Tom Rowland | Palomar Knot: Tie It & Test It - 91.3% Breaking Strength | Tom Rowland Podcast Ep. 755

The Palomar knot is one of the most reliable fishing knots for attaching hooks and lures to your line, and Tom Rowland demonstrates exactly how to tie it and tests its breaking strength in this How 2 Tuesday episode. Using 12 pound Iowa J fluoro, Tom ties three identical Palomar knots and tests each one to failure, revealing an average breaking strength of 10.9 pounds—91.3% of the line's rated capacity. This episode delivers the step-by-step tying process, the actual test results with specific numbers, and proof that this simple knot delivers exceptional strength when tied correctly.

Why the Palomar Knot Belongs in Every Angler's Arsenal

Tom introduces this knot as a fundamental technique for attaching any sort of fishing lure or hook to your line. The Palomar stands out because it's both very strong and very easy to tie—a rare combination in fishing knots. The simplicity of the tying sequence means you can execute it quickly on the water, even in challenging conditions, while still achieving elite breaking strength. Tom's testing methodology uses 12 pound Iowa J fluoro, a specific line that allows for precise measurement of the knot's performance. The fact that he ties three identical knots and tests each one to failure gives you real data on what to expect from this knot when you're fighting a fish. Watch Tom tie the complete Palomar sequence at the beginning of the episode.

The Five-Step Tying Process That Delivers 91% Breaking Strength

The Palomar knot follows a specific sequence that Tom breaks down into clear steps. You start by doubling the line—creating a loop that will become the foundation of the knot's strength. That doubled line goes through the eye of the hook, which differs from some knots that use a single strand. Next comes the overhand knot tied around the standing line, a move that creates the friction and binding that holds everything together. The critical fourth step involves passing the loop over the entire hook, which many anglers miss or execute incorrectly. Finally, you pull everything tight, ensuring the knot seats properly against the eye of the hook. Each of these steps contributes to the knot's final breaking strength, and Tom demonstrates the exact hand movements and line management techniques that make the difference between a properly tied Palomar and one that fails prematurely. The complete step-by-step demonstration starts at 00:01:47.

The Breaking Strength Test Results That Matter

Tom doesn't just teach the knot—he tests it to failure using precise measurements. The first Palomar knot tied with 12 pound Iowa J fluoro broke at 11.49 pounds, coming remarkably close to the line's rated capacity. The second knot broke at 11.05 pounds, and the third at 10.35 pounds. These three data points average out to 10.9 pounds, which represents 91.3% breaking strength compared to the line's 12-pound rating. This consistency across three tests demonstrates that the Palomar knot, when tied correctly, reliably delivers over 90% of your line's rated strength. The slight variations between tests reflect the real-world nature of knot tying—even with careful execution, small differences in how the knot seats can affect final strength. These numbers give you concrete evidence of what you can expect when you're putting pressure on a fish. Watch the actual breaking strength tests and see the results at 00:02:17.

What Makes This Knot Work for Any Lure or Hook

The Palomar's versatility comes from its fundamental design—it secures to any sort of fishing lure or hook, as Tom explains. Whether you're tying to a small trout hook or a large offshore lure, the same five-step sequence applies. The doubled line creates redundancy that protects against individual strand failure, while the overhand knot provides the binding force that keeps everything locked together. The loop-over-hook step ensures the knot cinches down evenly around the eye, distributing pressure across the entire connection point rather than creating a weak spot. This universal application means you can master one knot and use it across multiple fishing scenarios, rather than learning different knots for different applications. Tom's choice of 12 pound fluorocarbon for testing represents a common line weight that many anglers use for inshore and freshwater fishing, making these results directly applicable to real fishing situations. The full explanation of why this knot works for any application starts at 00:01:47.

Final Thoughts from Tom

The Palomar knot is one of those fundamental skills that every angler needs to master. I've relied on this knot for years because it gives me confidence that my connection is solid when I'm putting pressure on a fish. The testing we did in this episode proves what I've experienced on the water—when you tie this knot correctly, you're getting over 90% of your line's rated strength.

What I really appreciate about the Palomar is how quickly you can tie it. When you're on the water and need to change lures fast, you don't want to be fumbling with a complicated knot sequence. The five steps become muscle memory after you practice them a few times, and then you can execute this knot without even thinking about it. That speed matters when fish are feeding and you need to get your lure back in the water.

The breaking strength numbers tell the real story here. Seeing those three tests average out to 10.9 pounds from 12-pound line gives you hard data on what this knot delivers. Whether you're new to fishing or you've been doing this for decades, having a knot you can trust makes all the difference when you hook into a good fish. Watch the full demonstration and see exactly how to tie and test the Palomar knot.