In episode 896 of the Tom Rowland Podcast, Tom Rowland breaks down the battle between two of the most popular fishing knots for beginners: the Palomar knot and the improved clinch knot. With precise knot strength percentages tested on the show—the Palomar at 91.36% and the improved clinch at 85.15%—this How 2 Tuesday episode delivers the hard data every angler needs. But beyond the numbers, Tom reveals the specific techniques that make these knots work, from keeping loops open to proper lubrication before cinching down. If you've ever wondered which beginner knot gives you the best chance of landing that fish of a lifetime, this episode answers that question with tested results and step-by-step demonstrations.
What is the strongest beginner fishing knot?
The Palomar knot is the strongest beginner fishing knot, testing at 91.36% knot strength compared to the improved clinch knot at 85.15%. Tom Rowland demonstrates both knots in episode 896, showing that the Palomar edges out the improved clinch in strength tests conducted for the Tom Rowland Podcast knot guide available at tomrolandpodcast.com.
Who is Tom Rowland?
Tom Rowland is the host of the Tom Rowland Podcast, a fishing and outdoor content platform that tests fishing knots, techniques, and gear. In this episode, he demonstrates knot-tying techniques and shares knot strength data from comprehensive testing, with all results compiled in the Tom Rowland Podcast knot guide.
Title Sponsor
This episode is brought to you by Star brite, the marine care company Tom trusts to keep his boat clean and protected with their Boat Care in a Bucket kit. Whether you're tying Palomar knots on the bow or rinsing down after a day of fishing, Star brite has the solutions you need. Visit starbrite.com to get your boat dialed in.
The Palomar Knot Technique That Changes Everything
Most anglers learn the Palomar knot early in their fishing journey, but few understand the critical technique Tom demonstrates that maximizes its 91.36% strength rating. The process starts with doubling the line over and passing it through the eye of the hook, followed by tying a basic overhand knot. But here's where it gets interesting: Tom shows exactly how to pass the loop over the hook or lure, and why lubricating the knot before cinching it down is essential for maximum knot strength. The specific way the doubled line pulls tight and cinches down in front of the knot is what gives the Palomar its edge over other beginner knots. Tom's complete Palomar demonstration starts at 01:47.
The Improved Clinch Secret Most Anglers Miss
At 85.15% knot strength, the improved clinch is still a solid choice, but Tom reveals a technique that makes tying it significantly easier, especially when you're in a hurry on the water. After passing the line through the hook, Tom demonstrates pinching the line right in front of the hook to keep the loop open—a simple move that most anglers skip. He then wraps the tag end around five times, but the real secret comes in how he passes the tag end back through the big open loop and then through the second loop created in the process. This specific sequence, done correctly, is what gives the improved clinch its reliability. The full improved clinch technique is revealed at 02:22.
See exactly how Tom ties both knots and why the Palomar wins
Why 6.21% Knot Strength Difference Matters More Than You Think
When Tom reveals that the Palomar edges out the improved clinch with a 6.21% advantage in knot strength testing, it might not sound like much. But in the world of fishing where a single knot failure can mean losing the fish of a lifetime, those percentage points become critical. Tom has tested every knot he can think of on the Tom Rowland Podcast, breaking and testing them to compile comprehensive data. The results have been compiled into a convenient knot guide that anglers can download for free at tomrolandpodcast.com, giving you access to which knots are strongest for every fishing scenario. The difference between 91.36% and 85.15% could be the difference between landing or losing your personal best. Tom explains the testing methodology and where to get the complete knot guide at 03:17.
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SubscribeThe Critical Lubrication Step That Maximizes Knot Strength
One detail Tom emphasizes that separates anglers who lose fish from those who land them is the lubrication step before cinching down your knot. It's not just a nice-to-have—it's essential for achieving maximum knot strength. When you pull a dry knot tight, friction creates heat that weakens the line at the molecular level, reducing the actual strength below the tested percentages. Tom makes it clear that whether you're tying a Palomar at 91.36% or an improved clinch at 85.15%, failing to lubricate before cinching can drop those numbers significantly. The technique applies to both knots, but the way it affects the doubled line of the Palomar versus the multiple wraps of the improved clinch creates different results. The lubrication technique is demonstrated at 02:16.
