How to tie the Palomar knot?

The core move of the Palomar

The Palomar is simple: fold the line through the hook eye, make a loop, pass the working end back through the loop, then tighten. The most useful 3D step is seeing clearly which side the working end threads back through the loop.

It is strong because the knot bites down on itself under load and won't slip. It is used for hooks, snap swivels, and lures - especially when hook-eye direction matters.

Beginners most often err in two ways: first, threading the working end back through the loop from the wrong side; second, yanking before pushing the knot down near the hook eye, leaving it crooked and weaker.

When practicing with 3D step-by-step, slow it to 0.5x and watch the blue-highlighted step - confirm the threading direction before speeding up. Once fluent, the Palomar becomes a no-thought backup knot.

When to prefer it

When you need hook strength with minimal loss, the Palomar is a top choice - especially thin line, PE-to-leader, and outdoor settings where complex knots are impractical.

If the hook eye is tiny and the line thick, folding through is awkward; switch to the FG knot or improved clinch as alternatives.

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