Pacific Coast Sportfishing - 5 Knots to Know

This was in the June 2013 issue:
#1 San Diego Jam Knot - tying terminal tackle with 20# test or higher
#2 Spider Hitch - dropper loop
#3 Tony Pena Connection - spectra backing to mono or fluoro top shot
#4 Double Uni - spectra (7-10+ turns) to flouro (4-5+ turns) or mono to fluoro
#5 Palomar Knot - tying terminal tackle with 20# test or lower

Except for the Tony Pena, all of these can be tied on a kayak without problem. The Tony Pena is a lot easier than a bimini albright but if I have to re-tie OTW in a kayak, I use a double uni because it is easier.

I use the polomar for all my terminal tackle knots and it is the preferred knot for braid.  Why do they suggest 20lb mono or less?  I have never had any problem using it on mono up to 60lb

The SD Jam knot is slightly stronger on the knot testing machine and is easier for tying jigs. They recommended the the palomar for under 20# because the jam knot can abraid the main line when cinching it down. Personally I use the jam knot for tying flies to light tippet and haven't had a problem as long as you moisten it and cinch it down slowly and gently.

I use the palomar in NCAL all the time. In SCAL i use the jam knot because if you hook a blue fin on 25# test you are going to have to push the line and knot to the max. On some long range boats they tell you not to use palomar knots.

http://www.fieldandstream.com/photos/gallery/fishing/bass/where-fish/2009/02/strongest-fishing-knots?photo=0#1001319713

I suck.  I only know the improved clinch.  I can't even do the dropper loop right.

 

I need to go to knot school for dummies.

 

 

Sincerely,

Jim

I need the schooling too Jim.  Your "knot" alone

~Bill

I have them all except the TPC. Have you seen a vid of that knot Scott?

from Hook Buzz

I use the polomar for all my terminal tackle knots and it is the preferred knot for braid.  Why do they suggest 20lb mono or less?  I have never had any problem using it on mono up to 60lb

I also use the Palomar for all terminal tackle connections, braid or mono (double the braid to "fatten" the knot).

For a braid to mono/fluoro top shot connection, I use a variation of the Albright.

I pretty much use the uni for everything. Never had an issue with it breaking and I can tie it without looking at it. There is a cool simple way to tie one with a loop that you stick you finger in and twist it a few times. I am looking for the vid

I missed the podium, I use the palomar for terminal, double uni for line to line.  Also use perfection loop for end loops, dropper loops and still use the improved clinch knot for light test in the dark.

hardest part these days is seeing the line through the hook eye 

you stick you finger in and twist it a few times

 

I have them all except the TPC. Have you seen a vid of that knot Scott?

Craig if you google it, several videos are there. The one of the guy in the back of his boat at night in SD harbor is good (). Why he picked that location and time is a mystery.  The TPC is a little stronger than the double uni and just as compact so it passes through the guides well. It is a knot that you have to practice a few times.

I use improved albright for braid to mono/fluoro connection.  I'm actually amazed it wasn't listed by anyone.  I've had better luck with this than the uni knot and stand by this knot when connecting lines. 

For terminal, I use palomar and occasionally the san diego jam knot...only when throwing expensive hard swimbaits!