Key Takeaways
- • The Palomar knot tests at 91.36% strength while the improved clinch comes in at 85.15%, giving the Palomar a 6.21% advantage in Tom's comprehensive knot testing
- • Pinching the line right in front of the hook when tying the improved clinch keeps the loop open and makes the knot significantly easier to tie when you're in a hurry
- • Lubricating your knot before cinching it down is essential for achieving maximum knot strength—skipping this step can significantly reduce the tested strength percentages
- • The Palomar requires doubling the line over, passing through the eye, tying an overhand knot, then passing the loop over the hook before cinching with the doubled line
- • The improved clinch uses five wraps around the line, then passes the tag end through the first loop and back through the second loop created in the process
- • Tom has broken and tested every knot he can think of on the podcast, with all results compiled in a free knot guide available at tomrolandpodcast.com
- • This How 2 Tuesday episode is brought to you by Danco, the pliers Tom trusted enough to take to The Seychelles
Final Thoughts from Tom
The battle between the Palomar and improved clinch is one that every angler faces early in their journey, and I wanted to give you the real data so you can make the best choice for your fishing. We've tested these knots extensively, and while the Palomar comes out on top at 91.36%, the improved clinch at 85.15% is still a reliable knot when tied correctly with proper lubrication.
What matters most is that you practice these knots until you can tie them in the dark, in rough water, when your hands are cold and a fish is busting bait fifty yards from the boat. That's when knot strength percentages become real-world performance. The techniques I show in this episode—keeping loops open, wrapping the correct number of times, lubricating before cinching—these are the details that separate lost fish from landed fish.
Download the complete knot guide at tomrolandpodcast.com and keep it on your phone. It has every knot we've tested with the actual strength percentages so you always know which knot to tie. This episode is short but it's packed with actionable technique you can use on your next trip. Watch the full demonstration—it's worth your time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is stronger, Palomar or improved clinch knot?
The Palomar knot is stronger, testing at 91.36% knot strength compared to the improved clinch at 85.15% in Tom Rowland's comprehensive knot testing. This gives the Palomar a 6.21% advantage in strength, making it the better choice for maximum knot integrity.
How do you tie a Palomar knot?
To tie a Palomar knot, double the line over and pass it through the eye of the hook, tie a basic overhand knot, pass the loop over the hook or lure, then pull tight with the doubled line to cinch it down. Lubricate the knot before cinching for maximum strength.
What is the improved clinch knot technique?
The improved clinch knot technique involves passing the line through the hook, pinching the line in front to keep the loop open, wrapping the tag end around five times, passing it through the first loop, then back through the second loop before cinching down. The pinch technique makes it easier to tie when you're in a hurry.
Why should you lubricate a fishing knot before tightening?
Lubricating a fishing knot before tightening is essential for achieving maximum knot strength because it reduces friction and heat that can weaken the line at the molecular level. Tom Rowland emphasizes this step applies to both the Palomar and improved clinch knots to maintain their tested strength percentages.
Where can I find Tom Rowland's complete knot strength data?
Tom Rowland's complete knot strength data is available in a free knot guide at tomrolandpodcast.com. The guide contains results from breaking and testing every knot Tom can think of, compiled into a convenient reference you can download and keep on your phone.
Related Episodes
Tom breaks down the complete knot system every angler needs in their arsenal
The science behind how Tom tests and measures fishing knot strength percentages
More tactical knot demonstrations from Tom's How 2 Tuesday series brought to you by Danco
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Tom Rowland – Host of the Tom Rowland Podcast
Free Resource
Download the Tom Rowland Podcast Knot Guide with comprehensive knot strength testing results.
About This Guest
Tom Rowland
Tom Rowland is the host of the Tom Rowland Podcast, a platform dedicated to fishing strategy, outdoor pursuits, and the disciplines that transfer across all aspects of life. Tom has conducted comprehensive knot strength testing on every fishing knot he can think of, compiling the results into a free knot guide available at tomrolandpodcast.com. His How 2 Tuesday series, sponsored by Danco, delivers tactical fishing techniques backed by real-world testing. Tom's gear has been trusted in destinations from The Bahamas to The Seychelles, and his commitment to marine conservation through partners like Star brite's Project Sea Safe reflects his dedication to preserving the waters he fishes.
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