The Palomar Knot - Tie It, Test It - 91.3% Breaking Strength | Tom Rowland Podcast Ep. 770

The Palomar knot is one of the most reliable fishing knots for attaching lures and hooks to your line, and in this How 2 Tuesday episode, Tom Rowland demonstrates exactly how to tie it and puts it to the test. Using 12-pound Iowaaj fluoro, Tom ties three identical Palomar knots and tests each one to failure, revealing breaking strengths of 11.49 pounds, 11.05 pounds, and 10.35 pounds for an average of 10.9 pounds. That's a 91.3% knot strength, making the Palomar one of the strongest and most dependable knots in your arsenal. If you've ever wondered whether the Palomar lives up to its reputation or how it performs under real pressure, this episode delivers the data and the demonstration you need.

Why the Palomar Knot Earns Its Reputation

Tom Rowland calls the Palomar knot "very strong" and "very easy to tie," and the testing data backs up that claim. What makes this knot so valuable is its simplicity combined with performance—you're not sacrificing ease for strength. The process is straightforward: double the line, pass it through the eye of the hook, tie an overhand knot around the standing line, pass the loop over the hook, and pull tight. Five steps, minimal complexity, and you end up with a connection that holds over 91% of the line's rated strength. For anglers who need a reliable knot they can tie quickly in varying conditions, the Palomar delivers. Watch Tom demonstrate the complete tying process and explain each step at 1:27.

The Testing Process and What the Numbers Reveal

Tom doesn't just tie knots and call it a day—he tests them to failure, and the results tell you exactly what to expect when you're fighting a fish. Using 12-pound Iowaaj fluorocarbon, he tied three identical Palomar knots and subjected each one to a breaking test. The first knot failed at 11.49 pounds, the second at 11.05 pounds, and the third at 10.35 pounds. That average of 10.9 pounds represents 91.3% of the line's rated strength, which is excellent for any fishing knot. The variation between tests is minimal, showing consistency you can rely on. When you tie a Palomar properly, you're getting nearly the full strength of your line—there's very little performance left on the table. The complete test results and what they mean for your fishing start at 1:58.

When to Use the Palomar Knot in Your Fishing

Tom specifically identifies the Palomar as the knot to use "to tie on any sort of fishing lure or hook," making it a versatile choice for terminal tackle connections. Whether you're rigging a jig, attaching a topwater plug, or connecting a circle hook for live bait, the Palomar handles the job with consistent strength. The knot works well with both monofilament and fluorocarbon lines, and its simple structure means you can tie it confidently even when conditions aren't ideal—in low light, with cold hands, or when you need to retie quickly after a break-off. The 91.3% strength retention means you're not compromising your setup, and the ease of tying means you'll execute it correctly every time. Tom's complete explanation of the Palomar's applications and benefits starts at 0:00.

The How 2 Tuesday Approach to Knot Confidence

Every How 2 Tuesday episode follows the same essential formula: demonstrate the technique clearly, then verify it works through actual testing. Tom doesn't ask you to take his word for it—he shows you the knot in action, then puts it under load until it fails, giving you the exact data you need to make informed decisions about which knots to use in different situations. This episode's Palomar demonstration runs just under three minutes, making it easy to reference in the field or review before a fishing trip. You get the visual instruction, the step-by-step process, and the hard numbers that prove the knot's performance. It's practical knowledge you can apply immediately, backed by testing that removes the guesswork from your rigging decisions. The complete tie-and-test sequence runs from 1:27 to 2:31.

Final Thoughts from Tom

The Palomar is one of those knots that just works. It's simple enough that you can tie it in the dark or with cold hands, and it's strong enough that you're not leaving performance on the table. When I tested these three knots and saw them averaging over 91% strength, it confirmed what I already knew from years of using this connection—it's reliable, it's consistent, and it doesn't fail you when it matters.

What I appreciate most about the Palomar is that you don't need to be a knot expert to tie it well. The steps are straightforward, and the structure of the knot makes it hard to mess up. Double your line, pass it through the hook eye, tie an overhand, drop the loop over the hook, and pull. Five steps, and you've got a connection that will hold up to big fish and hard fights.

If you've been using other knots for terminal tackle and wondering if there's something better, give the Palomar a try. Watch the demonstration, practice it a few times, and you'll see why it's become one of the most trusted knots in fishing. This episode shows you everything you need to know, and the testing proves it's worth adding to your skill set. Don't skip this one.