinch test happens at 00:07:25.

Control the Controllable: Why Testing Your Own Knots Matters

Tom's philosophy throughout the knot wars series centers on a fundamental principle: "Great fishermen control the controllable." You can't control the weather, the tides, or whether fish are biting—but you can absolutely control which knot you tie and how well you tie it. Tom emphasizes that the most controllable aspect of fishing is how you rig your tackle, and that means doing the prep work to determine which knots you can tie consistently at maximum strength. He encourages listeners to test knots themselves using their own scale, acknowledging that individual technique variations might produce slightly different results. Maybe you tie the improved clinch with seven turns instead of six. Maybe your palomar seats differently. The point isn't to blindly accept Tom's results—it's to develop a systematic approach to finding your strongest possible connections. Tom offers his knot course on Waypoint TV for those who want to learn proper technique for the palomar, improved clinch, and over 40 other knots. Tom's philosophy on controlling the controllable starts at 00:09:01.

Final Thoughts from Tom

The knot wars series keeps delivering surprises—not necessarily in which knots win, but in how close some of these competitions actually are. When you're talking about a 1.46-pound difference between the palomar and improved clinch, it's clear that the improved clinch isn't a bad knot. It's a solid connection that's served fishermen well for generations. But when you can gain that extra pound of breaking strength by learning a slightly different technique, why wouldn't you?

What excites me most is seeing how many of you are reaching out with knot suggestions and questions. Keep them coming. The text line (305) 930-7346 has been active, and I'm working through your requests. This isn't about proving one knot superior in some abstract way—it's about giving you the information you need to make informed decisions about your tackle system.

The palomar takes round one of line-to-lure connections, but we're just getting started. More knot wars coming, and if you want to learn proper technique for any of these knots, check out the knot course on Waypoint TV. This stuff matters when you're hooked up to the fish of a lifetime. Control the controllable, and let's get your rig as strong as it can possibly be.